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Western Illinois University Athletics

Marcus Watson

Leathernecks Home for the First Time

WIU welcomes Central Michigan to Western Hall Sunday in its 2020-21 home opener.

Who | Western Illinois (0-1) vs. Central Michigan (0-3)
When | Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m. 
Where | Macomb, Ill. (Western Hall)
TV | Leatherneck All-Access
Radio | Mixlr (Talent: Cameron Thomas)
Twitter | @WIU_MensHoops

Quick Hits
- Western Illinois welcomes Central Michigan in its 2020-21 home opener
- Ten made their Leatherneck debut in the season-opener at No. 3 Iowa; Rod Johnson Jr. posted a double-double on 11 points and 10 rebounds 
- WIU has won 13 of its last 15 home openers  

The Last Outing
The Leathernecks opened their season with a 99-58 setback at No. 3 Iowa. The Hawkeyes held a 27-point lead early in the second half until Western closed the gap to 56-39 on an 11-1 run. 

A few minutes later, a 3-ball by Will Carius pulled the Leathernecks within 15 points, for the closest difference the rest of the way. Tamell Pearson led Western with 12 points while Carius, an NCAA Division II and III journeyman, added 10 points, three blocks, and three steals in his DI debut.

Basketball Background
Basketball is in Rod Johnson Jr.'s DNA. Both of his played collegiately -- Stacy was a two-year letterwinner in 51 games at Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where Roderick Sr. also suited up before transferring to Southeast Missouri. He averaged 12.8 points and 6.7 rebounds in 103 games and also played professionally overseas in Poland. 

Rod's brother Jalen is currently enjoying his freshman season at Duke, and his brother Kobe recently committed to play for USC. 

Scouting the Opposition
The Chippewas are 0-3 on the season after losses to Illinois-Chicago (74-72), Florida International (96-76), and Flagler (92-73) … eight on the 15-man roster are newcomers … Travon Broadway is maintaining a team-best 17.0 PPG and 6.0 rebounds; Caleb Huffman joins him as the only other player averaging double-figures (12.7 PPG). 

Gameday in Western Hall
At this time, in accordance with state and local guidelines, fans are not permitted to attend any event held inside Western Hall. Current season ticket holders maintain the right to their seats, and tickets will be rolled over to the next season.

Catch the Action Live (Socials, Radio, Video)
There are several ways to stay up to date with in-game action.

1. Follow the team's Twitter page for in-game updates and game highlights - @WIU_MensHoops.

2. This year, the Leatherneck Sports Network has a new home online on Mixlr. Click here or download the Mixlr app (searching WIU Athletics) to listen live! All home events will be streamed. 

3. Western Illinois Athletics continues its partnership with the WIU Broadcasting and Journalism Department to live stream all home basketball games via Leatherneck All-Access, ESPN3, or ESPN+. 

Games streamed on Leatherneck All-Access (video) and Mixlr (radio) can be accessed without charge!

Fan Cutouts Coming to Western Hall
This year, WIU Athletics will be introducing fan cutouts for all Western Hall sports. Be a part of the fun, dress up in your best Leatherneck gear, and get creative with your cutout submissions! Western Hall will even have a "Rocky and Friends" section, so let's fill it up with his furry and feathered friends. With the holidays right around the corner, what a great gift for friends and family! All cutouts will be available for pick-up or can be shipped at the end of the season. Click here to visit the website and purchase today. 

 
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