MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois Leathernecks dropped an 81-59 decision to the Morehead State Eagles on Friday afternoon (Feb. 21) inside Western Hall. The Leathernecks move to 5-24 overall and 1-17 in Ohio Valley Conference play, while the Eagles improve to 17-12 (13-5 OVC).
Morehead State jumped out to an early advantage and carried a 43-27 lead into halftime after shooting 58.1 percent from the floor in the opening period. The Eagles continued to control the tempo in the second half, scoring 38 points after the break to secure the 22-point win.
Western Illinois was led by Danny Stephens, who paced the Leathernecks with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Goanar Biliew added 14 points and four rebounds, while Lucas Lorenzen and Francis Okwuosah each finished with 10 points. Makai Kvamme contributed eight assists to go along with four points.
The Leathernecks shot 45.8 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three-point range, converting 5-of-16 attempts from beyond the arc. Western Illinois went 10-of-15 at the free-throw line and finished with 18 rebounds and 18 assists, but committed 11 turnovers that led to nine Morehead State points.
Morehead State placed five players in double figures, led by Jon Carroll with 17 points and four rebounds. Tamaury Releford added 14 points and eight boards off the bench, while Anouar Mellouk chipped in 12 points. The Eagles controlled the paint with a 42-26 scoring advantage inside and held a 22-6 edge in second-chance points.
Western Illinois looked to respond early in the second half with baskets from Okwuosah and Stephens, but Morehead State answered with consistent interior scoring and timely free throws to maintain separation. The Eagles extended their margin to as many as 22 points in the closing minutes.
Western Illinois will continue Ohio Valley Conference play next week against SIUE Cougars on February 26.
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