Southeast Missouri State lost to Western Illinois 71-66 thanks in part to hot outside shooting from the host Leathernecks.  Western shot 44% from beyond the arc to pull away in the second half.

The Leathernecks trailed 27-26 at the half, but took the lead at 42-40 with 13-minutes left and never looked back. Western connected on 7-16 three-pointers while Southeast was 0-6 from long distance.

Southeast, 2-7, outscored WIU 22-12 from the line but the Leathernecks made their final eight free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

Kenard Moore led Southeast with 20 points while Jaycen Herring added 19 and Calvin Williams 13. Jajuan Maxwell led Redhawks rebounders with 8 while LaMont Russell and Willams each had 7.

The Redhawks will play at Bradley on Sunday in a 1 p.m. game.