Who | Western Illinois vs Eastern Illinois | Western Illinois vs Little Rock
When | Tuesday, February 10, 7:30 P.M. | Thursday, February 12, 7:30 P.M.
Where | Western Hall | Macomb, IL

Leathernecks Host Two Conference Foes 

Western Illinois returns to Western Hall for a two-game homestand as the Leathernecks host rival Eastern Illinois and conference opponent Little Rock. The stretch opens with the in-state rivalry against Eastern Illinois before continuing with a league matchup against Little Rock, a team that brings a physical style of play. Western Illinois will look to capture that first conference win during this stretch. 

Western Illinois vs Tennessee State Recap

Western Illinois dropped an 83–56 decision to Tennessee State on Saturday afternoon at the Gentry Center Complex in Nashville.

Lucas Lorenzen led all scorers for Western Illinois with 24 points, finishing 8-for-18 from the field and knocking down three triples. Makai Kvamme continued his efficient play, adding 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting while also contributing two assists. Goanar Biliew chipped in six points and a team-high five rebounds. 

Scouting Eastern Illinois
Eastern Illinois enters at 10-15 (6-8 OVC), averaging 66.7 points while allowing nearly 70. They shoot 42.8% from the field and 32.6% from three, with Zion Fruster leading the team at 14.5 points per game. Meechie White and Kooper Jacobi provide additional scoring inside, but the Panthers struggle on the boards, giving up 35.4 rebounds per game. Defensively, they create turnovers with 7.7 steals per game but only average 2.9 blocks. Limiting their outside shooting and controlling the glass will be key for Western Illinois.

Scouting Little Rock

Little Rock comes in at 9-16 (6-8 in conference), averaging 70.2 points but allowing 75. They shoot 44.7% from the field and 35.1% from three, led by Johnathan Lawson, who averages 16.6 points per game. Kachi Nzeh and Braxton Bayless provide scoring inside and on the wing, while Tuongthach Gatkek adds efficiency with 61.3% shooting. The Trojans rebound 32.9 per game and protect the rim well with 4.2 blocks, but they give up a high scoring rate which the Leathernecks will need to exploit to be competitive. 

Keys to the Matchup's

• Control the glass: Both Eastern Illinois and Little Rock struggle on the boards, giving up over 35 rebounds per game. Winning the battle of the boards will be critical for generating extra possessions and limiting second-chance points.

• Limit perimeter scoring: EIU shoots 32.6% from three and Little Rock 35.1%, with both relying on outside shooting to stretch defenses. Closing out on shooters and contesting open looks will be key.

• Protect the paint: Eastern Illinois averages just 2.9 blocks but generates steals, while Little Rock averages 4.2 blocks. Forcing turnovers without giving up easy points inside will help Western Illinois stay in control on both ends.

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