MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois returns to action looking to bounce back from its season-opening loss to Valparaiso as the Leathernecks prepare to take on Houston Christian on Saturday in Canton, Ill. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The Leathernecks opened their 2026-27 campaign Monday night, falling 80-58 to Valparaiso at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Western Illinois got off to a competitive start, trading baskets with the Beacons throughout the opening minutes.
Jack Riley helped WIU take an early lead with back-to-back three-pointers, giving the Leathernecks an 11-7 advantage. Riley finished with 11 points, providing an early scoring spark for Western Illinois.
Valparaiso responded with a run of its own, building a 38-19 advantage heading into halftime. The Leathernecks battled back in the second half, finding more success offensively, but were unable to overcome the deficit.
Daivion Traylor led the Leathernecks with 15 points, while Makai Kvamme added 13 points. Riley also finished in double figures with 11 points.
The Leathernecks will now turn their attention to a Houston Christian team coming off a dominant 108-45 victory over Louisiana Christian in its season opener.
SCOUTING HOUSTON CHRISTIAN
The Huskies enter Saturday's matchup with a 1-0 record after putting together an impressive offensive performance against Louisiana Christian on Tuesday night.
Houston Christian shot 53.6% from the field and connected on nine three-pointers while recording 24 assists on 37 made baskets. The Huskies also took care of the basketball, committing just seven turnovers.
Four players finished in double figures, led by Max Alexander with 19 points and five assists. Jonas Nichols added 16 points, while Mambourou Mara recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Mubiru also contributed 11 points.
Defensively, Houston Christian created plenty of opportunities, forcing 28 turnovers and recording 16 steals. The Huskies also controlled the paint, holding a 50-16 advantage in points inside while outrebounding Louisiana Christian 45-28.
LOOKING AHEAD
Western Illinois will look to establish its offensive rhythm early and limit Houston Christian's opportunities in transition. The Leathernecks will need to match the Huskies' defensive intensity while taking advantage of scoring opportunities on their home floor.
Saturday's matchup provides Western Illinois with an opportunity to earn its first victory of the 2026-27 season as the Leathernecks continue their early-season schedule.
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