Being too timid can result in missed opportunities, and the first half of the women’s home basketball game reflected this.

The Lady Eagles had to take control of their aggressiveness against the Panthers of Drury University to help ensure a victory of 63-59 this evening at the Physical Activities Center. 

The first half was fast and frantic for the Eagles as Drury incessantly pressed the ball up and down the court. As a result, the Eagles were limited to a 33 FG percentage from the field, and only four points in the paint.

The number of shots didn’t seem to be an issue for the Eagles as they took 33 the first half. They often rushed and when shots did fall, it was often a result of the Eagles using more time on the clock. 

The Eagles were outscored by the Panthers in second chance points, points in the paint, fast break points and points off the bench in the first half. This combined with nine Eagle turnovers attributed to a 33-27 Panther lead at halftime.

“We just weren’t happy with how we played the first half,” senior guard Ellen Young said.

The second half of the game was a complete turn around for the Eagles. Although they only shot 42 percent for the game, their defense was stiffling.

The Panthers were held to a 40 percent FG average from the field while the Eagles forced 11 turnovers the second half for 19 overall. 

“We played well from the defensive end and we played smart basketball,” Head Coach  Rick Stein said. “We need to be better offensively, but we beat a very hot Drury team tonight.” 

Senior guard Ellen Young was the top scorer for the Eagles with 22 points. She played an active role the second half of the game with ball handling and floor management.

She had two steals and two assists. 

“We were just more aggressive the second half,” Young said. “We weren’t happy at all with  how we played the first half.” 

“I thought our defense in that last four to five minutes was great. Every shot was contested,” Stein said. 

Stein said that his Lady Eagles played smart basketball and great defense and will continue to get better.

The next home game for the ladies is Kentucky Wesleyan on Monday. The ladies tip off at 5:15 p.m. at the PAC.