Tribune News Services
Nick Daniels and Ben Botts scored 13 points apiece as IPFW held off a late charge by Western Illinois 63-58.
Zach Plackemeier added nine points and a game-best eight assists for the Mastodons (10-10, 5-5 Summit League), who got 10 rebounds from Deilvez Yearby.
Quenton Kirby scored 15 points and hit all eight free throws to pace the Leathernecks (8-12, 2-8). Ceola Clark scored 14.
The Mastodons led 42-30 on Antwone Snead's basket with 11:25 left. Kirby capped a 9-0 Western Illinois run with two free throws to trim it to 42-39 with 6:27 to go. But Daniels put IPFW up 54-45 with 1:40 left.
Western Illinois stormed back, and a 3-pointer by Clark with 21 seconds left cut it to 57-56. Plackemeier sank two free throws, and Clark did the same to make it 59-58. But Botts closed it out with four more free throws.
Register with Chicago Tribune and receive Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks newsletters for free. 
When sports news breaks, be the first to know. (To get alerts on a mobile device, text CHISPORTS to 31286.). 
Leave a comment