MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois men's basketball delivered a resilient performance on Saturday afternoon, earning a 69–66 overtime victory over North Dakota at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.
The Leathernecks forced overtime after a tightly contested regulation period and then took control in the extra session with defensive stops, rebounding and timely execution to secure the road win.
Western Illinois carried a 32–28 lead into halftime, leaning on physical play in the paint and second-chance opportunities to build the advantage. The Leathernecks controlled the glass early and consistently created high-percentage looks inside.
North Dakota responded in the second half, outscoring WIU 32–28 to send the game into overtime. Neither team was able to create separation in the final minutes of regulation as the contest remained deadlocked at the end of 40 minutes.
In overtime, Western Illinois elevated its play on both ends, limiting the Fighting Hawks to just six points while scoring nine of its own. The Leathernecks capitalized on stops, rebounds and trips to the free-throw line to close out the win.
Karyiek Dixon anchored the effort with a double-double, finishing with 17 points and a game-high 18 rebounds. Isaiah Griffin led Western Illinois with 18 points, while Lucas Lorenzen added 14 points and converted key free throws during the extra period.
Western Illinois finished with a 51–39 rebounding advantage and scored 34 points in the paint, using physicality to counter North Dakota's perimeter attack. The Leathernecks also forced 17 turnovers, turning defense into offense in a game that featured seven ties and eight lead changes.
Eli King and Greyson Uelmen led North Dakota with 13 points apiece.
Western Illinois will look to build on the momentum from Saturday's overtime road win as the Leathernecks open Ohio Valley Conference play on the road Thursday at Lindenwood.
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