Denver Pioneers @ Western Illinois Leathernecks
Pyle powers Western Illinois past Denver 86-80
MACOMB, Ill. -- Ben Pyle scored 21 points, matching his career high, and Western Illinois dominated the first half and held off Denver 86-80 on Saturday.
Pyle hit 7 of 11 shots from the floor, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range, for the Leathernecks (5-10, 2/3 Summit League), who led 50-35 at halftime. Zion Young had 17 points and eight rebounds, while Kobe Webster scored 17 with four assists. C.J. Duff had 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting from distance.
Jase Townsend topped the Pioneers (4-15, 0-5) with 28 points, one off his career high. Ade Murphy added 14 points, while freshman Robert Jones scored 13 with seven rebounds.
Denver shot 52% overall but just 27% from 3-point range (4 of 15). Western Illinois shot 50% from the floor (28 of 56) and from distance (12 of 24). The Pioneers won the rebound battle 31-25.
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Game Information
Macomb, IL
Referee:Brian McAnally
Referee:Brian McNutt
Referee:Brian Shore
2025-26 Standings
| Summit LeagueSummit League | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State | 14-2 | - | 27-8 |
| St. Thomas-Minnesota | 12-4 | 2 | 24-10 |
| North Dakota | 10-6 | 4 | 18-17 |
| South Dakota | 8-8 | 6 | 16-16 |
| Omaha | 8-8 | 6 | 16-17 |
| Denver | 8-8 | 6 | 15-17 |
| South Dakota State | 7-9 | 7 | 14-18 |
| Oral Roberts | 4-12 | 10 | 10-23 |
| Kansas City | 1-15 | 13 | 4-27 |
| Ohio Valley ConferenceOhio Valley Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee State | 15-5 | - | 23-10 |
| Morehead State | 15-5 | - | 20-13 |
| Southeast Missouri State | 14-6 | 1 | 20-13 |
| UT Martin | 13-7 | 2 | 22-11 |
| SIU Edwardsville | 12-8 | 3 | 19-13 |
| Lindenwood | 11-9 | 4 | 18-15 |
| Little Rock | 9-11 | 6 | 12-20 |
| Tennessee Tech | 8-12 | 7 | 13-18 |
| Eastern Illinois | 8-12 | 7 | 13-20 |
| Southern Indiana | 4-16 | 11 | 7-23 |
| Western Illinois | 1-19 | 14 | 5-26 |
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