MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois men's basketball fell on the road Thursday night, dropping a 97–72 matchup against Tennessee Tech at the Eblen Center.

The Leathernecks struggled to slow a hot-shooting Golden Eagle squad early, as Tennessee Tech opened the game shooting over 63 percent in the first half and built a 53–30 advantage at the break. The hosts connected on seven first-half threes and consistently converted in transition and the paint to seize control.

Western Illinois showed improved offensive rhythm in the second half, shooting 50 percent from the field and knocking down six of nine attempts from beyond the arc after halftime, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome. Tennessee Tech continued to answer offensively, finishing the night at nearly 60 percent from the floor and 59 percent from three.

Francis Okwuosah led the Leathernecks with a team-high 17 points off the bench, hitting 4-of-5 from three-point range while adding three free throws. Isaiah Griffin followed with 14 points, while Antwaun Massey chipped in 11 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting night. Marcus Pigram also reached double figures with 10 points.

Western Illinois totaled 46 bench points and shot 46.3 percent from the field, but Tennessee Tech's efficiency and ball movement made the difference. The Golden Eagles recorded 22 assists and placed five players in double figures, led by JaJuan Nicholls' 14 points and seven rebounds.

With the loss, Western Illinois drops to 4–20 overall and 0–13 in Ohio Valley Conference play. The Leathernecks stay on the road this Saturday as they travel to Tennessee State for their next matchup.

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