CHARLESTON, Ill. — Gia Adams scored a game-high 22 points but that was not enough to overcome an overtime attack by Eastern Illinois as the Lady Tigers fell 78-70 on Saturday afternoon at Lantz Arena.

Adams played a full 40 and added four steals, three assists, and two rebounds. Dominique Claytor finished with 16 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes. Alexis Pierce had 12 points in 31 minutes. 

TSU trailed 36-30 at the half despite battling back from a 15-point deficit at the five-minute mark.

EIU increased its lead back to double figures after 30 minutes of play, but the #PressPlay style of basketball came alive in the final period as TSU exploded with a 7-0 run and trailed 58-54 with 6:29 remaining. Saniah Parker tied the contest (66-66) with a three from the top of the key and then Adams gave the visitors a small advantage that lasted all of 19 seconds. Neither team scored in the final 1:18 of regulation. 

In overtime, EIU scored the first 10 points of the extra frame before Claytor deposited a second-chance layup.

Lariah Washington led EIU with 20 points who at one point led by as many as 15 points in the second quarter. 

TSU will now look to snap a three-game losing skid on Monday evening when it hosts Morehead State at 5:30 p.m.