The Eastern women’s basketball team shot 56.3 percent in the second half from the field en route to a 54-48 win over Belmont Saturday in Nashville, Tenn.

Coming out of halftime trailing by two, Eastern’s Sabina Oroszova hit a layup to tie the game at 21.

While going back and forth for the first five minutes of the half, Belmont took a 28-25 lead with 14 minutes to go on a Jordan Luffman layup.

The Panthers responded by going on a 10-2 run in about four minutes to give them a 35-30 lead, which was their largest lead of the second half capped off by a layup from freshman Erica Brown.

Luffman answered with a 3-point shot of her own to cut the Panther lead to two.

Luffman had 19 points on 6-of-17 shooting from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range in 36 minutes.

Eastern’s Katlyn Payne hit a 3-point shot to give the Panthers their largest lead of the game at 40-33.

Belmont would go on a 13-4 run in about five minutes to give them a two-point lead with 1:49 left to play on a Luffman 3-point field goal.

The Panthers would answer quickly as they went on a 5-0 run to give them a two-point lead, which was all propelled by Payne, who hit a 3-point shot and a layup.

The Bruins could not answer back and would finish the game with only two points in the last two minutes.

Payne finished the game, scoring 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the floor, including 4-of-6 from the 3-point line.

Payne said she was happy with how Eastern played as a team.

“We all fought together and that is what will help us win more games,” she said. “I think our mindset has been different. We are more focused and understand these wins mean a lot.”

Well, Saturday’s win did mean a lot for the Panthers’ playoff hopes.

The Panthers have now won two straight road games, following six road losses in a row.

Brown said she was pleased with the road win against Belmont.

“For it being on the road and us not having the best luck performing at away games, I would say that made it much more enjoyable,” she said. “Also, it helps give us a better chance at making it to the OVC tournament.”

The Panthers inched one step closer to clinching an Ohio Valley Conference playoff spot as they are currently 12-13 overall and 7-7 in conference play.

As of Monday, the Panthers are in the six spot for the OVC tournament with two games left to play in the season.

With the season coming to a close Brown said the Panthers need to be focused.

“We’re coming to the end and it is really close for us to receive a spot in the OVC tournament, so this net win is very crucial for us to come out on top,” she said.

Bob Reynolds can be reached 581-2812 or rjeynolds@eiu.edu