TUESDAY'S SCORES
@Western Illinois 86, Lindenwood 81 (OT)
WESTERN ILLINOIS 86, LINDENWOOD 81 (OT)
MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois sent its seniors off in style on Tuesday night, battling past Lindenwood in an 86-81 overtime victory at Western Hall.
The Leathernecks delivered one of their best performances of the season with Senior Trey Deveaux stepping up when it mattered most, leading WIU with a season-high 23 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Sean Smith was just as impactful, putting up 20 points while grabbing eight rebounds and collecting three steals. Julius Rollins added 19 points and seven rebounds in a gritty effort that kept WIU in control late in the game.
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with WIU holding a four point lead at the break. Rollins and Smith led the charge early, making tough shots and setting the tone defensively. Lindenwood responded in the second half, using a strong shooting stretch to take the lead, but the Leathernecks refused to back down. WIU saw themselves trail by as many as 10 in the second half by a score of 65-55 with 7:02 left to play. Western Illinois responded in a big way going on a 12-4 run that spanned over four minutes of game time cutting the lead to just two at 69-67 with three minutes to go. With time winding down in regulation, WIU found itself trailing by three. That's when Marko Maletic delivered the shot of the night, knocking down a clutch three-pointer with just one second left to force overtime. Maletic would finish with 11 points on the evening.
In overtime, it was all about execution. WIU took control early, with Deveaux attacking the rim and converting key free throws down the stretch. The Leathernecks outscored Lindenwood 13-8 in the extra period, locking up their fifth conference win of the season. The biggest shot of the extra period came with 2:24 left to go in OT. With the shot clock winding down, Ryan Myers would beat the shot clock buzzer with a three pointer giving the Leathernecks an 80-79 lead. WIU would close out the OT period on an 6-2 run and come away with the victory on Senior Night.
Beyond the big-time performances, WIU's defense played a crucial role in the win. The Leathernecks forced 11 turnovers, came up with eight steals, and dominated the boards with 40 rebounds. They also took advantage of opportunities inside, outscoring Lindenwood 36-28 in the paint.