Box Score MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois Leathernecks fell 77-70 to Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles on Thursday night (Feb. 19) inside Western Hall. The Leathernecks move to 5-23 overall and 1-16 in Ohio Valley Conference play, while the Screaming Eagles improve to 6-21 (3-14 OVC).
Southern Indiana used a strong second half to pull away, outscoring Western Illinois 47-41 after the break. The Screaming Eagles capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities, finishing with advantages in points in the paint (42-30) and second-chance points (18-11).
Western Illinois was led by Francis Okwuosah with 19 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes of action. Lucas Lorenzen added 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. Danny Stephens added 12 points, while Makai Kvamme chipped in eight points and three assists. Isaiah Griffin contributed six points off the bench.
The Leathernecks shot 50.0 percent from the field and 52.9 percent from three-point range, but struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 7-of-12 attempts. Western Illinois finished with 22 rebounds and 13 assists while committing 13 turnovers.
Southern Indiana was paced by Amaree Brown, who scored 18 points, and Ola Ajiboye, who added 12 points and two steals. Cardell Bailey provided a spark off the bench with 10 points and seven rebounds, as the Screaming Eagles received 30 bench points in the victory.
The game featured five lead changes and six ties, with Western Illinois holding the advantage for over 32 minutes of game time. The Leathernecks led by as many as seven in the first half and carried a 29-30 deficit into halftime after a tightly contested opening 20 minutes.
Western Illinois Leathernecks will look to bounce back on their next game Saturday, February 21 at home against the Morehead State Eagles. Tip-off is set for 3:30pm.
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