Eastern Illinois falls after Nakyel Shelton's standout performance
- Eastern Illinois is set to face Northern Illinois in Charleston, Illinois, on Friday at 3 p.m. EST.
- Nakyel Shelton scored 20 points in the Panthers' previous game, which resulted in a loss to the Valparaiso Beacons.
- The upcoming game represents a chance for both teams to improve their current standings in the season.
In Charleston, Illinois, on Friday, November 28, 2024, the Eastern Illinois Panthers are set to host the Northern Illinois Huskies following a recent high-scoring performance by one of their players, Nakyel Shelton. The Panthers faced the Valparaiso Beacons in their last game, suffering a notable defeat with an 81-53 scoreline. Despite the loss, Shelton's achievement of scoring 20 points highlights his potential and serves as a bright spot for the Panthers' otherwise struggling season. Currently, the Panthers hold a 1-5 record while their opponents, the Huskies, possess a 2-5 record, highlighting the competitiveness and challenges both teams have faced this season. As the season progresses, Eastern Illinois has struggled defensively, giving up an average of 81.5 points per game, leading to an average loss margin of 15 points. The team's offense has also seen challenges, averaging only 66.5 points per game. In contrast, Northern Illinois shows similar weaknesses, particularly struggling on the road with a 0-4 record away from home. This matchup could be telling for both teams as they aim to reverse their fortunes moving forward in the season. Key players in this matchup include Quentin Jones from Northern Illinois, who has been a standout, averaging 15.4 points per game. Meanwhile, Zion Fruster has been averaging 9.8 points and shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc for Eastern Illinois, making him a threat outside. In light of the current statistics, this upcoming game presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses as they work towards improvement for the remainder of the season. With the Panthers holding a slight advantage in home court performance, this matchup against a similarly ranked opponent might provide them the opportunity they need to gain some momentum and confidence. The expectation is that the Panthers will look to turn around their season when they face the Huskies, utilizing the energy and performance of Shelton to elevate their game.