MACOMB, Ill. - David Jackson scored a team-high 20 points and grabbed six rebounds as Western Illinois fought its way back from a late 17-point deficit to fall, 89-82, to Southern Utah.The Thunderbirds (9-17, 7-6) took a 35-33 lead with 2:46 left in the first half and went into the locker room up five, 42-37, behind 10 points by Nate Janes and eight each from Henry Uhegwu and Steve Barnes. They were then able to stretch their lead to double-digits in the first three minutes of the second half, opening up the period with a 9-4 run.The Leathernecks (7-18, 3-11) closed to within five just two minutes later, but Southern Utah retaliated with a pair of back-to-back three-pointers by Justin Allen to lead by 11 at the 12:34 mark. The Thunderbirds led by as many as 17, with 3:55 remaining, when the Leathernecks used an 18-7 run over the next 3:10 to cut their deficit to four, 82-78, with 45 seconds to play. A breakaway dunk and 5-of-6 free throw shooting by Allen and Barnes helped keep the Leathernecks from coming any closer.Five Thunderbirds and four Leathernecks scored in double-figures. Allen matched Jackson?s 20 points for game-high honors, while Sammy Hunter chipped in 19 points and five assists for Western. Southern Utah shot 55.2 percent from the floor, including 60 percent in the second half, while Western Illinois was held to 43.9 percent overall.Postgame Notes? Western Illinois' 82 points was the most in a losing effort (regulation-length game) since a loss to IUPUI by the same score in 2004.? Southern Utah's 89 points was the most given up in regulation since Indiana scored 102 earlier this season, and was the most scored by a Mid-Con opponent in a regulation-length game since Oral Roberts scored 89 in 2004.? David Jackson recorded his fourth 20-point game of the season and the fifth of his career. He led the team in scoring for the first time in five games.? Sammy Hunter has averaged 18.3 points over his last four games.? Eliz Cepeda had his best rebounding game (7) since he grabbed seven at Southern Utah earlier this season.