Covington with 34 helps W. Illinois beat Oral Roberts 86-71

Jan 7, 2017, 05:24 pm

MACOMB, Ill. -- Garret Covington scored a career-high 34 points as Western Illinois kept Oral Roberts winless in the Summit League with an 86-71 victory on Saturday.

Covington was 12 of 16 from the field including six 3-pointers for the Leathernecks (6-9, 3-1). Mike Miklusak added 18 points and seven rebounds, Dalan Ancrum had 11 points and Brandon Gilbeck had 10 points and 13 rebounds.

The Leathernecks trailed 26-21 late in the first half when Covington hit a jumper and a 3-pointer back-to-back together with another 3 as part of a 13-7 finish that gave Western Illinois a 34-33 edge at the break.

Covington and Miklusak combined for five more 3-pointers in the second half to help the Leathernecks to a 79-65 advantage with 2:06 to play. They led by double figures the rest of the way.

Albert Owens led the Golden Eagles (4-13, 0-3) with 22 points and six rebounds.