West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's men's basketball team is set to face the University of Iowa Hawkeyes on Friday, November 7, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. The Leathernecks, who currently hold a 0-1 record, will play against the Hawkeyes, who are 1-0 this season.

The upcoming game is seen as an opportunity for Western Illinois to test itself against a Big Ten opponent. With an entirely new roster this year, the Leathernecks aim to evaluate their strengths and areas needing improvement through this challenging matchup.

In their season opener earlier this week, Western Illinois played Radford at the Dedmon Center and lost 80–75. Despite returning no players from last year's team, the Leathernecks showed potential and resilience throughout the game. Junior guard Lucas Lorenzen scored 25 points in his debut, making nine of his fourteen shots and hitting four three-pointers. Francis Okwuosah contributed 16 points with a perfect six-for-six from the free throw line. Isaiah Griffin added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Tyran Cook finished with 10 points.

The first game highlighted the team's competitive spirit and energy on both offense and defense. The Leathernecks managed to overcome a second-half deficit but ultimately fell short against Radford.

Iowa enters the season under new head coach Ben McCollum, formerly of Drake University. The Hawkeyes have brought in several transfers from Drake, including Bennett Stirtz, last year's Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Player of the Year. Stirtz led Iowa with 19 points in their opening win over Robert Morris (101-69), followed by Tavion Banks with 17 points. Cooper Koch and Jacob Koch are among two returning players from last season's roster.

Key factors for Western Illinois in the upcoming game include limiting Stirtz's influence on both ends of the court, staying disciplined defensively against Iowa's balanced scoring threats, and competing on the boards against Iowa's athletic frontcourt.

With only one game played together as a team so far this season, Western Illinois views this contest as an important learning experience that could help them develop further as they progress through their schedule.

For more information about Leatherneck Basketball or to follow live updates during games, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow their official accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.