Eastern Illinois stops Western Illinois in overtime, 68-66

Nov 18, 2018, 03:45 am

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Ben Harvey got to the basket for a layup with 37 seconds left in overtime to take the lead and Western Illinois missed two attempts for the go-ahead bucket as Eastern Illinois held on to take a 68-66 win Saturday.

C.J. Duff and Isaac Johnson each hit 3-pointers to give Western Illinois a 66-61 advantage in the extra period, but the Leathernecks did not score again over the final 3:30.

Shareef Smith hit two free throws and Rade Kukobat's layup pulled the Panthers within one, 66-65 with 1:20 to play. Isaac Johnson missed two free throw attempts to extend the Western Illinois lead in the final minute before Kukobat missed a jumper and Harvey grabbed the offensive rebound and scored.

Duff put the Leathernecks ahead by three with 1:10 left in regulation by hitting two free throws. Josiah Wallace cut the lead to one with a layup and Harvey hit the second of two free throws with :15 left to tie the game and force overtime.

Wallace led the Panthers (1-2) with 13 points. Smith added 12 and Harvey 11.

Kobe Webster had 18 points to lead Western Illinois. Duff added 16 points, Johnson had 13 points and 11 rebounds and Brandon Gilbeck had nine points and 19 rebounds.