MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois men's basketball picked up its first Ohio Valley Conference win of the season Tuesday night, defeating rival Eastern Illinois 79–70 inside Western Hall. The victory also tightened the all-time series, as the Leathernecks now hold an 87–86 advantage over the Panthers in one of the program's longest-running rivalries.

Western Illinois set the tone early, building a 39–31 halftime lead behind efficient shooting and balanced scoring. The Leathernecks stayed composed in the second half, answering every Eastern Illinois push and sealing the game at the free-throw line in a contest that featured four ties and five lead changes.

Lucas Lorenzen led all scorers with 24 points on 7-of-11 shooting and an 8-for-10 effort at the stripe. He added eight rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal while logging 39 minutes. Francis Okwuosah followed with 11 points and eight rebounds, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc, while Antwaun Massey contributed nine points, three assists, and two blocks.

The Leathernecks leaned on their depth, receiving 29 bench points. Isaiah Griffin and Marcus Pigram each scored 12, with Pigram going a perfect 2-for-2 from three-point range. 

Western Illinois shot 45.6 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range while converting 19-of-26 free throws. The Leathernecks edged Eastern Illinois on the glass, 36–34, and added 10 fast-break points.

Eastern Illinois was led by Kooper Jacobi's 19 points and game-high 14 rebounds, while Preston Turner added 18 points off the bench. Despite strong individual performances, the Panthers were limited to 27.3 percent shooting from three-point range.

With the win, Western Illinois improved to 5–21 overall and 1–14 in OVC play, securing its first conference victory of the season and another chapter in a rivalry that continues to be decided by the narrowest of margins.

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