WHAT'S UP? The Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks close out the home slate of the 2014-15 season on Saturday, February 20, as the Leathernecks play host to Denver on Senior Day. The Leathernecks will honor Jenna Mueller and Tori Niemann prior to tip-off for their contributions to the Leathernecks. Western Illinois (16-10, 8-5) looks to complete the regular season sweep over Denver (8-19, 5-8). Tip-off between the Leathernecks and Pioneers is set for 4:30 p.m. inside Western Hall. The game is part of a doubleheader, as the Western men's team will also play host to Denver for its senior night immediately following the conclusion of the women's contest. 

BROADCAST INFORMATION: 
Live Radio: Leatherneck Sports Network (94.3 FM WRMS or wrmsfm.com)
Live Stream: Leatherneck All-Access (accessible via goleathernecks.com/watch)
Live Stats: GoLeathernecks.com

SCOUTING DENVER: Denver (8-19 overall, 5-8 Summit League) enters Saturday's contest having dropped seven of its past nine contests, with victories coming at Fort Wayne and at home to second-place South Dakota State. Paige Bradley and Morgan Van Riper-Rose lead the Pioneer attack, as Bradley (13.2) and Van Riper-Rose (11.0) each average in double figures in scoring. Kerry Cremeans is in her third season at the helm of the Pioneer program which currently sits in sixth place in the league standings. 

SERIES HISTORY: This is just the fourth ever meeting between the two programs, with Western picking up a 93-66 victory on Jan. 15 in Denver. Michelle Maher became Western Illinois' all-time leader in three-point field goals in the game, as her 5-of-7 effort from beyond the arc gave her 147 career triples, surpassing Amanda Walker. Western knocked down 14 three pointers, the 5th in a single game in Western history. Three other Leathernecks, Ashley Luke, Tori Niemann, and Sophie Reichelt, scored in double figures, while Luke tallied a double double with 16 rebounds.

LAST TIME OUT: The Western Illinois women's basketball team dropped a 68-61 decision to Oral Roberts inside Western Hall on Thursday, February 19. With the defeat, the Leathernecks fall to 16-10, 8-5 in Summit League play, and sit in third place in the league standings. The Golden Eagles improved to 14-13 (8-6) with the victory. Ashley Luke's double-double led the way for the Leathernecks, as her 22 points were a team high and her 14 rebounds marked a game high. The native of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, has now tallied a double-double in seven straight contests and in 16 of the past 18 games. Luke was joined by Tori Niemann (13 points) and Michelle Maher (10 points) in double-figures Thursday evening. For Niemann, Thursday marked the 12th time in the past 15 contests in which the senior has reached the 10-point mark while Maher has tallied 10 or more points in 14 games this year. Western held the advantage early in the game, as the Leathernecks were able to jump out to an early 10-3 lead. Luke got the scoring started with a jumper in the paint, and Niemann followed with a quick triple, forcing a Golden Eagle timeout. Following a Oral Roberts 3-pointer, Luke hit another jumper and was backed up by three straight points at the free throw line, one by Maher and two by Niemann. The seven point advantage was the biggest lead Western would have against Oral Roberts. Despite trailing for the first 16:50 of the opening half, Oral Roberts would take a 35-31 lead into the locker room, as the team ended the half on a 17-4 run over the final 6:33. Gilbert, who came off the bench in Thursday's contest, contributed four points in the run and would finish the game as the top scorer with 24 points. The Purple and Gold stormed out of the gates in the opening minute of the second half to retake the lead. Niemann scored nine seconds into the half on a layup, with a nice assist coming from Maher at the top of the key. On the defensive end, Sophie Reichelt would steal an entry pass to Vicky McIntyre and answer with a triple on the offensive end. Western's 5-0 spurt would give them a slim 36-35 lead, their final lead of the night. Oral Roberts, who took the season sweep with the victory, maintained the lead for the final 17:47 of the game en route to the seven-point decision. Western was able to trim the deficit to three points on three separate occasions down the stretch but were unable to put together a run to get back into the lead.

REPRESENTING ILLINOIS: The 2014-15 WIU record of 16-9 is one of the best this year in comparison to other universities in Illinois. Of the 10 public universities in the state of Illinois that participate in Division I women's basketball, Western Illinois' 16 victories rank as the most among the institutions. Western Illinois also has more victories over one private university (Loyola), and only trail DePaul and Northwestern (both private) for the outright lead among Illinois universities.

BEST SINCE 06: The 2014-15 season is shaping up to be the best season of Leatherneck Basketball in almost a decade. Western's 16 wins are the most wins in a single since since the 2005-06 season in which the Leathernecks went 23-7 and competed in the WNIT. The Purple and Gold have had two winning streaks reach four games long this season, the first time since the 05-06 campaign in which a Leatherneck team has had two winning streaks in a season reach four games.

THE STREAK CONTINUES: Dating back to the end of her freshman campaign, Ashley Luke has been one of the most consistent players in the country, as she has registered 63 straight games of 10 or more points. During the streak, Luke has scored exactly 10 points twice, 11-15 points 14 times, 16-20 points 23 times, 21-25 points 13 times, 25-30 points seven times, and 31+ points four times. Her career-high is 35 points, which she scored against South Dakota in the first round of the 2014 Summit League Tournament. Luke's streak is the second-longest known streak in the nation, with Kelsey Minato of Army's streak of 73-straight games (through Feb. 17) being the only known streak longer than Luke's.

MAHER BREAKS THE RECORD: In Western Illinois' victory over Denver on Jan. 15, Michelle Maher became the program leader in career three pointers, passing Amanda Walker for the top spot. A 5-of-7 shooting performance against the Pioneers gave Maher 147 career three pointers, surpassing Walker's career total of 146. In her career, Maher has knocked down 157 triples. 

LONG BALL AMONG NATIONS BEST: Western Illinois has found success from beyond the arc this season, having made 197 field goals from three-point range. The Leathernecks' average of 7.8 made three-point field goals per game is among the best in Division I, as the team ranks 26th nationally. The team hit 14 triples in its victory over Denver, tied for the fifth most in a game in Leatherneck history. The 197 made triples are the 4th most in a single season in Leatherneck history. 

LUKE NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT: It was announced on Feb. 5 that junior Ashley Luke was a CoSIDA Capital One Academic-All District selection. Luke is one of five nominees for the All-District team from District 5, which includes all Division I schools in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Luke and the four other selections will now be eligible for Academic All-American honors, in which Luke was a 2013-14 Third Team Academic All-American a season ago. 

NONCONFERENCE SUCCESS: Western Illinois posted an 8-5 nonconference mark this season, one of the best nonconference records in recent history for the Leathernecks. The eight wins matches the most nonconference wins under JD Gravina, as his squad a year ago also recorded eight wins. The .615 winning percentage in nonconference games this season is the best winning percentage for a Leatherneck team since the 2005-06 team that went on to finish 23-7 and claim the Mid-Con regular season title.

LEATHERNECKS SWEEP MASTODONS: On January 31, Western Illinois knocked off Fort Wayne by a 59-55 final. The victory completed the season-sweep for Western Illinois over the Mastodons, after picking up a 98-85 road win to open league play. The pair of wins gives Western Illinois its first-ever regular season sweep of Fort Wayne. 

FARROW HOT FROM DEEP: Redshirt freshman Michelle Farrow has been the team leader from beyond the arc this year, with a team-best 41 made three pointers. Farrow was hot from deep during a six game stretch for the Leathernecks (Nov. 29 through Dec. 21), as Farrow shot 65% from three-point range (17-of-26). On the year Farrow is shooting 41.7% from long distance. At one point this season, Farrow was fourth nationally in three-point field goal percentage. 

KNOCKING EM DOWN FROM THE CHARITY STRIPE: The Leatherneck went 4-0 to open 2015 and much of the success can be attributed to the team's performance at the free throw line. In the four games, the team shot a combined 86% from the free throw line. Western Illinois was 9-of-10 against Eureka, went 19-of-20 to end nonconference against Milwaukee, was 35-40 in The Summit League opener against Fort Wayne, and shot 19-of-25 against Omaha. Combined, the team was 82-of-95 during the stretch. This season, Tori Niemann is shooting a team-best 84.0% from the free throw line. Against Fort Wayne on Jan. 31, Ashley Luke was a perfect 14-of-14 from the charity stripe, the 2nd best FT performance in school history. Luke's 17-of-17 outing against Southeast Missouri her sophomore year is the best performance in program history. 

LUKE JOINS 1,000 POINT CLUB: Junior Ashley Luke entered Leatherneck history during Western Illinois' contest against Florida Atlantic on Nov. 24, as she became just the 14th player in program history to record 1,000 career points. Luke becomes the first Leatherneck to join the club since Zane Teilane, who was a member of Western Illinois from 2003-2006. Currently, Luke has 1,444 career points, the 4th most in program history, trailing Kelle Lindbeck by 42 points for 4th on the all-time list.

ACTIVE CAREER LEADERS: In just over two seasons at Western Illinois Ashley Luke has proven herself to be one of the top players in today's game. Her 43 career double-doubles are the 7th most among active Division I players, while her career average of 9.6 rebounds per game ranks 13th on the active career leaders list. Luke has scored 1,444 career points, the 12th most in Division I, and her 16.8 points per game ranks 19th most among active players.

UMKC DRAWS RECORD CROWD: Western Illinois' first ever 'Elementary Day' was a success on and off the court, with over 1,000 students in attendance as the Leathernecks hosted UMKC on November 25. With the aid of the students, the game drew 1,443 fans inside Western Hall, a new women's basketball attendance record.

BY THE NUMBERS: In head coach JD Gravina's tenure, the Leathernecks are 42-17 when scoring at least 70 points. When scoring 69-or-fewer points, Western is 14-44 over the same timespan. The Leathernecks also know how to close out a late lead, as they are 47-5 under Gravina when leading with five minutes remaining.

LEATHERNECKS GARNER PRESEASON RECOGNITION: Junior forward Ashley Luke and junior guard Michelle Maher each collected preseason accolades in The Summit League annual preseason voting. Luke was named the league's 'Preseason Player of the Year' while also being named a Fourth Team All Mid-Major selection by collegesportsmadness.com. ESPNW also named Luke as one of the top-10 mid-major players to watch this upcoming season. Maher was tabbed Summit League Preseason Second Team. The Leathernecks were slated to finish fourth this season according to the poll. The fourth place projection is the highest mark for the Leatherneck program since the 2006-07 season when the Purple and Gold were picked to finish fourth as well.

RECORD BREAKERS: The Leathernecks broke seven program records a season ago, with junior Ashley Luke single-handedly breaking five program records. Luke set the top mark in points scored (623), scoring average (20.8), field goals made (223), free throws made (177) and free throws attempted (255). As a team, the Fighting Leathernecks set program records in points scored (2,392) and field goals made (846).

IMPROVEMENT UNDER GRAVINA: In his three years at the helm of the Leatherneck basketball program, head coach JD Gravina has recorded more wins (26) in his first two years at Western Illinois than any other coach in program history, while his 40 wins in his first three years ranks second all-time for most wins over the first three years (Leslie Crane, 41, 1998-00). To date, Gravina has notched 56 career victories, one victory shy of the program record for most wins during a coaches first four years as head coach. Leslie Crane accumulated 57 victories over her first four years as Western's head coach from the 1998-99 season through 2001-02. Gravina has also produced three All-Summit League selections as well as two 'Newcomers of the Year'. 

LUKE LANDS LINCOLN LAUREATE: It was announced on Oct. 29 that junior forward Ashley Luke (Oak Creek, Wisconsin) had been named the Western Illinois University recipient of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois' Student Laureate Award for 2014. The award, presented annually to an outstanding senior of each of Illinois' four-year degree-granting institutions, honors a student's overall academic excellence and extracurricular activities. Luke, a senior political science and journalism double major, will also be named the College Scholar for the WIU College of Arts and Sciences this semester and plans to pursue a master's degree in economics from Western.

ROSTER ADDITIONS: The team welcomes five new members to the program this season. Jenna Mueller has been added to the program as a graduate school transfer and will be immediately eligible for Western Illinois after appearing in 85 career games for Saint Louis University. Junior Krystal Corhn will also be immediately eligible to play this season after transferring from Highland Community College. Sophomore Taylor McClintock joins the Western family after spending her freshman year at Mercer and will redshirt this upcoming season to meet NCAA transfer requirements. The program added two freshmen to the roster in Emily Clemens and Tayler Miller. Clemens, a native of Muscatine, Iowa, was a two-time All-State honoree, earning First Team honors her senior year. As a senior, Clemens was also named the 'Conference Player of the Year'. Miller hails from St. Louis, Missouri where she concluded her high school career as the program's all-time leading scorer and rebounder.  

SUCCESS IN THE CLASSROOM: Western Illinois excelled in the classroom this past season, posting the fifth-highest GPA among Division I women's basketball programs. The Leathernecks recorded a cumulative team GPA of 3.607, highest among all programs in The Summit League. Five current members of the team were named to The Summit League Academic Honor in 2013-14, posting a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Of the five, three earned the Distinguished Scholar award: Ashley Luke, Tori Niemann and Liz Skotowski. During the Spring 2014 semester Michelle Farrow, Luke, and Niemann earned a 4.0 GPA.

BASKETBALL INKS ONE FOR 2015: Head coach JD Gravina announced that Taylor Higginbotham (Germantown, Wis., Germantown) has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Western Illinois women's basketball program in 2015. Higginbotham, a 5-10 guard, averaged 13.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game last season for the Warhawks. Higginbotham is also a member of the Wisconsin Lakers AAU team which produced current Leathernecks Ashley Luke, Faith Lois, and Michelle Farrow.

SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN: The Leathernecks will compete in a total of 29 regular season games as well as one exhibition game in 2014-15. Western will play 14 regular season games at home in Western Hall and will hit the road for 15 contests. The Leathernecks have a schedule that includes marquee match-ups against teams from the SEC (Missouri), Big East (Marquette), Conference USA (Florida Atlantic), and Horizon League (UIC).  

LEROY A. UFKES COURT: Western Hall, home of the men's and women's basketball programs, received a new court this offseason thanks to a donation from the family of a Western Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame member. LeRoy A. Ufkes Court is named after the 1996 Hall of Fame inductee, a supporter of the WIU Athletic Department for over 25 years. The new look is thanks to a donation from Joan Ufkes and the late LeRoy Ufkes. 

WHAT IS A LEATHERNECK?: Western Illinois holds the distinction of being the only non-military institution to officially have its nickname derived from a branch of the military service. The school began use of the Marine Corps' official nickname, "The Fighting Leathernecks", in 1927 when then-athletic director and head baseball, basketball and football coach Ray "Rock" Hanson was granted permission by the U.S. Navy, based on his status as a Marine hero, to use the Marine's official seal, bulldog mascot and nickname.