GAME 7 INFO:
Who: Western Illinois (2-5) at SEMO (3-5)
When: Wednesday (Dec. 7) – 5 p.m.
Where: Show Me Center – Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Quick Hitters:
- The Leathernecks are coming off their second victory of the 2022-23 season, defeating Eureka College 86-54 at Western Hall. 12 different players featured in the contest, with everyone playing at least 13 minutes. Western's defense finished with 17 steals and four blocks while three players scored in double figures: Lily Randgaard (12), Jada Thorpe (11) and Zareia Chevre (11).
- Chevre has started to find her groove offensively, averaging 12.6 points per game over the team's last three games – including a career-high 15 against Tarleton State on Nov. 30.
- Ball movement continues to be key for the Leatherneck offense, finishing with double-digit assists in six games this season. Through seven total contests, Western has assisted on 84 of the 147 made field goals, which accounts for 57% of made shots.
SEMO women's basketball is 3-5 so far this season, most recently falling in a road contest at Kansas. The team is led by Kennedi Watkins, whose 11.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game leads the team. As a team, the Redhawks are shooting 35.7% from the field and 27.5% from deep, while facing some quality competition thus far in Kansas, UCF, Missouri and Ole Miss.
Perimeter Aggression
Last season saw Western rank in the top-three among Summit League schools for steals, and this season has been no different. Through seven games, the Leathernecks' average of 10.3 steals per game ranks as the top mark in the league, with Elizabeth Lutz's 2.1 per game ranking in the top-five among players. Mallory McDermott, Jada Thorpe, Zareia Chevre and Allie Meadows all hold averages of at least one steal per game.
At the Line
Western's backcourt duo of Elizabeth Lutz and Jada Thorpe have taken advantage of their opportunities at the line this season, both shooting career-best percentages. Thorpe, who shot 60.6% from the free throw line last season, has hit on 79.4% of her attempts this season while Lutz, who entered the season having made 71.3% of her career attempts, is shooting 92.3%. As a team, WIU's 160 attempts at the line ranks fourth in the Summit League while the team's average of 70.6% is a nearly five percent improvement from last year.
Career Year
Entering the 2022-23 season having never started a game, Alissa Dins has found success as the team's starting center, starting every game and leading the team in playing time (25.1 per game). Dins has made the most of the opportunity, averaging 5.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game while tying for the team lead in field goal percentage (45.7%). She has recorded double-digit rebounds in three games and tied a career-high with 12 on two occasions.
On the Glass
Western Illinois had its best rebounding performance of the season against Eureka on Saturday (Dec. 3), out-rebounding the Red Devils 58-46, including a 22-12 advantage on the offensive glass. WIU currently ranks sixth in the Summit League for rebounding average (36.7) and fourth in defensive rebounding average (26.9).
Making an Impact
The Leathernecks welcomed six new faces to the program this offseason and they have wasted no time in making an impact on the program. Zareia Chevre, Allie Meadows and Addi Brownfield have played in every game this season, while Lily Randgaard (five) and Madison Allen (four) have appeared in over half the games. Chevre's scoring average (8.1) ranks second on the team while Brownfield's free throw percentage (72.7) is third-best among Leathernecks to attempt at least 10 shots at the line.
Big Time Bench
The Leatherneck bench has been a consistent source of offense this season, averaging 28.6 points per game. Western's reserves have scored at least 23 points in every single game after outscoring the Minnesota bench 15-13 on opening night and scored a season-high 58 against Eureka on Saturday.
Let it Fly
WIU's identity as a team in recent years has centered around the three-point shot, and the 2022-23 season is no different. During the team's preseason press conference, head coach JD Gravina talked about the importance of taking and making shots from deep this season, emphasizing the idea of "letting it fly." After averaging 26 attempts from range last season, the Leathernecks have averaged 26.7 per game this year and are coming off a matchup with Eureka where the team took a season-high 33 attempts.
Up Next
After hosting Valparaiso and SIUE this weekend, Western faces St. Xavier at Vibrant Arena at the Mark in Moline, Ill., before heading up to North Dakota to begin Summit League play.
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