MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois men's basketball team opens the 2026-27 season Monday, Nov. 2, on the road against Valparaiso. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT at the Athletics-Recreation Center, with the game available on ESPN+.
The Leathernecks and Beacons last met on Nov. 21, 2023, when Valparaiso earned a 73-66 win. Drew Cisse recorded 13 points and 14 rebounds, Jesiah West led Western with 19 points, and James Dent Jr. added 15.
A NEW LOOK FOR THE LEATHERNECKS
Head coach Chad Boudreau begins his fourth season at Western Illinois with a significantly new roster. After finishing 5-26 overall last season, the Leathernecks welcome several new players while returning just three from last year's team.
The returning group includes senior forward/center Jack Riley, sophomore guard Makai Kvamme and redshirt sophomore Danny Stephens.
Western added size in the frontcourt with 6-foot-9 forward/center Daivion Traylor and 6-foot-10 forward/center Matthieu Biembongo. Traylor averaged 14.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season at Southeastern.
New additions Isaiah Davis, Davee Flowers, Abdoulaye Konate, Jordan Cain, Shay Stephens, Taye Moore, Hunter Vaughn and Stefan Higgins will also look to make an impact.
LOOKING AHEAD
Western Illinois averaged 64.9 points and 31.8 rebounds per game last season. The Leathernecks will look to improve offensively and become more consistent on the boards as the new group comes together.
The nonconference schedule includes road games against Minnesota, Coastal Carolina, Indiana and Iowa. Western will also face Houston Christian, Simpson, CSU Bakersfield, Albany and Mercyhurst.
The Leathernecks were picked ninth in the Ohio Valley Conference preseason coaches poll. The OVC Tournament will take place March 3-6 in Evansville, Indiana.
SERIES HISTORY
Western Illinois and Valparaiso last met in 2023, with the Beacons earning a 73-66 victory. The teams previously shared conference membership from 1982-2007
Monday's game gives the Leathernecks their first opportunity to start the season strong as they begin a new campaign with a new-look roster under Boudreau.
FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS
For the latest news, schedule updates and coverage of Western Illinois men's basketball, visit GoLeathernecks.com and follow WIU Athletics on social media.
