ncaab Game Recap
Eastern Illinois Defeats Western Illinois 71-59 - Recap
Artese Stapleton scored 16 points leading Eastern Illinois to a 71-59 victory over Western Illinois at Western Hall on Thursday.
Bettors who backed Eastern Illinois were also rewarded, as they covered the closing number as an underdog of +1.5 at sportsbooks.
Nakyel Shelton had 15 points for Eastern Illinois and Kooper Jacobi chipped in with 14 points. Obadiah Curtis had 3 assists for them, while Kooper Jacobi was the team's top rebounder, grabbing 11 boards.
Western Illinois got a 14-point performance from Ryan Myers, who was supported by 14 points from Massal Diouf. Ryan Myers had 2 assists in a losing cause for Western Illinois, while Trey Deveaux grabbed 9 rebounds.
Eastern Illinois led at halftime, 32-20.
Eastern Illinois won the battle of the boards, outrebounding their counterparts 35-27.
Eastern Illinois looks to continue their winning ways next game with a battle against the Lindenwood. Western Illinois will aim to get back on the winning track vs. Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.