Bakersfield established control early, taking a 38–32 lead into halftime and never letting the Leathernecks back into the game. CJ Hardy led the charge with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Dailin Smith added 13 points and Tom Mark contributed 10 points and seven boards. The balanced attack and defensive energy by the `Runners proved decisive, holding Western Illinois to just 37% shooting from the field. The `Runners also capitalized at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 20 attempts (80%), and dominated the paint to seal a confident win in front of the home crowd.
