MACOMB, Ill. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant start and a frantic finish, Southeast Missouri State survived a furious second-half rally by Western Illinois to escape Western Hall with a 78-74 victory in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball game on Thursday night.

The Redhawks (12-10, 4-3 OVC) appeared to be cruising toward a blowout, building a 19-point lead in the first half before settling for a 36-29 advantage at halftime. They shot a blistering 54.3% from the field in the opening period while holding the Leathernecks (4-18, 1-6) to just 29 points.

Western Illinois, however, refused to capitulate in front of a home crowd of 527. Fueled by a 10-for-27 performance from three-point range and a disruptive defense that generated nine steals, the Leathernecks methodically chipped away at the deficit throughout the second half.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute. After Southeast Missouri State’s Brendan Terry converted two free throws to give the Redhawks a 74-72 lead with 21 seconds remaining, Western Illinois’ Makai Kvamme was fouled on the ensuing possession. Kvamme, a guard from Chicago, calmly sank both free throws to tie the game at 74 with 14 seconds left.

On the next trip, Terry was fouled again and again delivered under pressure, making both shots to restore a two-point lead for the visitors with 12 seconds on the clock. Western Illinois called a timeout to advance the ball and set up a potential game-tying or winning shot, but Isaiah Griffin’s three-point attempt from the wing missed. Southeast Missouri State’s Luke Almodovar secured the defensive rebound, was fouled, and iced the game with two final free throws.

The Redhawks’ victory was anchored by efficiency inside the arc and at the foul line. They outscored Western Illinois 40-24 in the paint and made 23 of 33 free throw attempts, including several clutch ones down the stretch. Brendan Terry led Southeast Missouri State with 16 points, while Braxton Stacker and Marqueas Bell each added 14. Bell, a guard from Kansas City, Missouri, scored all of his points in the second half, providing crucial offense during Western Illinois’ surge.

The Leathernecks were led by a game-high 20 points from Lucas Lorenzen of Milford, Iowa, who hit four three-pointers. Kvamme finished with 14 points and five assists, and Goanar Biliew of Denison, Iowa, also scored 14. Western Illinois’ comeback effort was hampered by 20 missed free throws on 29 attempts and a significant disadvantage in interior scoring.

Despite committing seven more turnovers than Western Illinois and being out-assisted, the Redhawks’ early cushion and late composure proved sufficient. The win improved Southeast Missouri State to 12-10 overall and marked its second victory over Western Illinois this season, having previously won 73-50 on Jan. 3. The Leathernecks’ losing streak extended to four games, dropping their record to 4-18.

Southeast Missouri State, which entered the game as an 8.5-point favorite according to sportsbooks, next plays at Eastern Illinois on Saturday. Western Illinois, which saw the total score of 152 surpass the over/under line of 140.5, will host Tennessee-Martin on Saturday.