MACOMB, IL- Western Illinois men's basketball dropped a hard-fought Ohio Valley Conference contest Tuesday night, falling 57-55 to Eastern Illinois at Groniger Arena.

The Leathernecks battled throughout and had multiple chances late, but Eastern Illinois held on in a game that featured eight lead changes and was decided in the final minutes. Western Illinois moves to 4-14 overall and 0-7 in OVC play, while the Panthers improved to 7-10 overall and 4-3 in the conference.

Eastern Illinois carried a 29-24 lead into halftime after a tightly contested first half. Western Illinois responded after the break, outscoring the Panthers 31-28 in the second half and pulling even multiple times as the game went down to the wire.

Karyiek Dixon led the Leathernecks with 14 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, recording a double-double while playing 36 minutes. Lucas Lorenzen added 13 points, knocking down four free throws. Isaiah Griffin and Antwaun Massey each chipped in seven points. Makai Kvamme contributed six points, five assists, and six rebounds off the bench.

Western Illinois finished with a 40-36 advantage on the glass and scored 32 points in the paint, but struggled from the perimeter, shooting 2-for-15 from three-point range. The Leathernecks were efficient at the free throw line, converting 15 of 18 attempts.

Eastern Illinois was led by Terry McMorris, who scored 12 points and added three blocks. Kooper Jacobi posted nine points and 10 rebounds, while Nazareth Fisher and Zion Fruster each scored eight points. The Panthers made 18 free throws on the night, which proved to be a key factor in the close contest.

The Leathernecks will look to regroup as they continue OVC play later this week at Little Rock.

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