MACOMB, IL- Western Illinois dropped an 83–56 decision to Tennessee State on Saturday afternoon at the Gentry Center Complex in Nashville.

Lucas Lorenzen led all scorers for Western Illinois with 24 points, finishing 8-for-18 from the field and knocking down three triples. Makai Kvamme continued his efficient play, adding 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting while also contributing two assists. Goanar Biliew chipped in six points and a team-high five rebounds as the Leathernecks worked to counter Tennessee State's size inside.

Tennessee State opened the game with a strong offensive first half, shooting over 50 percent from the floor and taking a 43–27 lead into the break. The Tigers were paced by Antoine Lorick III, who scored 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while Aaron Nkrumah added 16 points and six rebounds.

Western Illinois showed improved rhythm offensively in the second half, scoring 29 points and going 11-for-14 at the free throw line after halftime. The Leathernecks also generated 19 fast-break points on the afternoon and limited Tennessee State to just four second-chance points.

Despite the effort, Tennessee State's efficiency inside proved decisive, as the Tigers finished with 58 points in the paint and shot 51.5 percent for the game. Tennessee State also received a strong lift from its bench, which accounted for 26 points.

Western Illinois moves to 4–21 overall and 0–14 in Ohio Valley Conference play. The Leathernecks will come back home to face off against Eastern Illinois on February 10.

FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS 

For all the latest information on Leatherneck Men's Basketball, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.