Emegano helps Western Illinois defeat Eureka 73-52

MACOMB, Ill. (AP) — Obi Emegano scored 25 points Tuesday night to lead Western Illinois past Eureka 73-52.

Don McAvoy added 14 points and Jack Houpt 10 for the Leathernecks (6-4), who won their second in a row.

Dustin Fritsch had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Division III Red Devils (5-5), who dropped their second straight. Rian Nailor added 11 points, and Jordan Kindred scored 10 with a game-best six assists.

Western Illinois has won six of its last eight games, which the program had not accomplished since the 2001-02 season.

The Leathernecks outshot Eureka 43.9 percent (25 of 57) to 36.7 percent 18 of 49).

The Red Devils stayed within striking distance in the first half. The lead did not reach double figures until Emegano’s layup made it 37-26 with 17:34 to go. The lead later peaked at 23.