Leathernecks move into first place in OVC following fifth straight conference victory

CHARLESTON, Ill. — The Ohio Valley Conference newcomer is now the OVC frontrunner.

That’s a position the Western Illinois University men’s basketball team would like to maintain.

The Leathernecks moved into sole possession of first place in the OVC on Saturday, making two critical plays in the final 30 seconds of regulation to outlast Eastern Illinois 63-60 at Lantz Arena and improve to 5-0 in conference play.

With Morehead State losing to SIU-Edwardsville, WIU is the only unbeaten team in league play.

The Leathernecks also are riding a nine-game win streak, which is their longest since the 2012-13 team won 11 games in a row. That team also started Summit League play 6-0.

Jesiah West’s layup with 29 seconds left gave the Leathernecks a 62-60 lead. WIU’s forward Drew Cisse then blocked a shot by EIU’s Corey Sawyer Jr., corralled the rebound and got it into the hands of James Dent Jr., who split two free throws with one second left to ice the victory.

WIU committed 19 turnovers and was outscored 20-1 off turnovers, but 58.5 percent shooting from the field, including 53.5 percent from 3-point range, allowed the Leathernecks to overcome the turnover woes.

Ryan Myers led the Leathernecks with 14 points, while Quinlan Bennett and West each finished with 12 points. Cisse added a team-high 12 rebounds and five blocks.

The Leathernecks (12-6) return to Western Hall next Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. affair against Tennessee State.