MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois came up short in a tightly contested home matchup, falling 59–54 to Tennessee Tech on Saturday afternoon inside Western Hall.

The Leathernecks built an early advantage and led 26–18 at the halftime break, holding the Golden Eagles to 27.6 percent shooting in the opening half. Western Illinois knocked down four three-pointers before the break and limited Tennessee Tech's offensive rhythm to take an eight-point lead into the locker room.

Tennessee Tech responded in the second half, shooting 57.1 percent from the field after halftime and outscoring Western Illinois 41–28 over the final 20 minutes. The Golden Eagles took their first lead of the game in the second half and were able to close out the contest at the free throw line in the final minutes.

Isaiah Griffin led Western Illinois with a game-high 16 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Lucas Lorenzen added 15 points and four rebounds, while Goanar Biliew contributed nine points and four rebounds. Karyiek Dixon and Antwaun Massey pulled down eight and seven rebounds, respectively, to help the Leathernecks on the glass.

Tennessee Tech was led by Mekhi Cameron, who finished with 15 points, as the Golden Eagles improved to 7-10 overall and 2-4 in OVC play. Western Illinois moves to 4-13 on the season and 0-6 in conference action.

The Leathernecks will look to regroup as conference play continues against Eastern Illinois on January 13. 

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