Women's Basketball Takes On NDSU In Think Pink Game

Western Illinois takes on the Bison Saturday (Jan. 27) at 4:30 p.m.

GAME 22
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: WESTERN ILLINOIS LEATHERNECKS vs NORTH DAKOTA STATE BISON
Jan. 27, 2018 • 4:30 p.m. • Macomb, Ill. • Western Hall

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MACOMB, Ill.— Western Illinois plays host to the visiting North Dakota State Bison for Summit League action Saturday (Jan. 27) at 4:30 p.m. live on ESPN3.

THINK PINK: Looking ahead to this Saturday (Jan. 27), Western Illinois Athletics holds its annual 'Think Pink' promotion, where all proceeds go to Linda's Fund for breast cancer awareness. Following the game, players will be available for an autograph session for all fans. A bouncy house will also be available for all kids who attend.

ONE FOR THE RECORDS: In the 118-93 win against Denver (Jan. 24), the teams combined for a new single-game record for the most three-pointers made with 36. The record breaks the previously-held mark of 34 that Sacramento State and Montana State set on Feb. 6, 2016. Also, the Leathernecks hit 18 three-pointers for a new single-game record, while Morgan Blumer's seven threes tied her own career and program-high for the second time.

Western Illinois' 64 points also marked the most points in a half this season, and it marked the third time this season with 100 or more points in a game.

IF YOU PASS IT, THEY WILL SCORE: Emily Clemens moved to second-all time in Summit League history for career assists, as she has 610 and is currently behind South Dakota's Nicole Seekamp (628, 2012-16).

The Muscatine, Iowa, native is also coming off a career night, as she had 39 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds. Her 39 points are the second-most in program history for a single game behind former player Michelle Maher's 41, and her 13 assists tied her career-high for the second time. She was one rebound away from her second-career triple-double, while she recorded her 12th career double-double (fourth this season).

THREE IS A MAGIC NUMBER: Along with Emily Clemens' 39 points, Taylor Higginbotham and Morgan Blumer helped combined for 93 of the team's 118 total points in the win over Denver. Blumer finished with 28 points while Higginbotham recorded 26.

That marked the first time this season the Leathernecks had three players score 20-plus points in a game. The trio also rank in the top-5 in The Summit League, as Clemens ranks second (17.9), Higginbotham in third (16.8) and Blumer in fifth (14.2).

HEART OVER HEIGHT: As the shortest team in the Summit League with only three players over six feet, Western Illinois' Higginbotham (5-feet-10) and Olivia Braun (6-feet-1) rank in the top-5 for rebounds per game in the league. Higginbotham is currently third with 7.3 per contest, while Braun is not far behind in fifth with 6.6 per game. With 36.7 rebounds per game, the Leathernecks ranks fourth in the league.

SCOUTING THE BISON: North Dakota State currently sits at 8-12 and 1-5 in league play thus far, most recently falling 80-67 to Omaha on Jan. 24. The Bison are led by the duo of Reilly Jacobson and Rylee Nudell, who both average just over 10 points per game. Jacobson also notches a team-leading 5.7 rebounds per contest.

Western Illinois swept the Bison in both meetings last season with 110-81 and 87-60 results at home and on the road. The last time the Bison and Leathernecks played inside Western Hall, Morgan Blumer had a career-game of 36 points and 15 rebounds. She tied a program record seven threes in that game (Jan. 14, 2017), which was also a career-high. Coincidentally, Blumer tied that career-high and program record two days ago against Denver.

THE SERIES: Western Illinois owns the all-time series 12-9 over North Dakota State which dates back to Jan. 12, 2008. Head coach JD Gravina is 10-2 all-time against the Bison, which includes a seven-game winning streak thus far.

LOOKING AHEAD: A two-game road trip follows Saturday's contest in Western Hall, as the Leathernecks take on South Dakota (Feb. 1) and Oral Roberts (Feb. 3). The start times are set for 7 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.

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Players Mentioned

#12 Morgan Blumer: G; 5' 11"; Senior; Milton / Florida Gulf Coast

#3 Olivia Braun: F; 6' 1"; Senior; St. Catherine's / Toledo

#2 Emily Clemens: G; 5' 4"; Senior; Muscatine

#24 Taylor Higginbotham: G; 5' 10"; Junior; Germantown

Players Mentioned

#12 Morgan Blumer
: 5' 11"; Senior; Milton / Florida Gulf Coast
: G

#3 Olivia Braun
: 6' 1"; Senior; St. Catherine's / Toledo
: F

#2 Emily Clemens
: 5' 4"; Senior; Muscatine
: G

#24 Taylor Higginbotham
: 5' 10"; Junior; Germantown
: G