CHARLESTON, Ill. — In an exciting matchup on Thursday night, Zion Fruster led Eastern Illinois to a thrilling 78-74 victory in overtime against Lindenwood. Fruster put on a standout performance, scoring 29 points and grabbing five rebounds, contributing significantly to the Panthers’ success in the game. This victory marked their second win in the Ohio Valley Conference, as they improved their record to 5-8 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

Teammate Artese Stapleton also made a notable contribution, scoring 16 points with an efficient shooting performance of 5 out of 9 from the field, while sinking 6 of 9 free throws. In addition to his scoring, Stapleton secured six rebounds in a solid display of resilience. Kooper Jacobi rounded out the Panthers’ scoring effort with 12 points, going 4 of 8 from the field, and he also contributed with 10 rebounds, showcasing his effectiveness on both ends of the court.

On the other side, the Lindenwood Lions, who fell to a 6-8 overall record and 1-2 in conference play, saw their leading scorer, Markeith Browning II, finish the contest with 21 points. He complemented his scoring with six rebounds, five assists, and two steals, demonstrating his all-around impact on the game. Anias Futrell also shined for the Lions, adding 18 points and two steals, while Jadis Jones contributed 10 points along with two blocks, indicating a solid defensive presence.

This thrilling contest highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams in the Ohio Valley Conference, with Eastern Illinois celebrating a crucial victory in overtime.