CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Interstat) — Southeast Missouri State controlled Western Illinois from start to finish for a 73-50 victory in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Show Me Center.

The Redhawks led 34-27 at halftime and pulled away, fueled by a dominant interior attack that produced 44 points in the paint. BJ Ward led all scorers with 23 points for Southeast Missouri State. Lucas Lorenzen scored 16 for Western Illinois.

The Leathernecks struggled offensively, shooting just 32.6% from the field and committing 13 turnovers, which the Redhawks converted into 27 points. Southeast Missouri State improved to 8-7 overall, while Western Illinois fell to 4-11.