Macomb, Ill. – A 13-2 run over the final 6:55 of the first half vaulted the Youngstown State men's basketball team to a 88-64 victory over Western Illinois on Saturday afternoon at Western Hall.

The Penguins improve to 5-2 for the first time since 2013-14 while the Leathernecks fall to 2-4 on the season.

Malek Green tied a season high with 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the floor to lead the Penguins offensively. Adrian Nelson posted his fifth double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds and a career-high five steals while Brandon Rush added 11 points off the bench.

Youngstown State shot 51.5 percent from the field, including 54.1 percent in the second half, and made eight 3-pointers.

Western Illinois was limited to just 42.6 percent from the field and the Penguins won the rebounding battle, 39-30.

Youngstown State opens Horizon League play against Northern Kentucky, Thursday, Dec. 1. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at BB&T Arena in Highland Heights, Ky.