Who | Hannibal La-Grange vs. Western Illinois
When | Saturday, December 6, 1:00 P.M.
Where | Western Hall | Macomb, IL

Leathernecks Host Hannibal La-Grange

Western Illinois returns to Western Hall for a weekend matchup with Hannibal-LaGrange, giving the Leathernecks a chance to reset at home following the tough loss at Drake. The Trojans come in as an NAIA opponent looking to test themselves against Division I competition, while Western Illinois looks to get back on track before conference play begins. 

Western Illinois vs. Drake Recap
Western Illinois fell 108–57 on the road Tuesday night against Drake at the Knapp Center in Des Moines. The Bulldogs' offense was nearly unstoppable from start to finish, putting up 54 points in each half and knocking down 19 three-pointers while shooting 69.6 percent from the field.

Lucas Lorenzen led the Leathernecks with 21 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including three makes from beyond the arc. Tyran Cook added seven points off the bench, and Makai Kvamme finished with six. Western Illinois also forced six steals and recorded 17 bench points, but Drake's efficiency and depth proved too much as the Bulldogs' bench contributed 45 points.

Lorenzen's Hot Stretch
Lucas Lorenzen has emerged as Western Illinois' go-to scorer, averaging 23 points per game over his last two outings. The 6'4 junior guard has supplied a consistent offensive spark and given the Leathernecks a dependable option late in possessions. After not starting against North Dakota, Lorenzen has responded by playing like someone who has firmly established his place in the starting lineup.

Scouting Hannibal-LaGrange
Hannibal-LaGrange enters the matchup at 4–5 and is coming off a strong 69–51 road win at Culver-Stockton (MO). The Trojans were powered by Kell Estep's 27-point outing, showcasing the type of perimeter firepower they can generate when they get rolling. Their leading scorer on the season is guard Josh Talton, who averages 15.3 points per game and serves as the steady source of offense they rely on night to night.

Key's to the Matchup

• Establish tempo early: Western Illinois needs to push the pace and keep Hannibal-LaGrange from settling into its guard-driven, perimeter-oriented rhythm.

• Attack the paint: With the Trojans lacking size inside, the Leathernecks have an opportunity to generate high-percentage looks and control the rebounding battle.

• Ride Lucas Lorenzen's momentum: After averaging 23 points over his last two games, Lorenzen's scoring punch will be key in stretching the Trojans' defense and creating matchup problems.

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