MACOMB, IL- Western Illinois men's basketball came up just short Thursday night, falling 78–74 to Southeast Missouri State at Western Hall.

The Leathernecks trailed 36–29 at the break but responded with a strong second half, outscoring the Redhawks 45–42 after halftime. The contest featured nine lead changes and was tied seven times, with Western Illinois battling until the final possession.

Lucas Lorenzen led all scorers for the Leathernecks with 20 points, knocking down five three-pointers and shooting 6-for-13 from the field in 35 minutes. Makai Kvamme and Goanar Biliew each added 14 points, with Kvamme also dishing out five assists. Biliew pulled down a team-high seven rebounds, while Francis Okwuosah added eight boards in the effort.

Western Illinois shot 48 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range in the second half, finishing the night at 40 percent overall and 37 percent from beyond the arc. The Leathernecks went 20-for-29 at the free throw line and scored 12 fast-break points.

Southeast Missouri State was led by Brendan Terry's 16 points, while Marqueas Bell added 15 off the bench. The Redhawks shot 54.3 percent from the field for the game and scored 40 points in the paint.

The Leathernecks forced 13 SEMO turnovers and scored 15 points off those miscues, but the Redhawks' efficiency inside proved to be the difference.

Western Illinois returns to action Saturday as OVC play continues at Western Hall.

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