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Western to Play Final Game of Road Trip

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

Leatherneck men’s basketball will play Eastern Michigan for the first time since 1975.

Who | Western Illinois (4-1) at Eastern Michigan (1-3)
When | Wednesday (Nov. 24), 2 p.m.
Where | Convocation Center – Ypsilanti, Mich.
Social media | Instagram + Twitter + Facebook + #TRADITIONofTOUGH

Matchup history: The Leathernecks and Eagles have played 28 times in program history, with Western holding a 19-9 advantage in the series. The last time these programs met was during the 1975-76 season, when the Leathernecks won an 89-76 home matchup.

Players to watch: Luka Barisic has been a steady presence for the Leatherneck offense this season. Against DePaul, he played a season-high 32 minutes and scored a team-high 21 points, shooting 8-14 from the field and making four of his eight shot attempts from behind the arc. The graduate student from Osijek, Croatia, has scored in double figures in every game he's played this season, averaging 15.4 points per game and making a team-high 40% of his three-point attempts.
 
A junior from Bloomington, Ill., Colton Sandage has been an important presence in the team's 4-1 start. Despite scoring seven points in the team's season opener against Nebraska, he's averaging 12 points a night and is third on the team in three-pointers made while tying for the team lead in assists. Against Northern Kentucky on Monday (Nov. 22), he tied a career high with three steals to go with eight points and five rebounds.

Scouting the opponent: The Eagles are currently 1-3 on the season and coming off an 83-59 road loss to Michigan State. They are shooting 39% from deep and 74% from the free throw line, and have three players leading their offense with Noah Farrakhan (17.5), Monty Scott (16.5) and Bryce McBride (12.5) all averaging double digits for points scored. The turnover battle could be something to watch, as the Eagles are averaging 16 turnovers per game this season while Western is scoring 15 points per game off turnovers.

What's next: After playing their last three games on the road, Western will head home for three games, facing Miami (Ohio), Ball State and UT-Martin. Tip-off against Miami (Ohio) is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 27) at Western Hall, and tickets can be purchased at GoLeathernecks.com or by clicking this link.
 
 
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