MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois men's basketball fell 78–69 to North Dakota on Sunday night inside Western Hall.

The Leathernecks opened with one of their most efficient first halves of the season, shooting 48 percent from the field and knocking down six threes to build a 35–29 halftime lead. WIU also held a 19–12 edge on the glass, forced eight turnovers, and ran good sets on offense before the break. 

North Dakota responded with a dominant second half, shooting 60 percent and outscoring WIU 49–34 after the break. The Fighting Hawks used a 12–2 run to swing the game and finished 27-for-55 from the floor with 17 made free throws.

Lucas Lorenzen led the Leathernecks with 18 points and three threes. Karyiek Dixon added 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Francis Okwuosah scored 11, while Goanar Biliew and Makai Kvamme each added nine. Kvamme also contributed four assists and three steals.

Western Illinois finished 24-for-53 from the field with 10 made threes and 27 bench points, but 17 turnovers and UND's late surge proved to be the difference.

Western Illinois will now have a week-long break before returning home to face St. Ambrose on Sunday.

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