OMAHA, Neb. -- Devin Patterson scored six of his 25 points in the final 2:49 to help Omaha slip past Western Illinois 82-80 Friday in the Summit League opener for both teams.

Patterson made 13 of 17 free throws -- both career highs -- and had seven assists. Jake White scored 20, on 9-of-13 shooting, for Omaha (9-6).

Tra-Deon Hollins, who came into the game leading the nation in steals and steals per game (4.1), had four of the Mavericks' 13 steals. Tim Smallwood added a career-high five.

A 3-pointer by Garret Covington gave Western Illinois (7-5) its biggest lead, 71-55, with 8:58 left.

Smallwood hit a pair of 3s and Patterson scored seven points during a 25-7 run that gave Omaha an 80-78 lead with 1:26 to play.

Jabari Sandifer's layup tied it 24 seconds later but Western Illinois missed its final three field goal attempts and Patterson made 2 of 4 free throws to seal it.

Tate Stensgaard led the Leathernecks with a career-high 26 on 13-of-15 shooting.