EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Interstat) — SIU Edwardsville used a decisive second-half run to defeat Western Illinois 67-47 in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Vadalabene Center.

The Cougars, who led 30-23 at halftime, outscored the Leathernecks 37-24 after the break. Arnas Sakenis led SIU Edwardsville with 14 points and four blocks, while Tyler King added a game-high 18 points. Isaiah Griffin scored 13 for Western Illinois.

SIU Edwardsville (18-12) shot 49% from the field and forced 11 steals. Western Illinois (5-25) struggled offensively, shooting just 28.8% overall and 43.5% from the free-throw line. The Cougars swept the season series, having also won 66-61 on Dec. 22. Attendance was 1,777.