Who | Western Illinois (0-0, 0-0) vs. Radford (0-0, 0-0)
When | Monday, November 3, 6:00 P.M.
Where | Dedmon Center, Radford, VA
Western Illinois Season Opener
Western Illinois men's basketball tips off its 2025–26 campaign on the road, traveling to Radford, Virginia, to take on the Highlanders in their season opener. The Leathernecks enter the year looking to build on the growth shown late last season and make an early statement in nonconference play. Under head coach Chad Boudreau, Western aims to take another step forward after a competitive 2024–25 campaign that saw the team finish 12–19 overall after a year prior where they went 21-12.
The matchup marks a test right out of the gate against a Radford team that went 20–13 last season and returns several key contributors from a balanced roster that thrives on defensive pressure and disciplined execution.
New Look For The Leathernecks
Western Illinois returns just one player from last season's roster in Ifiok Peter, who did not see game action last year due to a redshirt season. Peter's experience with the program and familiarity with the coaching staff give him a unique leadership role on a team that is otherwise entirely new. The Leathernecks' roster is filled with newcomers, including transfers and freshmen, making early-season chemistry and player development critical as the team looks to establish its identity.
Players to Watch – Western Illinois
Lucas Lorenzen – The junior guard enters his first season with the Leathernecks after transferring to Macomb, bringing outside shooting and scoring ability to the lineup. Known for his efficiency from beyond the arc and steady court vision, Lorenzen will look to make an immediate impact in Western Illinois' backcourt rotation.
Antwaun Massey – A senior forward and newcomer to the Leathernecks, Massey adds athleticism and experience to the frontcourt. His length, rebounding ability, and defensive versatility make him a valuable addition as Western Illinois looks to establish a strong interior presence early in the season.
Scouting Radford
Radford comes into the season opener following a 20–13 campaign that saw the Highlanders contend near the top of the Big South standings. Led by first year head coach Zach Chu, Radford has a roster with several new names from the top down. This matchup will be between two teams who will be eager to see how their new units fare in a nonconference game.
Keys to the Game
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Establish Offensive Rhythm Early: With several new faces in the rotation, Western Illinois will look to create early chemistry and maintain ball movement to generate high-quality looks.
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Control the Glass: Limiting second-chance points and creating extra opportunities on the offensive end will be key for the Leathernecks.
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Defensive Communication: With a new rotation it will be important to emphasize communication on the defensive side to avoid easy baskets for Radford.
What's at Stake
The season opener provides Western Illinois an early chance to set the tone for 2025–26 and showcase its identity on both ends of the floor. A win on the road would not only mark a strong start but also signal that the Leathernecks' offseason additions have quickly found their rhythm. For a program looking to turn progress into results, this game represents an opportunity to make a statement from day one.
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