Coming off of a double overtime loss to in-state rival Illinois State, Eastern found itself in another overtime battle against Ohio Valley Conference foe Murray State. This time, the Panthers got the 50-49 win on a gutsy two-point conversion call by first year head coach Dino Babers.

The two-point conversion was a reverse play that had red-shirt junior wide receiver Erik Lora finding red-shirt senior Von Wise in the corner of the end zone for the win.

Along with throwing the game-winning pass, Lora shattered multiple school records and OVC records through the air, totaling 269 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 21 catches. The 21 catches set a program record as well as an OVC record. His 269 receiving yards also set a program record.

In the passing game, junior quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 393 yards and five touchdowns. He completed 39 of his 60 pass attempts and did not throw an interception.

Murray State also put up big numbers in the passing game as senior quarterback Casey Brockman threw for 423 yards and two touchdowns.

With the win, the Panthers move to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the OVC. They will return to action next weekend when they host Austin Peay at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at O’Brien Field for Family Weekend.

Jordan Pottorff can be reached at 581-2812 or jbpottorff@eiu.edu