For many at Eastern, winter break brings relaxation time. For the Eastern women’s basketball team, it brings six games and the start of conference season. 

The Panthers, who are 5-5 so far in nonconference play, begin play over break on Dec. 20 when they host Lipscomb at 3 p.m.

The Bison are 3-5 to start the season and not yet beaten a NCAA Division I opponent. 

They are led in scoring by forward Maddie Cook with 9.6 points per game. She is also tied for the team lead with 5.1 rebounds per game. 

Eastern last played Lipscomb on Dec. 1, 2019, beating the Bison 66-56.

After Lipscomb, the Panthers will head on the road for their final nonconference game of the season against Wisconsin. 

The Panthers and Badgers played on Nov. 26, 2019, with Wisconsin winning 63-55. 

The Badgers are 2-7 this season and 0-1 in Big Ten play, losing to Northwestern on Dec. 5. 

They are led by junior guard Julie Popisilova with 14.1 points per game. She has scored in double figures in all seven games she has played this season. 

Junior guard Sydney Hilliard is second on the team with 14 points per game and leads the team with five rebounds per game. She scored in double figures in each of the first eight games of the season before being held scoreless against Northwestern. 

Conference play begins for the Panthers on Dec. 29 against Morehead State. 

The Eagles are 1-5 this season and Eastern has won its last three games against Morehead State. 

The Eagles are led by guard Lauren Carter with 13.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. 

The Panthers will then be at home for two games against Belmont and Murray State on Jan. 1 and Jan. 6.

Belmont, the reigning OVC Tournament champs and preseason pick to win the conference, is 4-4 so far this season. 

Eastern has not beaten the Bruins since Jan. 10, 2015, losing each of the last seven matchups. 

Belmont is led by preseason OVC Player of the Year selection Destinee Wells with 17.5 points per game this season. 

Murray State has been the most successful OVC team in nonconference play this season with a 6-2 record. 

The Racers are led by forward Katelyn Young, who is leading the conference with 21 points and 9.6 rebounds per game this season. 

Eastern dropped both contests against Murray State last season. 

The final game for Eastern over break will be on the road against Tennessee Tech on Jan. 8. 

The Golden Eagles are 3-5 this season and won their most recent game against Western Kentucky. 

They are led by graduate guard/forward Anna Jones who is leading the team with 11.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. 

Adam Tumino can be reached at 581-2812 or ajtumino@eiu.edu