EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — In an exciting matchup on Thursday night, Ray’Sean Taylor emerged as a key player for SIU-Edwardsville, scoring 23 points and leading the Cougars to a solid 77-66 victory over Western Illinois.

Taylor showcased impressive shooting skills, hitting 9 out of 12 attempts from the field, including 2 for 4 from beyond the arc, alongside making 3 of 5 free throws. His performance was pivotal in helping the Cougars improve their season record to 8-6 and 1-2 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

In support, Brian Taylor II contributed significantly with 19 points, shooting a remarkable 7 of 9 from the floor and an impressive 5 of 6 from three-point territory. Ring Malith added to the team’s efforts, finishing the night with nine points and securing eight rebounds.

On the opposing side, Marko Maletic led the scoring for Western Illinois with 28 points. The Leathernecks, whose record stands at 7-7 and 1-2 in their conference, also saw contributions from Ryan Myers, who scored 17 points, and added four assists along with two steals. Sean Smith rounded out the effort with 13 points and also recorded eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

This matchup highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, with SIU-Edwardsville finding a way to secure the win amid a strong showing from Western Illinois. The game showcased the talents of both teams and set the stage for an exciting season ahead.