Who | Western Illinois (11-5, 2-3) vs. South Dakota (14-4, 7-0) and South Dakota State (10-8, 6-1)
When | Thursday (Jan. 20), 7 p.m. CT and Saturday (Jan 22.), 2 p.m. CT
Where | Vermillion, S.D. (Sanford Coyote Sports Center) and Brookings, S.D. (Frost Arena)
Radio | Leatherneck Sports Network (Thursday and Saturday)
Social Media | Twitter + Instagram + Facebook + #TRADITIONofTOUGH

Quick Hits

• After a pair of setback losses vs North Dakota and North Dakota State last week, Western Illinois women's basketball is back in action this week for a pair of road contests versus South Dakota on Thursday (Jan. 20) and South Dakota State (Jan. 22). These will be the first conference road matchups for the Leathernecks this season.

•  Despite two low scoring outings last week, Western Illinois is still one of the top scorers in the Summit League at 77.9 points per game. 

• South Dakota and South Dakota State are two of the best defensive teams in the Summit League. South Dakota is ranked first in defensive scoring (53.1 PPG) and South Dakota State is ranked second (61.1 PPG). 

Last Time Out | A gritty afternoon from start to finish, Saturday saw Western Illinois women's basketball (11-5, 2-3) fall at home to the Bison of North Dakota State (7-10, 3-4) in a 63-55 decision.

Double Digit Squad | Western Illinois has gotten most of their points from their four main starters this season, currently with four players averaging double figures. Danni Nichols averages a team leading 17.9 PPG (3rd in Summit League), Jada Thorpe with 12.8 PPG, Evan Zars with 11.6 PPG, and Elizabeth Lutz with 10.6 PPG. WIU continues to be the only Summit League team with four players averaging double figures. 

Great Percentages | Western Illinois' shooting percentages have been among the best in the Summit League both offensively and defensively. The Leathernecks are shooting 42.6 percent from the field, good for the third best percentage in the Summit League. Defensively, teams have shot just 38.3 percent against WIU, good for the second lowest percentage in the Summit League. 

No Margin For Error | Western Illinois' +3.19 turnover margin is good for the second best in the Summit League. The Leathernecks are forcing 16.6 turnovers per game (second in the Summit League) and committing only 13.4 per game, which is also second best in the League. WIU is one of three teams in the Summit League that have a positive turnover margin this season. 

What's Next? | Western Illinois continues road play next Saturday (Jan. 29) against St. Thomas at 1 p.m. CT and will then battle the Kansas City Roos for the first time this season Monday (Jan. 31) at 6 p.m. CT.