West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's men's basketball team achieved a significant victory against East-West University with a score of 96-49. The game, held at Western Hall, was marked by an exceptional performance from Sean Smith, who recorded his second consecutive triple-double. Smith's achievement of 10 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists made him the first player in Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) history to record back-to-back triple-doubles.

The Leathernecks took control early in the game with a commanding 43-point lead by halftime. Sean Smith played a crucial role in orchestrating plays and demonstrating his versatility on the court. His contributions included finding open teammates, securing rebounds, and scoring at the rim. Smith's presence was instrumental in helping Western Illinois out-rebound East-West 65-19.

Smith's performance was characterized by high basketball IQ and efficiency, as he avoided forcing plays while contributing significantly to the team's fast-paced offense. His ability to transition quickly led to additional fast-break points for the Leathernecks.

Alongside Smith's standout performance was a well-rounded offensive effort from the team. Marko Maletic topped all scorers with 24 points and six three-pointers. Julius Rollins added 20 points while dominating the paint with Kayden Carter, who maintained perfect shooting accuracy from the field. Tay Knox and Kiyron Powell contributed significantly to Western Illinois' dominance inside with their combined total of 21 rebounds.

Defensively, Western Illinois effectively limited East-West's scoring opportunities by holding them to just 49 points on 31% shooting accuracy. The Leathernecks recorded seven blocks and three steals during the game, disrupting any offensive rhythm attempted by East-West.

This victory improved Western Illinois' season record to 6-4 after winning four of their last five games. The team is scheduled to play against South Dakota Coyotes next Saturday in Vermillion as they conclude their non-conference schedule.

For further information on Leatherneck Basketball or updates on upcoming games, fans can visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow them on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.