Who | Western Illinois vs Eastern Illinois
When | Tuesday, January  13, 7:30 P.M.
Where | Groniger Arena | Charleston, IL

Leathernecks Start Road Stretch Against Eastern Illinois

Western Illinois opens a challenging four-game road stretch on Tuesday night with a trip to Eastern Illinois, as the Leathernecks continue their search for a first conference win of the season. The matchup marks the start of four straight games away from home and presents an opportunity for Western to turn the page in league play. A win against Eastern can spark a run for the Leathernecks who need to get in the win column or risk falling farther behind in the standings. 

Western Illinois vs Tennessee Tech Recap

Western Illinois came up short in a tightly contested home matchup, falling 59–54 to Tennessee Tech on Saturday afternoon inside Western Hall.

The Leathernecks built an early advantage and led 26–18 at the halftime break, holding the Golden Eagles to 27.6 percent shooting in the opening half. Western Illinois knocked down four three-pointers before the break and limited Tennessee Tech's offensive rhythm to take an eight-point lead into the locker room.

Tennessee Tech responded in the second half, shooting 57.1 percent from the field after halftime and outscoring Western Illinois 41–28 over the final 20 minutes. The Golden Eagles took their first lead of the game in the second half and were able to close out the contest at the free throw line in the final minutes.

Scouting Eastern Illinois
Eastern Illinois enters Tuesday night under fifth-year head coach Marty Simmons, who brings a wealth of experience with a 328–343 career record. The Panthers play a defense-first style, holding opponents to 72.5 points per game while allowing just 29.3 percent shooting from three-point range, one of their biggest strengths on that end of the floor. Offensively, EIU averages 66.3 points per game and shoots 42.3 percent from the field, relying more on execution and balance than high-volume scoring.

Zion Fruster leads the Panthers in scoring at 11.3 points per game, providing a steady offensive presence, while Kooper Jacobi anchors the interior with a team-best 5.9 rebounds per contest. Meechie White impacts the game on both ends, pacing Eastern in assists (2.9 per game) and steals (2.1 per game), and Terry McMorris protects the rim with 1.1 blocks per game. Eastern Illinois will look to force turnovers, averaging 7.4 steals per game, and control the tempo as it defends its home floor in Charleston.

Keys to the Matchup

• Take care of the ball: Limit turnovers against an Eastern Illinois defense that averages 7.4 steals per game and forces 13.3 turnovers, preventing easy transition opportunities for the Panthers.

• Win the perimeter battle: Challenge EIU's three-point shooting (31.1%) while taking advantage of their defense, which allows just 29.3 percent from beyond the arc.

• Control the paint and glass: Keep Kooper Jacobi in check on the boards and finish defensive possessions to prevent second-chance points.

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