Western Illinois University used a big scoring surge over a six minute stretch in the first half to build a double-digit lead and defeat the Prairie Fire 97-54 in exhibition play on November 2 at Western Hall.

Knox trailed by just two at 13-11 on a layup by senior Eric Miller (Villa Park, IL, Willowbrook) with 16:24 left in the opening half.  Sophomore Mitch Murphy (Bushnell, IL, Bushnell-Prairie City) scored the first six Prairie Fire points on a pair of 3-point baskets and Miller followed with the next five, including a 3-pointer of his own.

The Fighting Leathernecks, the defending Summit League co-champions, went on a 20-3 run for a 33-14 lead at the 10:24 mark.

Miller buried another 3-point basket about 30 seconds later to trim the WIU advantage to 16, but the hosts built a 52-30 cushion at the half.

Knox connected on seven 3-point field goals in the first half.

First-year Liam Nash (Nashville, TN, University School of Nashville) knocked down a 3-pointer that cut the WIU lead to 56-37 with 17:22 to play, but that's as close as the Prairie Fire could get.

Knox finished with 10 baskets from 3-point range and shot 19-of-55 (34.5%) overall.  The Fighting Leathernecks made nine 3-pointers and went 37-of-70 (52.9%) from the floor while holding a 48-27 edge on the glass.

Murphy led the Prairie Fire with 16 points, Miller added 14, and first-year Marcellis Davis (Chicago, IL, Curie) had 10.  Senior David Jones (Denver, CO, Colorado Academy/Air Force Academy) led Knox with six rebounds to go along with nine points in the game.

The game with WIU was the first for Knox against an NCAA Division I opponent since a meeting at Valparaiso University in 1986.