Nothing about Morehead State stands out. The highest the Eagles rank in any Ohio Valley Conference statistical category is third in rebounding.

But, what the Eagles lack in sizzle, they make up in balanced scoring and team play.

It’s something Eastern experienced once this season when they suffered an 88-76 home loss to Morehead State.

With a full week off, the Panthers (7-13, 4-7 OVC) hope to string together consistency on Saturday as they visit Morehead State (10-9, 9-2).

In the first meeting of the season in Charleston, Jessica Huffman scored a career-high 38 points, while Rachel Galligan scored 21 points. Even though the duo combined for 59 points on 22 for 43 shooting (51 percent) the rest of the Panthers combined for 17 points, shooting seven for 24 (29 percent).

The same can’t be said for Morehead State. The Eagles finished with six players in double figures.

Going into the season, the Eagles’ offense focused on LaKrisha Brown. But with the development of Amanda Green (9.6 points per game), Tarah Combs (8.5 ppg) and Stacey Strayer (conference-leading 4.3 assists per game), the Eagles have become a team focused on offensive balance with a dominant post player.

It’s a goal the Panthers strive for.

“It’s hard to get 15 (players) to get up and put on a good performance every night,” Eastern head coach Brady Sallee said. “It’s a credit to Morehead State. They show up every night and play.”

Something that may be of some concern to Sallee is Morehead State’s defensive game plan in the first meeting. Instead of letting Huffman penetrate, the Eagles played a sagging defense that allowed the 5-foot-7 freshman to shoot jumpers.

“We don’t have anyone really like her. She’s so fast,” said Morehead State’s head coach Matthew Mitchell. “When somebody goes for 38 on you, you didn’t do a real good job.”

Although Huffman connected on three of five 3-pointers, outside shooting isn’t a strong suit for the outstanding freshman, yet.

“They couldn’t guard my penetration in the first game,” Huffman said. “When they play off me like they did, I have to hit the outside shot with consistency. If I can’t do that, then I’ll try and hit Meggie (Eck) and (Ashley) Thomas for open shots.”

With two impressive home wins against Tennessee Tech and Tennessee State last week, the Panthers have proven to be formidable at home in conference play.

But their road record leaves a bit to be desired. Since Eastern’s conference-opening road victory over Tennessee Tech, the Panthers have lost five straight conference road games by an average of 13.6 points per game.

“In college basketball,” Sallee said, “you have to be special to win on the road. I’m not sure our team has developed anything you would consider special. When you’re somewhat young like we are, you sometimes don’t understand what you’re getting into (by playing on the road).”

While youth may be a crutch for the Panthers’ road woes, they know in order to be taken seriously in the OVC, good teams win on the road.

“I think our biggest problem on the road is defense,” Huffman. “If we play defense, we’ll be fine.”