MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois men's basketball battled through a tight first half but couldn't overcome a strong second-half push from CSU Bakersfield, falling 74-58 Tuesday night inside the Icardo Center.
The Leathernecks (0-3) trailed 38-32 at halftime after an opening period that saw them knock down five threes and trade leads with the Roadrunners throughout. CSU Bakersfield (2-1) used a 10-2 run early in the second half to gain separation and held Western to just nine made field goals after the break.
Francis Okwuosah led the Leathernecks with a team-high 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, 3 of 4 of his made threes coming in the first half before he fouled out late. Tyran Cook and Isaiah Griffin each added 10 points, with Griffin grabbing seven rebounds. Antwaun Massey contributed five points, five boards, and a team-best four blocks, while Lucas Lorenzen scored eight points and knocked down all four of his free throws.
Western Illinois shot 37 percent (20-for-54) from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc (8-of-16) but was out-rebounded 37-34 and surrendered 26 points off 17 turnovers.
The Leathernecks return to action Friday night when they close their West Coast trip at Cal Baptist. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 P.M. CT.
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