MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois used an impressive defensive effort to defeat in-state rival Eastern Illinois Wednesday evening (Dec. 4) inside Western Hall, 60-32.

Eastern's 32 points was the lowest point total the Leathernecks have given up in their program's NCAA Division I history, and the lowest point total WIU has given up since January 10, 1948 when Western defeated Concordia-Missouri, 60-32.

EIU's 32 points was also the Panthers' lowest point total since EIU became a Divsion I program in 1981.

"I think Eastern caught us on one of our best nights," said head coach Jim Molinari. "I think that's the first time we've played 40 minutes, and we've played to our true identity. Our identity is defense. That's our philosophy, that's what we work on and I thought we had 100 percent buy in. I think everyone was all in tonight. We got every 50-50 ball. We didn't play the score. I think we kept them on 31 forever. I thought everybody had their weight on the inside foot. I think we sacrificed for each other."

The Fighting Leathernecks improved to 3-4 overall on the season, while the Panthers fall to 3-5. It marks Western's second-straight victory, and improves WIU's home record to 3-0. It marks Western's third straight victory over EIU, the Leathernecks most played opponent in program history.

After WIU scored five unanswered points to open the game, Eastern would score five straight themselves and tie the game up at 5-5 just before the first media (16:43). The Leathernecks then outscored the Panthers 32-12 over the remainder of the first half and took a 37-17 advantage into the break.

The second half was much of the same for the Leathernecks. WIU didn't allow the Panthers to get within 20 points throughout the period with Western's largest lead of the game, 29 points, coming with just over a minute to play in regulation.

Senior Adam Link scored a game-high 12 points in the contest to go along with his five rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Fellow senior Michael Ochereobia finished with a game-high nine rebounds in the victory, and finished with a career-best eight blocks. The Hackney, England native also tallied seven points, two steals and an assist.

"I've never seen Mike Ocherobia play to that level of intensity and to that level for 30 minutes," said Molinari. "He was dominant on the inside. He was so quick to the ball."

Three other Leathernecks finished with eight points.

Tate Stensgaard recorded eight points, five rebounds and three blocks, Mohamed Conde scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds, and Mike Miklusak tallied eight points and two rebounds.

"I thought Tate Stensgaard did the same thing. I thought he was very quick to the ball. I think Mo Conde should get a little confidence. Energy is what allows you to show your talent and we came out very energetic."

Guards Jabari Sandifer and Jordan Foster each scored six points. Sandifer added three assists; marking the sixth game this season the freshman has recorded at least three helpers. Foster added three steals and a pair of assists.

Western shot 43.9% from the field, and held EIU to 24% shooting.

"We've had bigger crowds here but I've never seen a crowd react that strongly that early," continued Molinari. "I told my team that was a credit to their effort in getting all the loose balls. I've never been in a fight but I honestly think if you throw the first punch you have a better chance, and I think that's what we did. That got the crowd going. It was good to see some students out. That's what we have to do. Everybody likes to do well in front of their peers."

Western concludes its three-game homestand Saturday evening (Dec. 7) when the Leathernecks play host to Grace Bible with tip slated for 7 p.m.