Charleston Southern defense scores three touchdowns in close 42-35 loss to Western Illinois

Charleston Southern University football team lost their Halloween game to Western Illinois with a final score of 42-35, dropping to 1-3 in Ohio Valley Conference play, Live 5 WCSC reported.

The Buccaneers' defense made a strong showing with three second-half touchdowns, which helped tie the game at 35 late in the contest during their Homecoming weekend game in Charleston.

Both teams traded touchdowns in the first half, with Western Illinois' Kennedy McGill scoring twice and Charleston Southern's Harry Smalls and Hakeem Watters also finding the end zone.

In the second half, McGill added multiple touchdowns for Western Illinois, while Charleston Southern's Tristan Lennon and Jaden Hancock each returned interceptions for touchdowns, with Hancock scoring twice in the fourth quarter.

Despite forcing multiple turnovers late in the game, Charleston Southern was unable to capitalize fully, and Western Illinois held on for the win in a closely contested matchup.

The Buccaneers will look to improve their conference record as the season continues following this narrow loss at home.