MACOMB, Ill. — Little Rock delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Thursday night, pulling away for a decisive 77-58 victory over Western Illinois at Western Hall.
The Trojans (10-16, 7-8 OVC) controlled the glass, won the turnover battle and used a balanced offensive effort to secure the 19-point road win. Little Rock out-rebounded the Leathernecks 45-32 and turned 10 Western Illinois turnovers into 13 points while outscoring the hosts 42-34 in the second half.
"I thought our guys competed the right way tonight," Little Rock head coach
Darrell Walker said. "We defended, we rebounded, and we shared the basketball. When we do those things, we give ourselves a chance to be successful."
Little Rock set the tone early. A three-pointer from
Kachi Nzeh at the 15:11 mark ignited an early surge, and
Johnathan Lawson's work on the glass helped the Trojans maintain steady control. Defensively, Little Rock limited Western Illinois (5-22, 1-15 OVC) to just 10 made field goals in the first half while grabbing 24 rebounds.
The Trojans built separation late in the opening period behind interior finishes from
Cameron Wallace and capped the half with a momentum-shifting buzzer-beater from
Truman Claytor IV — a three-pointer assisted by Lawson — to take a 35-24 lead into the break.
Little Rock wasted no time extending its advantage in the second half.
Tuongthach Gatkek converted inside just seconds into the period, and
Braxton Bayless sparked transition opportunities as the Trojans pushed the pace. Gatkek added a fast-break finish during a decisive stretch that kept Western Illinois on its heels.
Wallace and Lawson continued to anchor the offense, while Lawson's defensive presence — including a block and multiple key rebounds — prevented the Leathernecks from mounting a serious comeback. The Trojans methodically extended their lead through efficient shooting and strong free-throw conversion before closing out the 77-58 win.
Claytor led the way with 16 points and two steals, while Wallace matched him with 16 points and added nine rebounds. Bayless was a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc, finishing with 14 points. Lawson posted a dominant all-around performance, recording 13 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks.
"It was a team effort tonight," Lawson said. "Everyone contiributed something. It was a good win."
Little Rock continues its road swing Saturday at Eastern Illinois. Tip-off in Charleston is set for 3:30 p.m.
"We're starting to understand how we have to play," Walker said. "It's about toughness, discipline and playing for each other. That's the identity we're building."
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