By JOHN BOHNENKAMP MOLINE, Ill. — Western Illinois University’s basketball doubleheader at Vibrant Arena on Friday was created out of necessity. But playing at the arena close to the university’s Quad Cities campus was something athletic director Paul Bubb has … Continue reading Bubb Hopes WIU’s Moline Doubleheader Will Be An Annual Event
By JOHN BOHNENKAMP The NCAA released its first NET rankings of the season for men’s and women’s basketball on Monday. It is, of course, only December 5, but the rankings are a good early barometer on where teams are and … Continue reading Resumé Watch: The NET Is Here, But It’s Still Early
By JOHN BOHNENKAMP Fran McCaffery only makes a starting lineup change when it’s necessary. It worked last season, when the Iowa coach shifted his lineup to add guard Tony Perkins. The Hawkeyes went 12 of their next 14 games after … Continue reading THE MONDAY TIPOFF: Lineup Changes Can Help, But Also Can Disrupt
By JOHN BOHNENKAMP MACOMB, Ill. — JJ Kalakon had a big smile when he banked in a second-half 3-pointer. While Kalakon’s Western Illinois University teammates celebrated from the bench, Trenton Massner gave Kalakon a playful shove and started laughing. It … Continue reading WIU 90, UTRGV 72: Leathernecks Have Fun With Complete Victory
By JOHN BOHNENKAMP MACOMB, Ill. — It was a win the Western Illinois University women’s basketball team needed. But coach JD Gravina knows his team is still searching for answers after an 86-54 win over Eureka College on Saturday afternoon … Continue reading WIU 86, EUREKA 54: Leathernecks Look To Build Off Win
By JOHN BOHNENKAMP MACOMB, Ill. — Jesiah West saw it while reviewing the video of some of his recent games. “The last couple of games, I’ve been taking plays off,” the Western Illinois University forward said. “I’ve been seeing it … Continue reading WIU 86, SOUTHERN INDIANA 78: The Ordinary, And The Extraordinary, Help The Leathernecks Hold On
By JOHN BOHNENKAMP MACOMB, Ill. — November ended for the Western Illinois University women’s basketball team with the Leathernecks still searching for answers. The 84-69 loss to Tarleton State on Wednesday at Western Hall dropped the Leathernecks to 1-5 on … Continue reading TARLETON STATE 84, WIU 69: Leathernecks Still Searching For Answers
By JOHN BOHNENKAMP November is always about overreaction in college basketball. It shouldn’t be. November is a foundation for what is built to get to March. The season is long, and what looks good or bad in the first month … Continue reading THE MONDAY TIPOFF: The Overreactions Of November
By JOHN BOHNENKAMP MACOMB, Ill. — It was never close, and for Western Illinois men’s basketball coach Rob Jeter, that was a good night. The 113-56 win over Rockford University in Wednesday’s home opener at Western Hall was about the … Continue reading WIU 113, ROCKFORD 56: Leathernecks Maintain Their Momentum
By JOHN BOHNENKAMP Trenton Massner is glad his roommate is going to get to play this season, for a lot of reasons. While Massner was leading Western Illinois in every major statistical category — points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks … Continue reading Massner, Bennett Will Be Keys To WIU’s Defensive Look
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