MACOMB, Ill. (AP) Quinlan Bennett scored 14 points as Western Illinois held off Eastern Illinois 70-66 on Thursday night.

Western Illinois held a 63-55 lead with 2:12 left but Tiger Booker, Dan Luers and Nakyel Shelton each hit a 3-pointer in the final two minutes to allow the Panthers to get close.

Bennett also contributed eight rebounds for the Leathernecks (19-11, 12-5 Ohio Valley Conference). JJ Kalakon scored 13 points and added six rebounds. Ryan Myers had 10 points and was 3 of 14 shooting, including 1 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 3 for 4 from the line.

The Panthers (14-17, 8-10) were led by Shelton, who recorded 24 points. Luers added 16 points and three steals for Eastern Illinois. In addition, Booker finished with 13 points and five assists.

Western Illinois hosts SIU-Edwardsville in its next matchup on Saturday.

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