Western Illinois University Leathernecks Men’s Basketball will conclude its regular season with two games, facing SIUE on Thursday, February 26 in Edwardsville and Lindenwood on Saturday, February 28 at Western Hall in Macomb. The team enters these final contests with a record of 5–24 overall and 1–17 in Ohio Valley Conference play.
The Leathernecks are set to play their last road game against the SIUE Cougars before returning home for Senior Day versus the Lindenwood Lions. Although postseason play is not an option this year, these games provide Western Illinois with a chance to end the season positively and honor their seniors.
In their most recent outing, Western Illinois lost to Morehead State by a score of 81-59 at Western Hall. Danny Stephens led the team with 15 points, followed by Goanar Biliew who added 14 points and four rebounds. Lucas Lorenzen and Francis Okwuosah each scored ten points while Makai Kvamme contributed eight assists along with four points.
The upcoming opponent SIUE holds a record of 17–12 overall and 10–8 in conference under head coach Brian Barone. The Cougars focus on defense and ball control, averaging 70.9 points per game while allowing opponents just 65.4 points per contest. They shoot 44.3% from the field and hold teams to under 40% shooting. Key players include Ring Malith (17.0 ppg), Myles Thompson (6.1 rpg), Jack Campion (4.9 apg), and Arnas Sakenis (2.3 bpg).
Lindenwood comes into the final matchup at 16–13 overall (10–8 conference). The Lions average 78.3 points per game on nearly 46% shooting while holding opponents to about 43%. They excel in rebounding (38.6 rpg) and have three consistent double-digit scorers: Anias Futrell (17.4 ppg), Jadis Jones (15.6 ppg/8.3 rpg), and Dontrez Williams (15.1 ppg).
Key factors for Western Illinois will be controlling rebounds against both teams, minimizing turnovers—since SIUE averages only 11.7 turnovers per game—and defending perimeter shooters effectively.
Western Illinois University Leathernecks Men’s Basketball participates in NCAA Division I competition as part of the Ohio Valley Conference, playing home games in Macomb, Illinois according to their official website. The program has shown resilience over decades within college basketball through institutional commitment and community support.
For more information or updates on Leatherneck Men’s Basketball, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow them on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
