Leathernecks Play Host To Mid-Week Game Against Eastern Illinois

After the win against Saint Mary's of Minn., the Leathernecks look to move to 2-0 for the first time since 2015-16.

GAME TWO
MEN'S BASKETBALL: WESTERN ILLINOIS LEATHERNECKS VS EASTERN ILLINOIS
Nov. 15, 2017 • 7:00 p.m. (CT) • Macomb, Ill. • Western Hall
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MACOMB,Ill.- The Western Illinois men's basketball team (1-0) welcomes Eastern Illinois (0-1) to Western Hall on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. The Leathernecks are coming off of a 109-68 win against Saint Mary's of Minnesota while the Panthers suffered a 72-68 loss at Nebraska.

LAST TIME OUT:
The Leathernecks opened their season rolling over Saint Mary's of Minnesota 109-68. The Cardinals were only trailing 47-43 at the half, but thanks to a 62-point second half, the Purple and Gold won their season opener. Brandon Gilbeck set a career high in points with 31, while Dalan Ancrum set his career as well, netting 21 points. Freshman Kobe Webster scored 19 points while also logging eight assists, five rebounds, four steals and zero turnovers.

DIAPER DANDY:
Freshman Kobe Webster recorded 19 points, eight assists, five rebounds and four steals in his debut against St. Mary's on Nov. 11. Within the first two minutes of the game, Webster knocked down his first 3-point basket for the Leathernecks as well as his first steal that turned into a layup on a fast break. Webster was not the only freshman that made his mark in his debut; Isaac Johnson recorded 11 points, three rebounds, a steal and an assists in 21 minutes of action.

FAMILIAR FOES:
Western Illinois has not faced an opponent more times than Eastern Illinois. The Panthers lead the series 79-77 with the last meeting coming Dec. 10, 2016, a game in which Eastern Illinois won 63-49. The Leathernecks and the Panthers will play twice this season, with the other game taking place at Eastern Illinois on Dec. 19.

SCOUTING THE PANTHERS:
Eastern Illinois comes into the game 0-1 with their sole loss coming at Nebraska, a contest they lost 72-68 in Lincoln, Neb. The Panthers competed in an exhibition against in-state rival Illinois that Eastern Illinois won 80-67. Their second exhibition was a loss to Southern Indiana inside of Lantz Arena. Against Nebraska, three players scored in double figures for the Panthers, Terrell Lewis (13), Jajuan Starks (12) and Montell Goodwin (10). Muusa Dama pulled down a team-high seven rebounds. Eastern Illinois is the 9th most experienced team in the nation, with an average of 2.39 years of experience.

LOOKING AHEAD:
After the contest against Eastern Illinois, the Leathernecks close out their first home slate against Calvary University on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. This will be the second of four non-Divison I opponents featured in the Leathernecks schedule. The other two will come Dec. 31 against Lincoln Christian and Jan. 13 against Oak Hills Christian. WIU will be on the road for Thanksgiving week with a Wednesday match-up at Southern Illinois- Edwardsville and Nov. 25 at Iowa State.

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Players Mentioned

#15 Dalan Ancrum: G/F; 6' 6"; Senior; Westwood

#52 Brandon Gilbeck: C; 7' 0"; Junior; River Valley

#10 Kobe Webster: G; 6' 0"; Freshman; Park Tudor

#35 Isaac Johnson: G; 6' 5"; Freshman; North

Players Mentioned

#15 Dalan Ancrum
: 6' 6"; Senior; Westwood
: G/F

#52 Brandon Gilbeck
: 7' 0"; Junior; River Valley
: C

#10 Kobe Webster
: 6' 0"; Freshman; Park Tudor
: G

#35 Isaac Johnson
: 6' 5"; Freshman; North
: G