MACOMB, Ill. (AP) — Cason Carswell threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Alex Williams with 1:21 remaining, and Western Illinois scored the final 17 points to beat Lindenwood 24-21 on Saturday.

It was all Western Illinois (3-7, 2-4 OVC-Big South Association) after Nate Glantz threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Rico Bond to put Lindenwood (4-6, 3-3) ahead 21-7 with 7:05 left in the third quarter.

Antonio Chadha sparked the Leathernecks’ rally with a 41-yard field goal with 19 seconds left in the period. Markell Holman then scored on a 27-yard run, cutting the score to 21-16 after Western Illinois failed their two-point conversion attempt.

A crucial turnover came when Jacques Wyatt muffed a punt, which was recovered by the Leathernecks’ Don Paul Keith at the Lions’ 37-yard line. Carswell capitalized on the opportunity, delivering the game-winning touchdown pass just four plays later. He then connected with Holman for a successful two-point conversion, giving Western Illinois a three-point lead.

Lindenwood had built an early advantage by scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions, using eight-play drives to lead 14-0 after the first quarter. Glantz opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Smith, capping a 75-yard drive to start the game. Steve Hall added a 6-yard touchdown run to finish an 80-yard drive.

Western Illinois responded in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 14-7 at halftime with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Carswell to Brandon Lanier—the lone score of the quarter.

Stats Highlights:
– Carswell completed half of his 34 passes for 175 yards.
– Holman rushed 25 times for 172 yards.
– Glantz totaled 216 yards on 20-for-31 passing with two interceptions.
– Hall rushed 21 times for 148 yards.

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