Three interceptions highlight Eastern Illinois defense in 16-10 win over Lindenwood

SAINT CHARLES, Mo. (AP) Eastern Illinois scored all its points in the first quarter and the Panthers intercepted three passes to beat Lindenwood 16-10 on Saturday.

A Stone Galloway field goal, Eli Mirza's 38-yard touchdown reception from Pierce Holley and MJ Flowers' 4-yard rushing score gave the Panthers all their points.

The Lions got a Logan Seibert field goal in the second quarter but didn't score again until Chase Lanckriet caught a 10-yard TD from Cooper Justice with 1:19 remaining.

The Panthers, who came in with 20 takeaways this season, added their final one in this game on Nijhay Burt's pick in the final seconds. Blake Ruffin and Christopher Sharp also had interceptions and the Panthers added five sacks while holding the Lions to 16 yards rushing.

Holley was 18-of-34 passing for 245 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The victory ensured the first winning season for Eastern Illinois (6-3, 2-2 Big South-OVC Association) since 2017.

Two quarterbacks combined to go 20 of 33 for 249 yards passing for the Lions (3-6, 1-4).

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