CHARLESTON, Ill. — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, Julian Patino secured a win for Eastern Illinois by kicking an 18-yard field goal in overtime, resulting in a 16-13 victory against Charleston Southern in a contest belonging to the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Association.

This win marks back-to-back victories for the Panthers, reversing a tough stretch of six consecutive losses.

Initially, Charleston Southern (1-10, 0-8) took the lead with Reid Montgomery successfully making field goals from distances of 37 and 39 yards in the second quarter, putting them ahead 6-0. However, Eastern Illinois countered in the final one minute and thirty-six seconds of the half, as MJ Flowers scored a touchdown from the two-yard line, putting the Panthers up 7-6. After forcing a quick three-and-out from the Buccaneers, Pierce Holley connected with Alex Herrera for an 18-yard touchdown with just thirty-six seconds remaining before halftime, establishing a 13-6 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Jamil Bishop found the end zone from 15 yards away with less than five minutes remaining in regulation, tying the game 13-13.

During overtime, the Panthers (3-8, 2-5) managed to stop Autavius Ison on a crucial fourth-and-1 at the 16-yard line during Charleston Southern’s possession. Eastern Illinois then drove the ball to the one-yard line of the Buccaneers before Patino successfully booted the game-winning kick on fourth down.

As the season draws to a close, Eastern Illinois is set to face Tennessee Tech in their final game, while Charleston Southern aims to end their nine-game losing streak against Florida State, who currently has only one win this season.