Who: Western Illinois vs Chicago State
Where: Macomb, Ill (Western Hall)
When: Tuesday, Nov. 28
Social Media: @WIUWBB (Twitter + Instagram + Facebook)

Off To a Hot Start

Western Illinois is off to a hot start to begin the 2023-24 campaign. The Leathernecks are posting a 5-1 record for the second time in the last three years. WIU has had a 5-1 or better record through the first six games of play just three times under Coach JD Gravina. WIU started the 2021-22 season with an 11-2 record.

Rising Freshmen

Raegan McCowan has been leading the Leathernecks all season long. Named as the OVC Freshmen of the Week twice already this season, McCowan is averaging 15.0 and 6.5 rebounds for WIU.

Newcomer Success

Jasmine Nichols has provided depth for Western Illinois this season. The Junior earned OVC Newcomer of the Week on November 20. Nichols averaged 20 points and six rebounds over that week. Against Stephens College, Nichols had her second double-digit scoring game with 12 points.

Crashing the Glass

The Western Illinois squad has outrebounded its opponents by 276-187. The Leathernecks hold a 14.8 rebound differential. Western Illinois is cleaning up the offensive glass, outrebounding opponents 84-51 on that side of the ball.

Starting Strong, Finishing Stronger

Western Illinois has started the first quarter on fire as they have outscored their opponents 119-66. The Leathernecks have outscored their opponents in all the other three quarters but have dominated the 4th quarter, outscoring opponents 117-75.

Three is more than two

The Leathernecks are always dangerous from behind 22 feet. Last season, the Leathernecks made 220 three-pointers, shooting over 28% as a team. Deets led the way with 49, McDermott had 36, and Brownfield knocked down 22.

Western Illinois has knocked down 46 three-pointers, averaging 7.6 a game this season.

Double Figures

Western Illinois has four players who all average in double-digit scoring. Raegan McCowan leads the way with 15.0 ppg. Anna Deets averages 14.2 ppg. Mallory McDermott averages 12.3 ppg, and Addi Brownfield averages 10.0.

OVC Rankings

Western Illinois ranks number one in the OVC in points scored at 80.8 and points allowed at 53.5. The Leathernecks are also number one in team field goal percentage (46.5%), Opponent field goal percentage (33.3%), 3-point field goal percentage (36.8), Opponent 3-point field goal percentage (23.1), Rebounds (46.0), Team defensive rebounds (32.0), Opponent rebounds (31.2), Turnover Margin (3.00), Assist-turnover ratio (1.02)

Scouting Chicago State

Chicago State comes into Tuesday's matchup with a 0-10 record. The Cougars will play six games in seven days, traveling in three states. Jacia Cunningham leads the Cougars, averaging 12.1 points per game.