MACOMB, IL. – The new-look Western Illinois men's basketball team opened the 2025–26 season with a hard-fought 80–75 loss at Radford on Monday night inside the Dedmon Center.

It was the first look at a completely rebuilt Leatherneck roster, as Western Illinois returned no players from last year's team. Even with an entirely new lineup, the Leathernecks battled from start to finish and showed plenty of potential in their season opener.

Junior guard Lucas Lorenzen made an instant impact in his debut, scoring 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including four three-pointers. Francis Okwuosah added 16 points and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the line, while Isaiah Griffin recorded 12 points and eight rebounds. Tyran Cook finished with 10 points.

Western Illinois shot 47 percent from the field and won the rebounding battle 32–30, but foul trouble proved costly as Radford shot 31 free throws.

After trailing by six at halftime, the Leathernecks stormed back early in the second half, taking their first lead at 46–44 on an Antwaun Massey layup. The Highlanders answered with a quick run and held off a late Western push to hang on for the win.

The Leathernecks finished with 30 points in the paint and 23 second-chance points, showing toughness and energy from a group playing its first game together.

Western Illinois will now turn its attention to Friday's matchup at Iowa, with tip-off set for 6 p.m. in Iowa City.

FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS 

For all the latest information on Leatherneck Basketball, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.