West Central Reporter

After starting the season with four consecutive road games, the Western Illinois men's basketball team is set to play its home opener against Coe College on Monday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. The game will take place at Western Hall in Macomb, Illinois.

Western Illinois enters the matchup following a loss to California Baptist on Friday night in Riverside, California. The Leathernecks were defeated 69–59, bringing their record to 0–4 for the season. Antwaun Massey led the team with 29 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Isaiah Griffin contributed 10 points and Lucas Lorenzen added nine points and six rebounds. Francis Okwuosah also pulled down seven rebounds.

California Baptist had a significant advantage in rebounding, finishing with a 50–29 edge and securing 21 offensive boards that resulted in 14 second-chance points. Dominique Daniels Jr. scored 22 points for California Baptist while Martel Williams recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Freshman guard Makai Kvamme made his first start of the season for Western Illinois against California Baptist, playing 20 minutes and recording two points and two rebounds. The coaching staff continues to experiment with different lineups as they work to develop team chemistry.

Coe College arrives at Western Hall undefeated with a record of 4–0 this season. The Kohawks compete in Division III's American Rivers Conference and are led by Cooper Nailor, who is averaging 14 points per game. In their most recent outing, Coe College defeated the University of Wisconsin-Superior by a score of 73-69.

The upcoming game offers Western Illinois an opportunity to establish continuity within its rotation and build momentum before conference play begins.

For more information about Leatherneck Basketball or updates on the team's progress throughout the season, fans can visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow the team on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.