Recap: Western Ill vs. UMKC

Macomb, IL (Sports Network) - Led by 14 points from Michael Ochereobia, the Western Illinois Leathernecks bounced back from an 18-point halftime deficit to defeat the UMKC Kangaroos, 53-50, in a Summit League bout at Western Hall.

For the Leathernecks (20-7, 12-3 Summit), Ceola Clark added 13 points and six assists.

Estan Tyler led all scorers with 17 points for the Kangaroos (7-23, 4-11), while Thomas Staton chipped in with 10 points.

UMKC shot a scorching 71.4 percent from the field to open the game, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, as it took a commanding, 39-21, lead at the break. The Kangaroos scored the final seven points of the half in just 89 seconds to pad their lead. Western Illinois made 44.4 percent of their field goal tries in the half, including 2-of-5 from beyond the 3-point arc.

After halftime, Western Illinois found their range, connecting on 50 percent of their field goal attempts and 4-of-10 from 3-point distance. UMKC went ice-cold from the field, hitting just 20 percent of their field goals on just 3-of-15 shooting in the second half. Trailing 46-36 midway through the second half, the Leathernecks went on a 15-2 run over a seven minute span to take the lead at 51-48 and they held on for the comeback victory.

Western Illinois had a 24-12 advantage in points in the paint. UMKC committed 17 turnovers that led to 24 Western Illinois points.