The Eastern Kentucky University Lady Colonels losing slide continues as they fall to the Middle Tennessee Lady Raiders, 81-71. The 10-point margin at the end of the game was the closest EKU had gotten since the 6:12 mark of the first half, 28-19. For the first 9:30 of the game, it was close as the score was knotted at 13-13. Eastern actually jumped on top at the beginning and led, 7-2, with 3:36 gone in the half. At halftime, the Raiders were leading, 47-25.
 

The things that have plagued the Colonels lately (field goal shooting, opponents free throws caused by Eastern fouls, and turnovers) continued to haunt them in the half. EKU only shot 36.7 percent to MTSU's 53.3 percent. Middle made 13-14 free throws off of 13 Eastern fouls, while the Colonels managed 3-4 off of 6 Raider fouls. EKU committed 18 turnovers to 11 for MTSU.
 

The second half was almost a reverse of the first. Eastern outscored Middle 46-34. The deciding difference was the field goal shooting by the Colonels, 37.1 percent to 40.9. Just enough to help the Raiders hold on and win. EKU caused 19 turnovers, while committing only 11. Eastern made 20-28 free throws (off of 19 MTSU fouls) to 14-20 (17) for Middle.
 

The Colonels, who fall to 11-15 overall and 8-10 in the OVC, were led by the 19 points of Charlotte Sizemore. Freshmen Zoey Artist, off of the bench, followed with 12 and Mikki Bond added 11. Senior Jennifer King, in her final home appearance, grabbed 9 rebounds to lead EKU. Three other Colonels added 6 each, Sizemore, senior Cathy Dues, and Susan Hatcher (a career high). The Raiders were led by reserve Jamie Thomatis with 15. Starters Carlita Elder and Jonelda Buck contributed 13 each. Guard Elder was the leading rebounder with 7 and guard Cortney Neeley added 6. Middle Tennessee improves to 18-8 and 14-4 and will host a first round tournament game Tuesday. Eastern will go on the road to play UT Martin at 7:00 CST.