TULSA, Okla. - The streak is over, but there was much to be said in the Western Illinois men's basketball team's 85-81 thrilling loss to Oral Roberts Saturday (Feb. 27).

Ramean Hinton and Tamell Pearson each recorded a double-double, and Colton Sandage put forth a historic night. Not only did the junior guard set a new career-high in points (32), he also tied the Leathernecks' program record for the most three-pointers made (9). 

"It's critical for us that [Colton] keeps playing that way," said head coach Rob Jeter. "We typically have more balance and support, needed a few others to kick in, but I like the progress and development he's made. Colton is starting to become a solid point guard for us." 

The Leathernecks led 80 percent of the afternoon but surrendered an 18-4 ORU run down the stretch, where 11 of those points came from the charity stripe. Western entered the contest working a five-game winning streak. 

"The key stat is free throws," Jeter continued. "Down the stretch, we have to make guys make shots. Free throws are a higher percentage shot for most of those guys. You can't win on the road when you're putting the home team on the free-throw line. We have to be disciplined. We're scoring points. Now how do we guard?"  

In his first collegiate double-double, Hinton finished with 18 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. Pearson also pulled down 10 boards with 12 points, while Will Carius was one rebound short of joining the party. His night concluded with 10 points and nine rebounds. 

Western concludes its regular-season schedule at ORU Sunday at 4 p.m.