The Panthers won their final seven home games of the 2007-08 season and have opened their current campaign 6-0 at Lantz Arena. The 13-game streak has matched the program's Division I era (1983-present) record. Eastern also won 13 consecutive home games from January 1987 through January 1988.
However, among the 15 teams nationally with an active home win streak of at least 10 games this week, EIU must wait the longest to extend its run. The Panthers host Eastern Kentucky on Jan. 15, 2009.
Coincidentally, EIU's current streak began with an overtime victory against EKU on Jan. 12, 2008.
Rachel Galligan scored her 1,000th career point that night en route to a 31-point performance, a scoring output that stands as an EIU team high during the win streak.
The Panthers' OVC rival, Morehead State, is also undefeated (7-0) at home this season and has won 10 straight games at Johnson Arena. The Eagles visit Lantz on Jan. 17 and EIU makes a return trip to Morehead on Feb. 12.
Eastern ranks among the Top 50 nationally in nine statistical categories this week. Those categories include:
14th -- field goal percentage
17th -- assists per game
18th -- 3-point field goal percentage defense
19th -- 3-point field goal percentage
26th -- free throw percentage
29th -- rebounding margin
38th -- field goal percentage defense
40th -- assist-to-turnover ratio
46th -- scoring margin
Meanwhile, senior
Lindsey Kluempers has a doctor's appointment set for Tuesday night, at which her availability should be determined. The four-year letter-winner suffered a broken pinkie finger on her left hand early in the victory against IPFW. Kluempers has not missed a game during her career, playing in 101 consecutive contests and starting 43 straight.
Dominique Sims is the only other active Panther that has played in every game while she has been a member of the program.
The Panthers put their nine-game December win streak on the line Friday when they open a five-game road stretch at Indiana State. Tip-off is slated for 4:45 p.m. (CST).
