The Eastern women’s basketball team had 24 turnovers in a 78-66 loss to Illinois-Chicago on Sunday at Lantz Arena.

After a three-pointer by Shakita Cox to start the second half for the Panthers, the Flames went on a 22-0 run that was caused by 11 turnovers in the first six and a half minutes of the second half.

By the end of the game, Eastern, now 3-7 on the season, was outscored 33-24 on points off turnovers and in points in the paint as well 36-26.

The Flames largest lead at one point was 25 points with a little under 10 minutes left in the second half.

The Panthers made a late run to make the final score respectable, but the Flames never let Eastern back in the game.

Coach Debbie Black said the Flames did nothing to cause the turnovers the Panthers committed.

“Absolutely nothing. We threw the ball to them,” Black said. “Most of it is just unforced turnovers. Were just going to have to watch film and address, because I don’t think it was anything unbelievable that we haven’t seen.”

Out of the 24 turnovers that Eastern committed, 18 of the turnovers were steals by the UIC defenders.

Cox was a bright note from the loss as she lead the Panthers with 20 points, which included 4-of-5 from beyond the three-point line and a team-high five assists.

“My team was just creating the next move for me and penetrating inside got them to collapse,” Cox said.

With Cox leading the team in points, Black was impressed with the way the transfer played.

“Yeah it was really good, she did a good job and she ran a lot of point [guard] for us which I liked,” Black said. “She’s was hitting shots, and I thought she had a very solid game for us. A good positive point out of it.”

Sabina Oroszova helped down low with 16 points and 8 boards to lead the Panthers as well.     

UIC, who improved to 7-1, got most of their offense from leading scorer Terri Bender who had 25 points.

The guard finished 8-of-16 from the field, which included two 3-point field goals, which was a game-high for both teams.

Ruvanna Campbell was also a major factor for the Flames posting a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The Flames committed 20 turnovers as well, but Eastern was not able to capitalize on offense enough, which of the difference of the game.

“If you look at the 33 points off turnovers that’s the game,” Black said. “The game really is the turnover differential.”   

Eastern has now lost three games in a row and four of its last five.

The Panthers now have six days off before they take on Northwestern in the Arizona State Wells Fargo Holiday Tournament on Saturday at 4:30 pm.