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Western Illinois University Athletics

J.C. Fuller FP
WIU Visual Productions Center
76
Winner Denver DENVER 10-8, 2-3
69
Western Illinois WIU 7-8, 0-4
Winner
Denver DENVER
10-8, 2-3
76
Final
69
Western Illinois WIU
7-8, 0-4
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Denver DENVER 39 37 76
Western Illinois WIU 21 48 69

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Kyle Bradt

Denver Tops Leatherneck Men's Basketball Thursday Evening

J.C. Fuller led the Leathernecks with a game-high 17 points

PHOTOS | COACH WRIGHT POSTGAME INTERVIEW

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois' rally in the second half came up short as the Leathernecks fell to the Denver Pioneers, 76-69, inside Western Hall Thursday evening (Jan. 14).

"Obviously another tough, tough loss," said head coach Billy Wright. "I really feel like Denver did a good job running their offense. But I thought our guys did a really good job in the second half, we fell back, didn't quit and got into the single digits after being down 18 at half… so I'm proud of their effort in the second half."
 
WIU (7-8, 0-4) trailed by 18 points at halftime thanks to Denver, who made 6-of-7 attempts from long range during the first 20 minutes, putting together a 21-3 run midway through the first. WIU, however, used an early 9-0 run to cut Denver's lead to nine points with 13:41 to play in regulation and get back in the game, 44-35.
 
That would be as close as the Leathernecks would get until the final minute of the game when they cut their deficit to five points. The Pioneers would hold off Western's final push at the end with made free throws and pick up the Summit League victory.
 
Four Leathernecks scored 10-plus points in the loss led by senior guard J.C. Fuller who finished with a game-high 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting from the field. Juniors Garret Covington and Jabari Sandifer finished with 16 and 12, respectively.
 
Senior forward Jalen Chapman added 11 points and grabbed six rebounds off of the bench.
 
Leading the team in rebound was Tate Stensgaard who finished with eight.
 
DU had 17 assists to its 11 turnovers, while Western had only nine assists to 12 turnovers. Denver also shot better from the field (54.0 percent – 42.9) and the 3-point line (60.0 percent – 47.1).
 
Each team made 13 free throws with Denver attempts one less (16-17).
 
The Pioneers had five players finish in double figures: Nate Engesser (14), Marcus Byrd (11), Joe Rosga (11), Bryant Rucker (11), and Duke Douglas (10).
 
The Leathernecks will look to end their 6-game losing streak at home Saturday evening versus Oral Roberts at 7 p.m.

 
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