Macomb, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Gabriel Aguirre made a layup just before time expired in the extra session to lift the Pacific Tigers to a 73-71 overtime win over the Western Illinois Leathernecks in a season-opening thriller at Western Hall.

Aguirre finished 4-of-6 from the floor for 10 points and also pulled down eight boards for the Tigers (1-0), who also received a double-double of 13 points and 10 boards from T.J. Wallace. David Taylor netted 13 points, while Eric Thompson provided a spark off the bench with 12 points.

Garret Covington paced WIU (0-1) in the scoring column with 15 points and also recorded six boards. Mike Miklusak had 11 points, while Dalan Ancrum and Jamie Batish provided 10 points apiece. Tate Stensgaard led the Leathernecks with seven rebounds and four assists.

The Tigers took a 36-31 lead into the intermission after they connected on 50 percent of their field goal tries and converted 9-of-11 attempts at the free- throw line in the opening period. WIU was limited to a 3-of-11 clip from beyond the arc in the first half.

Pacific cooled off to hit on just 35.5 percent of its shots from the floor in the second period. Both sides had a chance to win the game in the final minute of regulation, but jumpers by Taylor and Stensgaard fell off the mark leaving the game tied at 67 after 40 minutes of action.

Covington missed a pair of 3-point field goal tries late in the extra session before Aguirre's game-winning layup with one second remaining.

The Tigers enjoyed a 43-38 edge in the rebounding battle. WIU finished 17- of-31 at the free-throw line.