MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois men's basketball battled throughout on Friday night at the Fowler Events Center in Riverside, CA, but came up short in a 69–59 road loss to California Baptist. The result moves the Leathernecks to 0–4 on the season.

Antwaun Massey delivered a dominant performance with 29 points on 13-of-18 shooting, adding five rebounds and three steals in 36 minutes. 

CBU's size and rebounding proved to be the difference as the Lancers finished with a 50–29 edge on the glass, including 21 offensive rebounds that led to 14 second-chance points. Dominique Daniels Jr. led California Baptist with 22 points, while Martel Williams added 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Isaiah Griffin reached double figures with 10 points, going 6-for-10 from the free-throw line. Lucas Lorenzen added nine points and six rebounds, and Francis Okwuosah contributed seven rebounds.

Western Illinois stayed within striking distance throughout the second half, pulling within six on multiple occasions, but California Baptist answered with timely buckets down the stretch to hold on for the victory.

The Leathernecks shot 21-of-50 (42 percent) from the field and scored 34 points in the paint but went just 2-of-10 from three. CBU's 21 offensive rebounds ultimately proved too much to overcome.

Western Illinois will look for its first win of the season in its home opener Monday against Coe College at 7:30 P.M.

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