USI falls to hot-shooting WIU, 87-62
MACOMB, Ill. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball fell to a hot-shooting Western Illinois University, 87-62, Thursday evening at Western Hall. The Screaming Eagles are 9-16 overall and 4-11 in OVC action, while the Leathernecks go to 9-17, 3-12 OVC.
USI jumped out to a quick 4-0 start, but WIU swiftly bounced back with a 12-4 dash to get control. The Leathernecks would extend the lead to as many as 17 points, 39-22, before an Eagles’ offensive surge cut the margin to single digits, 39-31, in the first half.
WIU scored the final six points of the first half to lead 45-31 at the break. Junior guard Damoni Harrison led the way for USI during the first 20 minutes with 13 points, while junior guard Jayland Randall added nine first-half points.
In the second half, USI was unable to get any momentum going as WIU continued its hot-shooting game. The Leathernecks extended its halftime margin to as many as 28 points (87-59) by shooting 62.1 percent in the final 20 minutes (18-29) and 56.7 percent for the game (34-60).
USI was led in the 87-62 loss by Harrison, who posted his second double-double of the year with 21 points and 10 rebounds. He was followed by Randall, who had 17 points, while sophomore forward Stephen Olowoniyi closed out the double-figure scorers with 10 points.
After the loss, the Eagles are three games out of the OVC post-season race. USI trails the University of Tennessee at Martin and Lindenwood University, who are tied for seventh in the league standings.
Next Up For USI:
The Lions of Lindenwood are 12-14 overall and 7-8 in the OVC after upsetting Morehead State University, 73-60, at home tonight. Lindenwood is 3-2 in the last five games and .500 over the last 10 contests.
The Eagles lead the all-time series, 8-1, after taking the first meeting of the year in January, 80-73. Harrison led three Eagles in double-digits with 26 points and 10 rebounds. He was followed by Randall, who had 17 points, and graduate forward Jack Mielke, who had 10 points.
