MACOMB, Ill. – Matt Lander scored 22 points, which included the go-ahead basket with 1:03 remaining, and Western Illinois defeated North Dakota State 67-62 on Saturday night.
The Leathernecks (7-10, 2-5 Summit League) and Bison (9-8, 3-4) were tied at 61 when Lander's layup gave Western Illinois the lead for good with 1:03 remaining. Jack Houpt hit four free throws in the final 17 seconds to close it out for the Leathernecks.
Lander did most of his damage at the free-throw line, making 13 of 14 attempts. Houpt finished with 15 points and six rebounds, and Jelani Johnson added 14 points for the Leathernecks, who led 26-25 at halftime.
Michael Tveidt led North Dakota State with 14 points, but he made just 4 of 14 shots. He also missed a free throw that would have tied the game at 63 with 49 seconds remaining.
Drew Lundberg scored 11 points and TrayVonn Wright 10 for the Bison.
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