Who | Western Illinois (9-2, 0-0) vs. Denver (5-6, 0-0)

When | Monday, Dec. 20 -- 6 p.m. CT

Where | Macomb, Ill. (Western Hall)

Radio | Q98.1 (Will Thomas)

Social Media | Twitter + Instagram + Facebook + #TRADITIONofTOUGH

Quick Hits

• Summit League action begins for Western Illinois women's basketball on Monday (Dec. 20), with the Leathernecks hosting Denver at 6 p.m. CT for the league opener.

• Western recently dominantly defeated Greenville University last Saturday (Dec. 11) -- a 105-56 victory in Western Hall.

• Prior to the Greenville contest tipping off, senior guard Danni Nichols was honored at center court with head coach JD Gravina for scoring her 1,000th career point on Nov. 29, 2021.

• Standing at 9-2 overall, WIU impressed during non-league play, going undefeated at home (6-0).

• Denver has won five of its first 11 games and is coming off split decisions at Butler (W, 100-94, 4OT) and Purdue (L, 68-101).

• Doshia Woods, head coach of the Pioneers, is a former Leatherneck ('01), both as a two-year player and three-year assistant coach.

• Western has never lost a home game versus the Pioneers (9-0).

• The Leathernecks were picked seventh in this year's league preseason poll.

Most Recently … | Defending its home floor amid an ongoing win streak, Western continued its successful play in a defeat over Greenville University on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 11). Gaining strong play from every roster member, WIU routed the Panthers, 105-56.

Five Leathernecks reached double-figures in scoring. Saturday's performance was the third time Western had crossed over the 100-point mark this season.

Anna Deets notched new season-highs in points (20) and three-pointers made (6), completing an exceptional 67% from long range. The sophomore also added five rebounds.

"I just always have to give credit to my teammates for finding me for those open shots -- it's really important to have everyone feeling good and positive about what she can do on the court," acknowledged Deets. "Knowing how the league is, we'll definitely need it."

Jada Thorpe stood out with a fantastic all-around, two-way performance of 16 points, five assists, and career-highs of seven rebounds and steals. Elizabeth Lutz also produced an impressive stat line: 15 points, three rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and two blocks.

Evan Zars chipped in 15 points (7-9 on field goals) and six rebounds. Mallory McDermott contributed 11 points (3-5 on three-point attempts) off the bench, while Pryor and Danni Nichols scored nine points apiece. Like Thorpe, Alissa Dins also reached a new career-high in steals (4), finishing with six points, three rebounds, and four assists in 20 minutes.

Aiming to Stay Strong | WIU enters league play as one of the noteworthy institution members. Leading the Summit in points per game (82.1) and field goal percentage (.458) as a team, the Leathernecks have four players all averaging double figures across the scoring margin: Danni Nichols (18.3), Jada Thorpe (13.0), Elizabeth Lutz (11.9), and Evan Zars (11.3). The latter individual remains at the forefront of Western's rebounding game – corralling 8.5 boards per night that continues to lead all league players. Lutz's intelligent decision-making as a lead guard has her third in assists (4.7/game) and fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.6). The senior, Thorpe, and Nichols have all stepped up defensively to fall within the league's top six in steals per contest.

A Brief History | The all-time series between Western and Denver has favored the former, with the Leathernecks holding a 14-3 advantage. Last season, when hosting Denver in a two-day series (Feb. 12-13), WIU won both showings. Elizabeth Lutz (22 points, 14 rebounds) and Evan Zars (12 points, 13 rebounds) each secured a double-double during that weekend, while Carla Flores tied her career-high in assists (7) on day two.

Scouting the Opposition | Three Pioneers are averaging 12 or more points per game for Denver, led by the standout playout of Uzu Ezeudu (16.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, .513 FG %). Defensively, the junior forward is one of the team's best (1.6 BPG, 1.3 SPG). Backcourt mates Anna Jackson (12.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG) and Meghan Boyd (12.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG) have aided in steadying an offensive attack that averages 71.5 points a night. Lead guard Indeya Sanders has done well in getting all involved with 4.9 APG.

Boyd and Ezeudu were both named to the 2021-22 Preseason All-Summit League Second Team.

Denver was picked to finish fifth in this year's league preseason poll.

What's Next? | Western's second league test arrives in the form of Omaha on Wednesday (Dec. 22). The game will be the Leathernecks' last before the new year. Tip time is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.