MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois hung tough early against a Big Ten opponent Friday night, but the Leathernecks ultimately fell 77–58 to Iowa inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Graduate forward Isaiah Griffin led Western Illinois with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including a pair of three-pointers, while adding five rebounds. Tyran Cook scored 10 points and dished out two assists, and Antwaun Massey and Francis Okwuosah each contributed eight points apiece.

The Leathernecks came out strong, jumping ahead 7–3 in the opening minutes with early buckets from Cook and Griffin. But Iowa quickly found its rhythm, answering with a 10–0 run to seize control and carry a 41–33 lead into halftime

Western Illinois couldn't find the same rhythm after the break, shooting just 27 percent in the second half as Iowa's defense forced turnovers and disrupted the Leathernecks flow. The Hawkeyes stretched their lead into double digits and never looked back. Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz paced Iowa with 24 points and seven assists, while Alvaro Folgueiras added 13 points and five boards.

The Leathernecks were outrebounded 29–26 and committed 14 turnovers, leading to 24 Iowa points.

Western Illinois, now 0–2 on the season, will look to build on the positives from Friday's matchup as they continue their nonconference slate. The Leathernecks return to action Tuesday night at Cal State Bakersfield.

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