MACOMB, Ill. - The Western Illinois men's basketball never trailed in a 113-62 victory over Central Christian Bible College for the first win of the 2019-20 campaign on Saturday (Nov. 23) night.
"We took care of business," head coach Billy Wright said. "A lot of guys played some minutes tonight that needed to get some rust off and we walked away better defensively in our gaps that don't show up in stats. "
Dre'Shawn Allen ignited the Western offensive that dropped in 113 points for the first time since 1979-80 versus Northeastern. The guard put in seven shots with three from downtown and two dunks to lead all scorers with 17 points and tied for a team-high five assists.
"The more comfortable he (Allen) gets out there with our scheme offensively and defensively, the more game slowdowns for him. He is only scratching the surface on what he can do."
Right from the tip, the Leathernecks controlled the game. Ben Pyle led the 11-3 run to start the game with his first of four three-pointers in the first half.
Every player in the purple and gold that saw the court in the first half recorded a bucket to give WIU a 58-26 advantage at the half en route to shooting over 50 percent from the field.
Jake Weyhrich and Jack Hallee each recorded first career marks late in the second half. Weyhrich tipped in a missed layup for his first career points as a Leatherneck, and Halle found Roderick Smith in the paint at the 1:38 mark for an assist.
Western Illinois opens up a three-game road stretch beginning with Ball State on Tuesday (Nov. 26).
