Macomb, Ill- Western Illinois secured a narrow victory over Central Arkansas, 63-61, at Western Hall this afternoon. The first half was rough for the Leathernecks, as they shot 9-29 (31%) from the floor and was 2-14 (14.3%) from three point range in the opening 20 minutes. WIU was led offensively in the first half by Sean Smith and Ryan Myers who each had 5 points , with Smith adding 2 assists. Despite trailing 28-23 at halftime, Western Illinois surged back with a strong second-half performance, scoring 40 points to edge out the Bears.
Ryan Myers would have 13 second half points, including three three-pointers, and two big free throws down the stretch to lead WIU. Sean Smith had 12 points in the second half and finished with an efficient stat line as he would have 17 points, 4 assists, six rebounds, and five steals for the game. Julius Rollins added valuable support with eight points and three rebounds, while Tay Knox provided defensive strength, securing seven rebounds and contributing nine points. Knox would have the game-winning play as he would block a Central Arkansas shot with less than five seconds to go in the second half leading to a Bears foul that put Myers on the line to win the game for the Leathernecks.
Western Illinois excelled at turning defense into offense, scoring 15 points off turnovers and maintaining a disciplined game with only nine personal fouls compared to Central Arkansas's 18. Their ability to capitalize on fast breaks (11 points) also played a pivotal role in the win. The Leathernecks forced 13 turnovers for the game, with eight of them coming in the second half. WIU also shot much better from the floor in the second half shooting 12-25 (48%) from the floor and 6-15 (40%) from deep.
The Leathernecks will now travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa to take on Northern Iowa on Tuesday night. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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