A new era.. Coach Carroll takes over at WIU

[TigerCraig]

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5613/leatherneckym7.jpg


ESPN OCHO REPORTING WESTERN ILLINOIS FIRES DEREK THOMAS


It is being reported by the Leatherneck Gazette that WIU has moved quickly and hired a relatively uknown young coach, Craig Carroll. Coach Carroll is a young Leatherneck at only 30 years old, but he hopes to bring some excitement and fun back to a fledgeling program.

WIU is a combined 28-86 overall and only 14-52 in conference play over the last 4 seasons. The Leathernecks have not had a season at .500 or better in CONFERENCE play this decade.


Goals for this season: .500 conference record

[boomosby50]

hey coach carrol, ill folow yours, wiu is a cool team, check my coach thompson legacy out, maybe when we go to northwestern, coach thompson could visit for a game

[TigerCraig]

Coach Carroll releases starting lineup

Starters
PG #23 Ceola Clark 6'3" FR OVR 59
SG #1 David Jackson 6'4" SR OVR 71
SF #45 David Dubois 6'5" JR OVR 62
PF #24 Jerryck Owens-Murry 6'6" SR OVR 59
C #52 James Grantstra 6'10" FR OVR 58

Bench
G #5 David Nurse 6'2" SO OVR 66
F #32 Chris Gonzales 6'8" SR OVR 61
G #11 Josh Rivers 6'0" JR OVR 61
F #33 Louis Johnson 6'8" SR OVR 56
F #30 Delvon Johnson 6'8" FR OVR 55
G #2 Nikola Bodic 6'5" JR OVR 60 (Wish I could make a chant that said NIKOLA like RICOLA)
G #3 Patrick Stoudamire 5'11" SO OVR 58

REDSHIRT

G #34 Larry Dumas 6'2" FR OVR 58

[superpastulio]

Personally, I would redshirt Ceola Clark and have Nurse take the point.

[TigerCraig]

@ Morehead St.
vs. Eastern Illinois
@ Missouri
vs. UT-Pan-American
@ UT-Arlington
@ UT-Pan-American
vs. IUPUI
@ UCLA
vs. Kennesaw St.
@ Southern Utah
@ UMKC
vs. South Dakata St
vs. North Dakota St
@ Centenary
@ Oral Roberts
vs IPFW
vs. Oakland
vs. UMKC
vs. Southern Utah
@ North Dakota St
@ South Dakota St
@ Oakland
vs. Oral Roberts
vs. Centenary
@ IPFW
@ IUPUI

[TigerCraig]

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/5308/wiuheadlinerx4.jpg




http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/4996/wiuqz3.gif @ http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6645/moreheaddl0.gif

Western Illinois University @ Morehead (LOL) State


Morehead State Squeaks by Leathernecks

The more things change the more things stay the same for WIU. They begin the season with a new coach and a new attitide but end with a result that has become all too familiar. Trailing 36-29 at the half the Leathernecks found their groove in the 2nd half and a chance to win with the game tied and under 1:00 left. Morehead St. simply did what it had to do in the end to escape with victory 67-65. The Leathernecks did have a few bright spots as James Grantstra was a force down low and "The Nurse" helped revive the team off the bench.



Top Performers
Western Illinois
David Jackson 15pts 3ast 2stl
David Nurse 14pts 2ast
James Grantstra 11pts 8reb 2blk

Morehead State
Les Simmons 13pts 6reb
Kenneth Faried 9pts 9 reb
Nikola Stojackovic 6pts 7ast

Next Up: Eastern Illinois vs Western Illinois

[blue_apocalypse]

Tough loss to Morehead State. I was looking at your schedule and it doesn't seem too bad except for that game against UCLA..that's gonna be a tough one. Hope to see you bounce back against EIU.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg



http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/EastIllinois.gif vs.http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif

Eastern Illinois (1-0) vs. Western Illinois (0-1)


Panthers embarrass WIU

The fans that showed up to see their team and Coach Carroll debut in Macomb, Illinois left the gym last night with an all too familiar feeling.. DEFEAT
In a game that should have had a definitive emotional advantage for the Leathernecks it was the Panthers that dominated from the opening tip. It was 35-23 at the half and the final score was a dissapointing 81-48


Coach Carroll was obviously upset after the game. When asked by a reporter what he thought about the execution of his offense, Coach Carroll replied, "I'm all for it"..

There were no star performers...


Next up: Western Illinois @ #23 Missouri

[2ksportsmaniac]

Awwww yeah the boos are never good. I got boo'd on my home floor my second season as we got routed by Ohio State. My job security started to go down haha. Had to man up, but a great start to a nice thread. #23 Missouri good luck man. I dont know what year you are in youre legacy, or if you the real rosters have graduated but I'm definitely following. Its always tough beating a ranked team.

[TigerCraig]

Thanks blue_apacalypse!!

2ksportsmaniac, this is my first season in the Legacy. I jst bought the game last week and have never played a 2k game so its gonna take me a season to get the hang of it. I am playing on MOP but may go down to AA for a little bit.. I'm hoping that once conference play starts I get things going.

[CincyFan]

Don't worry about your team and playing on MOP against Missouri even if you lose. Now if you lose any of the next 3 or even two of them I would say you might have to lower it. At least this will give you practice against teams who have average or similar records then you can do your thing and should start to win some games.

Don't worry I play on MOP too, and I didn't even have a winning season until year 3.

[TigerCraig]

Thanks Cincy.. Im using your sliders :)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Mizzou.gif

WIU (0-2) @ #23 Missouri(5-0)

Missouri flexes muscle against the Leathernecks of WIU

Shortly after the tip-off this game had become a laugher. Missouri led 50-31 by halftime and never looked back. The Tigers had 4 players in double figures led by the 22-point effort of PG Stefhon Hannah. Strong forward Matt Lawrence chipped in 17 for Missouri to help Hannah carry the load.

WIU on the other hand could not get anything going all day long. Even after Missouri emptied its bench the Leatherneck offense could not get any momentum going in their favor. Coach Carroll really needs to work on just keeping the team together and believing in the system. If they can weather the storm early the schedule should get a bit easier.

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SF Chris Gonzales 13pts 4 reb
SG David Jackson 10pts 5 reb 1 stl

Missouri
PG Stefhon Hannah 22pts 4ast
SF Matt Lawrence 17pts
PF Marshall Brown 13 pts 13 reb

Coach Carroll has stated issued a statement that he will not be doing any post game news conferences until conference play begins. He told ESPN OCHO "This team has a lot of work to do if we want to accomplish our goals, so until Summit conference play begins please understand that I am very busy with my team"


Up Next: Texas-Pan American (3-0) @ Western Illinois (0-3)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UTpanam.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif

UT-Pan American (3-0) @ Western Illinois (0-3)

Leathernecks win a thriller at home against UT- Pan Am with their own version of Loren Leath

Western Illinois got off to a hot start and held on to earn their first victory of the season last night as Coach Carroll notched an important victory in front of the fans at Western Hall. The Leathernecks jumped to a big lead early and stretched it to 43-32 at the half led by the shooting of reserve David Nurse. Nurse was 4-5 from the 3-point land in the first half alone. The Leatherneck shooting cooled off from the downtown in the 2nd half, but they managed to hold on and win by the score of 76-74

As a team WIU shot 11-19 from downtown led by Nurse who was 6-8 and finished with a career high 27 points. Freshman James Grantstra could develop into an imposing big man given some time. He pumped in 12 pts and 6 boards.

Top Performers
Western Illinois
David Nurse 27pts 6-8 from 3 point land
James Grantstra 12pts 6reb
David Jackson 13 pts

UT-Pan American
Paul Stoll 23 pts 4ast
Emanuel Jones 16pts

Up Next: Western Illinois (1-3) @ UT-Arlington (2-2)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UTA.gif

Western Illinois (1-3) @ UT-Arlington (2-2)

Leathernecks can't build on victory and remain winless on the road

Despite being in the warm climate of Texas, WIU was ice cold from the field. In the loss to UT-Arlington the Leathernecks managed to only shoot 37%. Nurse and the gang combined for only 2 of 16 shooting from beyond the arc. UT-Arlington on the other hand put the biscuit in the basket at a rate of 51%. Arlington led 29-26 at the half and pushed that total to a final of 68-51

Top Performers
Western Illinois
James Grantstra 17pts 8reb
David Jackson 10pts 4ast
David Nurse 7pts

UT-Arlington
Rod Epps 17pts 2reb
Roger Guignard 16pts 6ast


Up Next: Western Illinois (1-4) @ UT-Pan American (4-2)

[CincyFan]

how do you like the sliders? Still waiting for someone to tell me what they think other than Deuce2223 or wildcat.

EDIT: Also it varies your shooting performance every night. You might be cold inside, but find success from the outside. Or you might be dead cold from the outside, but find mid range and offense rebounding easier. Maybe that is just my games, but I hope you like them and feel like every game is a challange and is different from the last.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UTpanam.gif

Western Illinois (1-4) @ UT-Pan American (4-2)


Nurse and Grantstra lead the Leathernecks past UT-Pan American again!!!

Pan-American was looking to avenge its road loss last week at the hands of WIU but instead saw a repeat performance. Leathernecks held Pan American to just 35% shooting and forced 12 turnovers in route to a 51-42 win. The game was a defensive struggle throughout as WIU lead 29-20 at the half and held serve in the second half to close it out.

Coach Carroll in a brief meeting after the game smirked and said "Can we schedule these guys once a week?" I'm sure Pan American will use that as bulletin board material for next season!

Top Performers
Western Illinois
David Nurse 18pts 2 reb
James Grantstra 12 pts 12 reb
David Jackson 5pts 4 reb 5ast 3 stl

UT-Pan-American
Paul Stoll 8pts 4reb
Nathan Hawkins 8pts 6 reb


Up Next: CONFERENCE GAME IUPUI (2-3) @ Western Illinois (2-4)

[TigerCraig]

Cincy- I really like the sliders, Im using your "updated ones" that you posted. I tweaked just a couple things but nothing more than 1 or 2 points. I play 16 minute halves

[CincyFan]

yeah its always a work in progess cause after a while the human always adjusts its game to do better while the AI is tied into a system so it never changes up. I will say since you are at a small school you might have to change the shooting cause my first year at Xavier I found trouble, especially this year with 9 freshman that shooting is harder than I remember lol.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/IUPUI.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif

IUPUI (2-3) vs. Western Illinois (2-4)


WIU opens up Summit Conference play by laying an egg in front of the home crowd

Coming into the season Coach Carroll stated his #1 goal this year was to lead the Leathernecks to their first .500 season in conference play this decade. That plan did not get off to a good start as IUPUI laid the wood to WIU 77-42.

The Jaguars held the Leathernecks to just 30% shooting and caused 14 turnovers. The few fans that show up for this conference opener left by halftime presumably to drink their worries away at a local pub.

Post Game Interview

Reporter: Coach Carroll, what do you think about your teams performance tonight?
Coach Carroll: Well (pause...) If you take the I's out of IUPUI that is pretty much what we played like tonight...

Reporter: How important was tonight's game for the psyche of your young team?
Coach Carroll: Its hard to say that any game is THAT important this early in the season, but to lose like this at home in our conference opener is a tough pill to swallow.

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 12pts 3reb
C James Grantstra 10pts 5 reb

IUPUI
SG George Hill 19pts 4ast
SF Austin Montgomery 12pts 2 reb 2 ast

Up Next: Western Illinois (2-5) @ #18 UCLA (5-2)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UCLA.gif

Western Illinois (2-5) @ UCLA (5-2)

Bruins demolish WIU

WIU knew it was in for a tough game but was nowhere near prepared for the beating they took. UCLA led by 16 at the half and cruised to victory 96-60 behind Shipp, Love, and Collison. The Leathernecks had no answers defensivly as the Bruins shot a blistering 58% from the field.

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SF Chris Gonzales 14pts 3 reb
SG David Jackson 12pts 6 reb

UCLA
SF Josh Shipp 22pts 5ast
C Kevin Love 19pts 15reb


Up Next: Kennesaw St. (4-4) @ Western Illinois (2-6)

[auburntigersfan]

the first couple of years are tough, fortunately my team, texas state had a senior who could hit the three so we ended up with a 16-11 record. It kinda sucked though because we lost our last game so we were #2 seed in conf. tourney and lost in the first round. Now, in my second season, I think I have a good shot at the conf. titiel.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Kennesaw.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif

Kennesaw St. (4-4) vs. Western Illinois (2-6)

WIU closes non-conference play with a much needed W

The Leathernecks never trailed the Owls in this ball game. Leading 41-32 Coach Carroll slowed things down in the second half to try and shorten the game. The owls kept trying to push the tempo and get back into the game but the hot shooting from WIU wouldnt let that happen. WIU shot 52% for the game and was 18-24 from the charity stripe. The refs really called this game closely and the benefitted the Leathernecks. The final score was 68-57.

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 17pts 4reb
SG David Jackson 14pts 4reb
C James Grantstra 10pts 11reb

Kennesaw St.
Ronell Wooten 12pts
Shaun Stegall 9pts 11reb

Up Next: CONFERENCE GAME: Western Illinois 3-6 (0-1) @ Southern Utah 6-6 (1-1)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SUtah.gif

Western Illinois 3-6 (0-1) @ Southern Utah 6-6 (1-1)

Leathernecks pick up first conference win 65-60

WIU travels to Cedar City, Utah and snatches a win from the Thunderbirds in dramatic fashion. After playing to a deadlock of 54-54 at the end of regulation the Leathernecks took over in the OT session outscoring S. Utah 11-6.

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Jackson 26pts 5 reb
C James Grantstra 8pts 7 reb

S. Utah
PG Nick Livi 16pts 3ast 3stl
SG Davis Baker 15pts 6 reb 3stl


Postgame Interview

Reporter: Congrats on your first conference win as head coach. How does it feel?

Coach Carroll: Thank you.. It feels good, but all will be forgotten if we dont come out prepared for Saturday night's game @ UMKC

Reporter: Coach, what do expect of out UMKC?

Coach Carroll: UMKC has gotten off to a rough start. I believe they are 1-12, so expect them to be hungry. A hungry team is a tough team..


Up Next: Western Illinois 4-6 (1-1) @ UMKC 1-12 (0-3)

[vikingfan1]

Great win!!! I live only an hour away from WIU so I will be following this legacy for sure!

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UMKC.gif

Western Illinois 4-6 (1-1) @ UMKC 1-12 (0-3)

Leathernecks lose a heatbreaker to the Kangaroos of UMKC

In one of the few games that WIU will be favored in this year they simply could not pull away from the pesky Kangaroos. After a see-saw battle for most of the first half the two teams went to the locker room tied 28-28 at the break. Coach Carroll decided to gamble and really push the tempo in the second half but the guards turned the ball over too many times in transition and gave the Roos some easy buckets. UMKC finished on top by the score of 62-58

The loss puts the Leathernecks at 1-2 in Summit conference play and have a tough fight ahead to try and achieve their goals for the season. However, all was not lost on the trip to Missouri. The trip gave Coach Carroll the opportunity to visit with a recruit out of St. Louis, Dalron Braxton.

Dalron is a 2-star PG that has narrowed his short list to Evansville and WIU. Evansville has the slight edge right now, but Coach hopes this visit will swing things.

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SF Chris Gonzales 16pts 3stl
C James Grantstra 10pts 9reb

UMKC
SFDane Brumigan 13pts 3stl
C Kenny Sims 10pts 7reb


Postgame Interview

Reporter: Several times it looked at though you guys would pull away today Coach, what happened?

Coach Carroll: I felt that way also, we had our chances but we just seemed winded towards the end. That may be my fault, Im going to back off the kids a bit in practice and let them get their legs back under them. Its a long season ahead.


Up Next: South Dakota St. 4-10 (2-2) vs Western Illinois 4-7 (1-2)

[Willie The Kid™†]

hopefully you can bounce back against South Dakota St. and then go on a winning streak

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SDakST.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif

South Dakota St. 4-10 (2-2) vs. Western Illinois 4-7 (1-2)


WIU pulls out an important win over the Jackrabbits

It wasn't pretty but a win is a win is a win... The Leathernecks defended their home court with a 57-52 victory over South Dakota St. tonight. WIU was down 26-24 at the half and Coach Carroll made some half-time adjustments that seemed to catch the Jacks off gaurd. The "Necks" only shot 25% from 3-point land but made up it with dribble penetration and great defense. SD St. was held to just 36% from the field and were forced into 15 turnovers by the WIU defense. WIU is playing much improved ball over the last 2 weeks and hopefully it is a sign of things to come under this new regime.

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Jackson 16pts 6 reb
SG David Nurse 13pts

SD State
PF Ben Beran 19pts 8reb
SF Kai Williams 11pts 6 reb


Up Next: North Dakota St. 8-5 (3-2) vs Western Illinois 5-7 (2-2)

*** I may move to longer halves to try and get scoring up a little to be more realistic***

[CincyFan]

looks like you are finally getting ahold of those sliders now. North Dakota State looks like a hard game coming up.

[TigerCraig]

looks like you are finally getting ahold of those sliders now. North Dakota State looks like a hard game coming up.

Maybe its just my style of play or something, but the CPU always shoots like 20% from 3 and around 50% total which means they are murdering me inside... Seems it should be a little higher from 3 and a little less from inside 3. Maybe I will tweak it a bit

[blue_apocalypse]

Hopefully you can get back to .500. ND State must be playing well coming into the game with a winning record. Good luck

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/NDState.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif

North Dakota St. 8-5 (3-2) vs. Western Illinois 4-7 (1-2)

The Bison stampede past WIU

The Leathernecks like most young struggling teams have trouble dealing with prosperity. Having won 3 of their last 4 games WIU looked to extend its good fortune at Western Hall but fell behind early and wasnt very good at playing catch up. Despite winning the rebounding battle 39-27 and forcing the Bison into 17 turnovers the Necks had no answer for SG Mike Nelson. Nelson poured in 22 points on 9-14 shooting. ND State led 33-26 at the half and continued pouring it on in the 2nd frame. FINAL SCORE: Bison 61 Necks 49


Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Jackson 13pts 3reb 3stl
SF Chris Gonzales 12pts 5reb
C James Grantstra 6pts 14reb

ND State
SG Mike Nelson 22pts 2stl
SF Brett Winkelman 12pts 4reb


Up Next: Centenary 2-15 (1-4) vs. Western Illinois 5-8 (2-3)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Centenary.gif

Western Illinois 5-8 (2-3) @ Centenary 2-15 (1-4)

Leathernecks drop second straight...

It was as if Celtic great Robert Parrish was back in uniform for the Gents as the 2-15 Centenary team came out like a house of fire last night and really put WIU on the ropes early. WIU trailed by as many as 19 in the first half but cut that lead down to ten at the half 42-32. The Necks played much better ball in the second half eventually coming back to tie the game up with 3 minutes to play. But the Gents would again surge ahead late and not look back. FINAL SCORE: Centenary 73 WIU 66

Reporter: Coach Carroll I know you are an alum of LSU, what was it like coming back to your home state?

Coach Carroll: This was not the homecoming I was looking for by any means... I was looking forward to getting a win and enjoying some great cajun cooking but after that performance I've lost my appetite.


Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 24pts 6-12 from 3
SG David Jackson 13pts 3 reb
C James Grantstra 8pts 11reb

Centenary
SG Jamere King 23pts 1reb
PG Tyrone Hamilton 14pts 5ast


Up Next: Western Illinois 5-9 (2-4) @ Oral Roberts 5-10 (3-3)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Oral.gif

Western Illinois 5-9 (2-4) @ Oral Roberts 5-10 (3-3)

Oral Roberts holds off late WIU run

Oral Roberts is far away atop the Summit conference in terms of talent and really put that on display in the first half against Western Illinois. The Leathernecks are a team that is accustomed to playing in front of 900 fans so they were a bit shellshocked to walk in and see 10,000 strong rooting against them. After being down by as much as 23 points WIU cut the lead to 8 in the final minutes but to no avail. FINAL SCORE: Oral Roberts 78 WIU 68

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 16pts 4reb 3blk
SG David Nurse 11pts

Oral Roberts
SG Curtis Allen 22pts 5ast
SF Marchello Vealy 14pts 11reb


Up Next: IPFW 8-8 (4-3) vs. Western Illinois 5-10 (2-5)

*****IPFW is a close second in talent (72 overall) in Summit conference to Oral Roberts (74) and WIU (68) will have their hands full. So far this season IPFW has knocked off #4 Michigan St. in OT and #5 Marquette*****

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

Word out of Macomb Illinois is that Coach Carroll is cashing in on a few favors owed to him and parlaying them into an interview with a prominent ESPN reporter in an attempt to get the WIU program some pub to boost recruiting efforts and hopefully get the fans excited. Attendence has really been struggling of late and the Leathernecks need a boost.


Check back soon for the interview between Erin Andrews and our own Coach Carroll

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/erinandrews.jpg

[boomosby50]

oooo some tough losses lately, but the ND state Bison won, us Bison coaches, them and me at Howard gotta ahng together, good write-ups so far. Hopefully coneference season will be better, and you might get a bid into something

[TigerCraig]

oooo some tough losses lately, but the ND state Bison won, us Bison coaches, them and me at Howard gotta ahng together, good write-ups so far. Hopefully coneference season will be better, and you might get a bid into something

At this point I will be happy if I get a bid into next season :(

[boomosby50]

At this point I will be happy if I get a bid into next season :( Ha, nice one. You're in a weak conference though, and the game is kind of glitched a sless overall rated teams become streaky, so you should balance out your schedule liek a easy game than a hard game and then a medium game then an easy game again, it helps the overall record

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


Interview between Erin Andrews and Coach Carroll can be seen on ESPN OCHO at 9pm CST. Transcipt is below:


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/erinandrews.jpg


Erin Andrews: Coach Carroll, you are around the midpoint of your first season as a head coach at the college level. How would you say things are going and is it what you expected?

Coach Carroll: I think things are going great. Despite being 5-10 (2-5) we are leaps and bounds ahead of where this team was last year when they went 3-13 in conference play. There are alot more little things than I expected that I am having to learn and adjust to on lthe fly. But my staff and I WILL make this program a winner.

Erin Andrews: Did you sign any recruits in the early signing period?

Coach Carroll: No we did not get anyone inked early, we went after a few kids fairly hard but did not land any of them..

Erin Andrews: While on the topic, how is recruiting shaping up for the next signing period?

Coach Carroll: It looks good, I think.... Its hard to say because so many school are out there making pitches and things change each day. We have a TON of small schools in Illinois and Indiana to recruit against not to mention Indiana, Purdue, Illinois and Notre Dame to name a few... We are going strong after a couple of guys from overseas and few kids here in Illinois.

Erin Andrews: What would it take for you to consider this season a success?

Coach Carroll: Our goals to start the season havent changed, we still want to finish at .500 or better in conference play. That hasnt been done here since the new millenium.

Erin Andrews: Beyond this season, what are your hopes?

Coach Carroll: Next season we are gonna up the ante a bit an really push to finish in the Top 3 in the Summit Conference and hopefully be a player in the conference tournament.
I have some other hopes that involve you, Erin.. But we'll get to that later....

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/IPFW.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif

IPFW 8-8 (4-3) vs. Western Illinois 5-10 (2-5)

WIU upsets IPFW in OT 74-69

Coach Carroll got his biggest win to date tonight with a 5 point overtime win at home. The Leathernecks trailed 35-33 at the half, but in the second half Freshman PG Ceola Clark took over the show scoring 18 of his 25pts with a slashing take it to the hoop attitude. Clark also found time to dish out 6 assists. The Leathernecks had a shot to win at the buzzer in regulation but it clanked off the iron. The two teams headed to OT tied 62-62. While the overtime got off to a slow start for both teams, Clark hit a 3-pointer to once again spark his team and lead them to a 74-69 final. IPFW had knocked off #4 Michigan St. and #5 Marquette this season and may have taken WIU a little lightly...

Top Performers
Western Illinois
PG Ceola Clark 25pts 6ast 3stl
C James Grantstra 10pts 12reb

IPFW
PF Zeljko Egeric 17pts 6reb
SG Jakari Johnson 16pts 2ast 2 stl


UP NEXT: Oakland 6-10 (4-4) vs. Western Illinois 6-10 (3-5)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Oakland.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif

Oakland 6-10 (4-4) vs. Western Illinois 6-10 (3-5)

Oakland steals one at WIU

In heartbreaking fashion the Leathernecks lose 71-68 in front of 940 fans.. With the game tied 68-68 WIU had the ball with under 10 seconds to go and was driving to the hoop. Its what happened next that sent the Leathernecks fans home in disbelief, Ceola Clark was driving to the goal and had the ball stolen Johnathan Jones who had the presence of mind to outlet the ball down the court and Erik Kangas hit the game winning 3-pointer as time expired..

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 13pts 7reb
SG David Jackson 11pts 2ast

Oakland
PG Johnathan Jones 19pts 5ast 1 (BIG) steal
SF Brandon Cassise 17pts 3reb

UP NEXT: UMKC 5-15 (4-5) vs. Western Illinois 6-11 (3-6)

[Deuce2223]

Wow. Tough way to lose. I love having the ball with the game tied and only a few seconds left because at least I know that if I miss its OT. Don't think I have ever had a ball stolen in the last few seconds. That hurts.

[TigerCraig]

Wow. Tough way to lose. I love having the ball with the game tied and only a few seconds left because at least I know that if I miss its OT. Don't think I have ever had a ball stolen in the last few seconds. That hurts.

Yeah Im not very good... I just changed to Keyser_Soze's sliders last night and the gameplay seemed better.. I had taken Cincy's sliders (which were good) but I had made a few adjustments that really threw them out of whack. So hopefully season 2 will be better.. Im ready to bolt out of Illinois already!!!

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UMKC.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif

UMKC 5-15 (4-5) vs. Western Illinois 6-11 (3-6)

UMKC Sweeps WIU

The Kangaroos brought the brooms and swept the Leathernecks for the season. In the first meeting UMKC won 62-58, the only time this meeting was that close was with about 10 minutes left in the first half. UMKC took a 46-35 half time lead behind the hot shooting of Dane Brumigan who finished the game with a season-high 30 points. The Kangaroos shot a blistering 50% from the field and outrebounded WIU 40-28. FINAL SCORE: UMKC 86 WIU 71

This makes the second straight loss for Western Illinois and although they have surpassed the win total from last season they are making almost impossible to achieve the goal for this season (.500 or better in conference)

Top Performers
Western Illinois
PG Ceola Clark 21pts 2ast
SG David Jackson 12pts 8reb

UMKC
SF Dane Brumigan 30pts 4reb 4ast
PG Akeem Hemingway 12pts 7ast

UP NEXT: Southern Utah 11-9 (6-4) vs. Western Illinois 6-12 (3-7)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SUtah.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif

Southern Utah 11-9 (6-4) vs. Western Illinois 6-12 (3-7)

Southern Utah extends WIU's skid to three games

For the second straight game Western Illinois' opponent shoots 50% from the field and come away with a victory that wasnt even as close as the 87-74 score may seem... Nick Livi provided pleanty of firepower as he poured in 22 points and dished out 10 assists whille leading his team to the win.

The Leathernecks really need to make one last surge or look to giving the younger guys some more minutes in preperation for next season..

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantsra 19pts 13reb (Freshman)
PG Ceola Clark 15pts 4reb (Freshman)

Southern Utah
PG Nick Livi 22pts 10ast
SG Davis Baker 20pts 5ast


UP NEXT: Western Illinois 6-13 (3-8) @ North Dakota State 10-9 (5-6)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/NDState.gif

Western Illinois 6-13 (3-8) @ North Dakota State 10-9 (5-6)


Western Illinois steps up on D for the win

After having their opponents shoot 50% in each of the last two games, WIU buckles down and holds the Bison to 28% shooting and a season low 35 points. The Leathernecks led 42-20 at the half and played keep-away for the second half to cruise to the 60-35 victory. Once again led by their freshman PG Ceola Clark who chipped in with 13pts 8ast and 5reb.

WIU hopes to use this win to start a winning streak as they jockey for position in the Summit Conference tourney..


Top Performers
Western Illinois
PG Ceola Clark 13pts 8ast 5reb
C James Grantstra 10pts 6reb

ND State
PF Lorenzo Riley 11pts 7reb

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 7-13 (4-8) @ South Dakota State 7-15 (5-7)

[Superjames1992]

You are struggling so far, but WIU is a pretty weak team, so it is to be expected. Hopefully, you can bring some good talent in during recruiting and get some young talent for next year's squad.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SDakST.gif

Western Ililnois 7-13 (4-8) @ South Dakota State 7-15 (5-7)

Freshmen propel WIU to an important win for post season hopes

There are 10 teams in the Summit Conference with only the top 8 going to the conference tourney. Coach Carroll said earlier this week "These kids have worked their butt of this year and I would love for this team to make the Summit tourney. It would be a small step in getting this program out the whole is has been in for the last 10+ seasons"

WIU and SD State went back and for the better part of the game before WIU started to pull away. WIth 6:00 to go in the game the score was tied 57-57, but once again Freshman PG Ceola Clark stepped up huge down the stretch and led the Leathernecks to a 76-68 victory.

Top Performers
Western Illinois
PG Ceola Clark 16pts 7ast 3stl
C James Granstra 13pts 13reb 3blk

SD State
PF Ben Beran 11pts 6reb
SF Kai Williams 11pts 9 reb

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 8-13 (5-8) @ Oakland

[hoosier1592]

i just started following and i am amazed at how similar we are.
i started a season with San Diego St. once and did horrible. i was christmas, i just got the game and i threw my controller at the TV every game. then, now, i started accually winning.
your turnaround reminds me of... me
keep it up and good luck
.everybody loves an underdog

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


I played a ton last night and finished out the season.. I didnt make the conference tourney and finished 10-18 (7-11), Since this Legacy is boring enough already and Im pressed for time I have decided to skip the write ups for the last couple of games..

I will try to add a few new things next season.

Recruiting sucked.. I didnt catch on to how to recruit till the very end so all I landed were
2-star guys the highest rated one was 53 :( . The highest rated player on my team is 69 I think.

I setup my schedule for next season with alot you guys teams (Western Mich, San Jose,Miami (oh) etc.... Should be interesting.. More to come when I get home

[Deuce2223]

Good luck next year. Hopefully now that you have some ideas on recruiting you will be able to land some guys.

You mentioned wanting to get out of Illinois already. Do you have a dream job?

[TigerCraig]

You mentioned wanting to get out of Illinois already. Do you have a dream job?

Oh yes indeed... LSU LSU LSU :D

[blue_apocalypse]

Oh yes indeed... LSU LSU LSU

That explains the "Tiger" part of your nickname. :D

Too bad about recruiting but I'm sure you'll get it turned around. It should be an interesting season with you having scheduled peoples legacy teams.

[TigerCraig]

Yeah, I even through Sac St in there for ya...

[boomosby50]

any consideration of Howard on the schedule for next year?

[Deuce2223]

I didn't realize how good W. Illinois was as far as shooting the 3. How did you do with Gonzales and Nurse last season?

[TigerCraig]

I didn't realize how good W. Illinois was as far as shooting the 3. How did you do with Gonzales and Nurse last season?

I did pretty well with Nurse. I started my 2nd season last night, I will be putting in some updates tonight

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg



2007-2008 Western Illinois Season Wrap-up

Record: 10-16 (7-11)

Awards: C James Grantstra (6'11" FR)- Summit Conference Freshman of the Year


2008-2009 Western Illinois Roster

Starters:
PG #23 Ceola Clark 6'3" SO OVR 61
SG #5 David Nurse 6'3" JR OVR 68
SF #45 David Dubois 6'5" SR OVR 64
PF #30 Delvon Johnson 6'8" SO OVR 56
C #52 James Grantstra 6'11" SO OVR 60

Bench:
SG #2 Nikola Bodic 6'5" SR OVR 61
SG #11 Josh Rivers 6'0" SR OVR 62
PG #3 Patrick Stoudamire 5'11" JR OVR 60 (Walk-On)
SG #34 Larry Dumas 6'2"RS FR OVR 59

Incoming Freshman:
PF #44 Rashod Faye 6'10" FR OVR 53
SF #31 Buster Wiley 6'6" FR OVR 53
C #0 George Hines 6'10" FR OVR 53 (Redshirt)
SF #33 Leland Doellman 6'6" FR OVR 51 (Walk-on & Redshirt))

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg



The 2008-2009 Schedule has been released:

@ Boise St.
@ LSU
@ San Jose St.
vs. Sacramento St.
@ Miami (OH)
vs. Alabama St.
@ Oral Roberts
@ IUPUI
@ Western Michigan
vs. MD-Eastern Shore
vs. UT-Pan American
vs. SE Louisiana
vs. Southern Utah
vs. Centenary
@ Duke
vs. South Dakota St.
@ North Dakota St.
@ IPFW
vs. Oakland
vs. UMKC
@ Centenary
@ Southern Utah
@ South Dakota St.
vs. IPFW
vs. North Dakota St.
@ UMKC
@ Oakland
vs. IUPUI
vs. Oral Roberts

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


Projected Summit Conference Standings:

1. Oral Roberts (76)
2. IUPUI (74)
3. Oakland (74)
4. ND State (72)
5. IPFW (69)
6. S. Utah (69)
7. UMKC (68)
8. Western Illinois (67)
9. Centenary (67)
10. SD State (67)


Coach Carroll's goals this season:

Finish .500 or better in conference (still hasn't been done at WIU this decade)
Make conference tourney and win first game
Land 3* recruit


John Sampson, a reporter for the WIU school paper, caught up with Coach Carroll during preseason workouts:

John Sampson: Coach, now that your first year as head coach is behind you how do you feel about the year you had?

Coach Carroll: Honestly, I have mixed feelings about last season. We did not accomplish the goals that we set out for, but we definetely improved on the 7-23 (3-13) season WIU had in the year prior to my arrival.

John Sampson: What do you expect out of you team in the 2008-09 season?

Coach Carroll: I truly believe this team will surprise some people this year, we have a great pure shooter in SG David Nurse and with a year under his belt C James Grantstra could really give us a formidable inside outside game. Nikola Bodic is extremely valuable to this team. His normal position is SG, but at 6'5" he can also play the SF spot and create some matchup problems for the opposition. We have even toyed with the idea of inserting him into the starting lineup at SF to give us more flexibility.

John Sampson: It seems you have an interesting schedule this year, did you have a hand in getting some teams on there?

Coach Carroll: Yeah, I tried to get a good mix of teams in there. We were close to getting another home game with Howard Univeristy but we were just too far along in the process to get it done. But we will being them in next season.

[Deuce2223]

You know I am looking forward to the Boise State Game. :)

Looks like recruiting was pretty rough on you but I think you will get it turned out this year. Being in Illinois, you should be able to find some decent 3* guys that are local that you can still away from the bigger schools. Also look at places like S. Dakota, and N. Dakota. Especailly for their Mr. BB even if they are a 2* they turn out to be pretty good players. You might also consider trying to land some world guys. Even 3* world guys are alteast mid to high 60 ratings.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg



(67OVR) http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/BoiseST.gif(74OVR)

Western Illinois 0-0 @ Boise St. 1-0


Leathernecks travel to Boise Idaho for season opener and leave feeling blue..

Despite being a huge underdog on the road, WIU looked like a much improved team. The Broncos of Boise State had the Taco Bell Arena packed and full of energy, but the Leathernecks took the crowd out the game early on by jumping out to a 17-5 lead. SG David Nurse hit 3 3-pointers in the first two minutes to jumpstart the WIU offense. Boise St. being the gritty team they are grinded their way back into the game and took a 34-32 lead into the half.

The second half was more of the same as BSU pushed their lead 18 with 7 minutes left to go in the game. Coach Carroll called a timeout to regroup and made a late push but feel just short. FINAL SCORE: 81-71


Top Performers

Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 17pts 2 stl
C James Grantstra 11pts 11reb

Boise St.
SF Omar Stockwell 24pts 5reb 5ast
SG Cuthbert Lavender 17pts 5ast 4reb


UP NEXT: Western Illinois 0-1 @ LSU 3-0
Coach Carroll leads his WIU Leathernecks back to his alma mater in what will be a very tough matchup.

[vikingfan1]

With your tough non conference schedule, I have a feeling your going to do very well in your conference. I would guess top four in your conference.

[Deuce2223]

Sorry to see you were not able to pull of the upset on the road. Boise plays very well at home. This season their only home loss was to Washington State who at the time was ranked #9 and its amazing they are actually selling over 10,000 tickets for basketball games again. Guess a 20 win season,conference title and a soon to be appearence in the Big Dance do that for you.

Good luck against LSU

[MAK314]

Yo dude nice Legacy you got going here keep up the good work, I'm sure you'll do better this season. I'll be reading!

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg



November 15, 2008

(67 OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/LSU.gif(87 OVR)

Western Illinois 0-1 @ LSU 3-0


Coach Carroll and the Leathernecks lose to his alma mater

WIU made its way down to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for a bout with the LSU Tigers and came away with some valuable experience. The Tigers of LSU jumped out 2-0 after the opening tip and never relinquished the lead. Senior PG Garrett Temple had the hot hand in the first half and led LSU to a 39-32 halftime lead.. Both teams really struggled offensively in the second half as there were only 45 points scored between the two teams.

LSU shot 42% for the game, while WIU could only muster a paltry 31% from the field. FINAL SCORE: LSU 66 WIU 50


Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 12pts 2reb
PG Ceola Clark 10pts 5ast 3reb

LSU
PG Garrett Temple 21pts 7ast
C Chad Felton 12pts 12reb


POST GAME INTERVIEW

Reporter: Coach, this was obviously an emotional game for you. How did you try to keep your team focused on the task at hand?

Coach Carroll: Yes, this game did mean alot to me. I cant tell you how many hours I have spent in my life inside the gym. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center was like a second home to me for many years. I just told my kids all week, this game is about them and not about me or my past.

Reporter: You are 0-2 to start the season.. Where do you go from here?

Coach Carroll: I think everyone expected us to be right where we are considering the first two opponents. Our goals right now are to get stronger before conference play kicks up and I think these games are gonna help us down the stretch.

Reporter: You have the 3-0 San Jose St Spartans led by Marvin West up next, what do you expect from the Spartans?

Coach Carroll: Well, Coach West is a great up and coming coach. He always seems to have his teams ready to play and is a great game manager. We will have our work cut out for sure.


UP NEXT: Western Illinois 0-2 @ San Jose St 3-0

[Deuce2223]

Tough loss.

But I think you can pull out the win against Coach West. I have been beating up on him for a couple of years now. However wanted to let you know. I started a new legacy with my old coach. Coach Dezaron at Minneosta and my 1st home game I am bringing in W. Illinois.

[blue_apocalypse]

But I think you can pull out the win against Coach West. I have been beating up on him for a couple of years now.

Now that is just a lack of respect! I've posted that quote in the locker room and the Spartans are fired up for this game.

[CincyFan]

look at fight that I haven't been apart of. Tiger its all good cause its still super early in the early. Once the first win comes that will boost up your confidence for your players and then the wins should come rollin in.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SJST.gif(73OVR)


Western Illinois 0-2 @ San Jose St. 3-0

Leathernecks pull off upset and notch first win of the season

Western Illinois traveled to the Silicon Valley and came away with a huge win for the program. The Leathernecks jumped on the Spartans early and never looked back. Shooting 56% from the field and forcing 17 tunovers was the recipe for victory. WIU's lead had balooned to 49-31 at the half. 49 points was the most scored in a half under Coach Carroll and the offense was really clicking. Once again the Western Illinois squad was led by SG David Nurse and C James Grantstra and despite a great effort from SF Tim Pierce of SJSU the Leathernecks won by a FINAL SCORE: WIU 82 SJSU 68

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 23pts 2stl
C James Grantstra 15pts 7reb
PG Ceola Clark 7pts 10ast

San Jose St.
SF Tim Pierce 23pts 2reb
PG Dashawn Wright 11pts 5ast

POST GAME INTERVIEW:

Reporter: Coach, great tonight for your program. You guys really came out firing tonight..

Coach Carroll: Thanks, I just turned them loose tonight and they really responded. It's my job to find a way to get them to play this loose every night. If we do, we may be on to something.

Reporter: After taking on Coach West's team tonight, you face his old team in 2 days. Coincidence, or was this planned?

Coach Carroll: We were having a tough time filling our schedule and Coach West helped us out by giving the AD at Sacramento St. a call and working out a deal for us.


UP NEXT: Sacramento State 3-2 @ Western Illinois 1-2

Sacramento State is off to a decent start and they are a scary team. SG Loren Leath can light up a basketball court. He comes into the game averaging 20.4 PPG. The Leathernecks have their own version in SG David Nurse who is averaging 17.3 PPG. The Sacramento Bee provided Nurse with a little bulletin board material earlier this week by referring to Nurse as a "poor mans Leath". Nurse responded by saying "I'm not a poor mans anybody, Im David Nurse. If you don't know the name, you soon will"

[CincyFan]

well and there is the perfect game to get the first win of the season. Lets see you knock off the Bee's with "poor mans Leath" being angry. Sorry whats his real name again I forgot??

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg



(70OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SACST.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

Sacramento St. 3-2 @ Western Illinois 1-2


Leath wins the battle, Nurse wins the war...

In what was billed as a battle of 2 great shooters the game itself did not disappoint. Nurse and Leath were both lights out from the start. Nurse poured in 25pts while Leath answered with 29pts. The difference turned out to be the post play. WIU's James Grantstra was a beast down low collecting 16pts and 7reb and helped push WIU to a 43-33 halftime lead.

The second half was played toe to toe and neither team made much of move as the lead stayed between 8-14 almost the entire way. Western Illinois finished the game shooting 14-25 (56%) from 3-point land while Sacramento St. only managed to shoot 14% (3-22)
FINAL SCORE: WIU 73 Sac St. 65

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 25pts 3ast
C James Grantstra 16pts 7reb

Sacramento St.
SG Loren Leath 29pts
PF Keith Hoskin 10pts 15reb

Post Game Interview:

Reporter: Coach, what a display by Nurse and Leath tonight. What do you put you guys over the top?

Coach Carroll: I think Sophomore C James Grantstra was the difference, anytime we need a big bucket down low he gave it to us. He is really a workhorse on the block.

Reporter: I noticed SG Nikola Bodic logged alot of minutes tonight at the SF position, is this something we should look for more of?

Coach Carroll: I think so, as I've stated before at 6'5" he can really give us some mismatches to take advantage of with his speed and outside shooting ability.

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 25pts 3ast
C James Grantstra 16pts 7reb

Sacramento St.
SG Loren Leath 29pts
PF Keith Hoskin 10pts 15reb

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 2-2 @ Miami (OH) 4-1

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


November 27, 2008

(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/MIOHIO.gif(76OVR)

Western Illinois 2-2 @ Miami(OH) 4-1


Miami(OH) uses defense to suffocate Leathernecks

Ex Miami(OH) coach Adam Ryan definitely didn't leave the cupboard bare when he left the Redhawks. The Redhawks absolutely clamped down on the WIU offense tonight and held them to only 18 points in the first half. This ballgame was over from the opening tip, Miami (OH) jumped out to an 18-4 early and the Leathernecks could never get anything going. The Redhawks held a 34-18 halftime lead.. To make matters worse WIU was outrebounded 54-37 while SG David Nurse was cold from the field shooting just 4-14.

The second half was more of the same as SG Michael Bramos led a balanced attack for Miami(OH) and they cruised to a win. FINAL SCORE: Miami(OH) 69 WIU 44

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 11pts 3reb
C James Grantstra 8pts 11reb

Miami (OH)
SG Michael Bramos 17pts 5reb
SF Nick Winbush 12pts 8reb
PG Isiah Carson 8pts 8ast 4reb

COACH CARROLL DECLINED COMMENT


UP NEXT: Alabama State 4-5 @ Western Illinois 2-3

Alabama State is a gritty team coached by Eric Carson. They opened the season with a HUGE upset win @ Kansas and have played a really tough non-conference to this point.

[blue_apocalypse]

I am not happy with the Spartans performance! Looks like we're going to be spending some extra time in practice.

I'm glad to see a good performance by Leath! He was the man in my legacy. So far he has been my favorite player in my legacy.

I have to say though, you crush my undefeated Spartans, defeat the Hornets and then get spanked by Miami(OH)...what's up with that??

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg



(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/ALAST.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

Alabama State 4-5 vs. Western Illinois 2-3

The Leathernecks run out of gas in second overtime

In a game that seemed as if it would never end the Alabama St. Hornets finally escape with the W. I don't think either team led this game in regulation by more than 6 points and there must have been at least 20 lead changes. Coach Carroll described it as "the most exciting game I've ever been a part of." With 32 seconds to go in regulation WIU gets the ball trailing the hornets by 3 points. Coach Carroll calls a timeout and decides to go for a quick 2 since the Hornets were only 5-11 from the FT line. PG Ceola Clark drives to the hoop and scores the quick 2 to put the Leathernecks down 72-71. The Leathernecks quickly foul and send the Hornets to the line where they hit 1 out of 2 to take a 73-71 lead. With 6 seconds to SG David Nurse launched a three for the win that rimmed out but was put back up and in as times expired by C James Grantstra to send the game to overtime tied 73-73

In the overtime session neither team could get much going. With the score tied 81-81, WIU had the ball with a chance to snatch victory but the jumper by Bodic clanked off the back iron and the rebound fell harmlessly to the floor and they moved on to the 2nd overtime.

The 2nd overtime was all Hornets as they jumped out early 87-81 and hit their free throws down the stretch to seal the win. FINAL SCORE: ASU 98 WIU 85

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG Josh Rivers 25pts 4reb (7-11 from 3-point land)
SG Nikola Bodic 18pts 3ast

Alabama St.
SG Andrew Hayles 26pts 3 reb
SF Jamarr Sanders 14pts 6reb

POST GAME INTERVIEW:

Reporter: Coach, I know this has to a tough loss for you. What can you take from tonight's game?

Coach Carroll: Despite the loss, there were some positives. Our 2 big guns Nurse and Granstra both struggled and neither had double digit points but we had some people step up off the bench keep us in the game. That is a quality that you must have to be a solid team.

Reporter: You and Coach Eric Carson had what seemed to be an extended chat at the postgame hamdshake, what was said?

Coach Carroll: I just wanted to congratulate him on the victory, his team played very well and you could tell they were obviously well coached. I told him that I think they can make some noise this year.

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 2-4 @ Oral Roberts 3-2
Oral Roberts is off to a solid start and are the projected winner of the Summit Conference. Western Illinois feels they have a shot to start off conference play by making a statement in winning this game.

[Deuce2223]

Wow. Tough loss. lets get things turned around. I was bored the other night and thought about starting a closed legacy with W. Illinois. I got through 5 games and was very impressed with the team, but do to your amazing job your doing, didn't feel I was worthy to post it. So I deleted it and started fresh with Minnesota and Coach Dezaron. Keep up the good work. You got some talent. Not sure how much you use Rivers and Stoudamire but I found Rivers can hit the 3 pretty good too and Stoudamire has some nice quickness. I like the fact he is a walkon but then again I love Clarks 6'3 height running the point and he is pretty quick himself.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


December 4, 2008


(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Oral.gif(76OVR)

Western Illinois 2-4 @ Oral Roberts 3-2


Oral Roberts wins by 13


WIU traveled to Tulsa Oklahoma for the their conference opener against the consensus pick to win the Summit conference. The game started out slow with both teams feeling each other out, but quickly turned into a physical slugfest. The teams combined to go to the charity stripe 46 times and there were 30 fouls called. Oral Roberts held the halftime lead 30-25.

The Leathernecks came out of the gate hot in the 2nd half and were really pounding the ball in down low. C James Grantstra had the hot hand and led WIU to a 52-49 lead halfway through the 2nd half. Oral Roberts made some adjustments during a timeout and came out swinging. The Golden Eagles proceeded to go on a 17-4 run and put the game out of reach. SG David Nurse ended the game 0-10 from the field..FINAL SCORE: Oral Roberts 78 WIU 65

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Granstra 18pts 4reb
SG Josh Rivers 13pts

Oral Roberts
SG Curtis Allen 22pts 6 reb
PG Robert Jarvis 22pts


UP NEXT: Western Illinois 2-5 (0-1) @ IUPUI 1-4 (0-1)
IUPUI is off to a poor start, but they were picked to finish 2nd in the Summit conference so we know they will come out firing in their conference home opener. Should be a great game!

[Deuce2223]

Ouch somebody call the Doctor, we got a missing Nurse 0-10 :(

Was shocked to see you lose all those non-conference games. But I think you will do fine in conference.

[MAK314]

Yeah that's rough.. I just took your dream job on my legacy :)

[jjredick4]

hopefully soon you can right the ship

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg





(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/IUPUI.gif(74OVR)

Western Illinois 2-5 (0-1) @ IUPUI 1-4 (0-1)


Leathernecks shock the Jaguars

On the same night that the IUPUI Jaguars were raising their banner to celebrate their 2007-08 Summit conference championship, the Leathernecks from WIU were waiting to spoil the party. IUPUI has really struggled this year under new head coach Ronny Holmes, coming off a conference championship and returning the conference player of the year in George Hill alot was expected. This game proved to be a tense battle that would come down to the wire. Nikola Bodic sparked WIU off the bench to lead them to a 44-43 lead at intermission. Coach Carroll inserted him into the starting 5 for the second half. The second half was a back and forth battle with nether team being able to pull away. With 1 minute to go the game was tied 78-78 and IUPUI had possesion of the ball. Their star SG George Hill missed a midrange jumper and the rebound was controlled by WIU's James Grantstra. Despite only having 4 points in the game SG David Nurse knew it was his time to take over for his team. With the shot-clock winding down Nurse drove the lane and put in a floater to put the Leathernecks up 80-78 with about 14 seconds left. IUPUI got off a buzzer beater from the top of the arc but it was no good and WIU escapes with an important conference road win. FINAL SCORE: WIU 80 IUPUI 78



Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG Nikola Bodic 19pts 3reb
C James Granstra 12pts 5reb
PG Ceola Clark 12pts 4ast

IUPUI
SG George Hill 18pts 6ast 3stl
PF John Avery 12pts 9reb


UP NEXT: Western Illinois 3-5 (1-1) @ Western Michigan 3-5

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


December 13, 2008

(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WESMICH.gif(75OVR)

Western Illinois 3-5 (1-1) @ Western Michigan 3-5

Leathernecks win 2nd straight

WIU traveled to Western Michigan to take on the Broncos in a non-conference matchup and came away with a comfortable win. Despite trailing 32-31 at the half the Leathernecks were determined to play better in the 2nd half. And boy did they! SG David Nurse came out of his recent slump in a big way scoring 26pts on 9-12 shooting and WIU cruised to a 79-60 win outscoring the Broncos 48-28 in the 2nd frame. FINAL SCORE WIU 78 Western Michigan 60

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 26pts 3reb 3stl
SG Josh River 12pts 5reb
PG Ceola Clark 8ps 8reb 4ast

Western Michigan
C John Workman 19pts 7reb
PG Bobby Joe Campbell 16pts 7reb 6stl


UP NEXT: MD-Eastern Shore 0-11 vs. Western Illinois 4-5 (1-1)

[jjredick4]

oh that's it, come the day after Christmas it's no mercy lol

[TigerCraig]

LOL... Ill bet on WIU if you spot me 80 points :)

[Deuce2223]

:rotfl: Loved the win over the Broncos. Keep up the good work. I knew Nurse couldn't stay cold much longer.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

December 17, 2008

(62OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/MDeastern.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

MD-Eastern Shore 0-11 vs. Western Illinois 4-5 (1-1)

Western Illinois extends winning streak to 3 games

In a rare game where WIU was the favored team they do what is so important.. Beat the teams you are supposed to beat. It was not a pretty game by any means as neither team shot very well and nobody really stepped up big for the Leathernecks, but a win is a win.
Leading just 30-28 at the half, Coach Carroll really lit into his players at halftime and told them is a typical let down type game and they cannot let that happen.

WIU responded and played much better in the 2nd half and waltzed to a 70-55 win in front of 1100 fans at Western Hall. FINAL SCORE: WIU 70 UMES 55

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 14pts 3reb 2stl
SF Nikola Bodic 8pts 7reb
PF Rashod Faye 7pts 5reb

UMES
PG Marc Davis 17pts 2ast
SG Ed Tyson 13pts 3ast


UP NEXT: UT-Pan American 3-10 vs. Western Illinois 5-5 (1-1)

[MAK314]

Good job dude. How do you play every game? I wouldn't be able to stand that lol.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


Lets take a look around the NCAA:

Media Top 10

1. Memphis (6-0)
2. Stanford (8-0)
3. Duke (12-1)
4. Providence (9-0)
5. UCONN (8-1)
6. Arizona (8-0)
7. Texas (9-1)
8. Tennessee (10-1)
9. Syracuse (7-1)
10.Georgetown (8-2)

Top 10 Mid Major Poll

1. Gonzaga (10-1)
2. Nevada (7-2)
3. Creighton (7-2)
4. Miami (OH) (7-2)
5. Utah St (6-3)
6. Niagra (8-2)
7. Saint Mary's (9-3)
8. Wagner (6-2)
9. UW-Green Bay (8-3)
10.Akron (7-3)

Other Notables

Alabama St (6-8)
Howard (1-6)
Western Michigan (4-7)
Illinois (6-1)
High Point (2-6)
Xavier (5-3)
Boise ST (5-8)
San Jose St (4-5)

[CincyFan]

Top 10 Mid Major Poll

4. Miami (OH) (7-2)


Other Notables


Xavier (5-3)

You do know I left Miami (OH) for Xavier now. Love to see the Redskins up there, but it hurts to see the X like that. You need to stop listening to chestnutz6 and let them play like they do in real life lol.

[TigerCraig]

Just incase anyone was actually reading my legacy. I should be updating later tonight!

I had to go out of town for some personal stuff, but if I ever get caught up, the season is looking up!!!

[MAK314]

I'm following you have a good legacy going here.

[Deuce2223]

I see big things for the Leathernecks this year in conference play. How is recruiting going. Getting any better??

[TigerCraig]

Recruiting is going a little better. There was only one 3-star to start the season that was more than 65% interested. I have him at 91% and number 1 on his list.

I hate to look ahead, but I really think this team could make a run at the conference champpionship next year. I will be returning Clark, Nurse, and Grantstra which are my main 3 contributors and am only losing 1 guy that I actually play. Could be a big year, m aybe even a run at the big dance!

[blue_apocalypse]

Glad to see recruiting is going better for you. Sounds like your 3* recruit will sign with you. Looking forward to the updates!

[boomosby50]

It looks like Oral Roberts might be the beasts of the conference this year, how do they rank in the Mid-Major Poll?

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg



(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UTpanam.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

UT-Pan American 3-10 vs. Western Illinois 5-5 (1-1)


Broncs upend Leathernecks

Leathernecks once again lose a game they really felt they could win. UT-Pan American had a very balanced attack with ALL 5 starters reaching double figures in points. The Leathernecks inserted Nikola Bodic into the starting spot at SF as Coach Carroll indicated this may happen.. Bodic didn't disappoint as he led WIU in scoring with 20 pts and 8rebs. The Broncs led 30-27 at the half and never fell behind in the second half. FINAL SCORE: BRONCS 73 WIU 67


Top Performers
Western Illinois
SF Nikola Bodic 20pts 8reb
SG David Nurse 15pts 5ast
C James Grantstra 15pts 10reb

UT-Pan American
SF Bronski Holt 19pts 4reb
SG Robbie Diener 17pts 4ast


UP NEXT: SE Louisiana 2-5 vs. Western Illinois 5-6 (1-1)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

December 27, 2008

(69OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SELA.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

SE Louisiana 3-5 vs. Western illinois 5-6 (1-1)


Leathernecks drop 2nd straight

WIU drops yet another non-conference matchup. This time it was the SELA Lions that pounced on the the Leathernecks early. WIU's best player David Nurse got in foul trouble early and spent most of the game on the bench which really hurt Coach Carroll's team. Leading 32-25 the Lions held on to win 70-64..

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 16pts 11reb
SF Nikola Bodic 14pts

SE Louisiana
SF Daryl Arnold 24pts 8reb 4ast 4stl
PF Warrell Span 12pts 9reb


UP NEXT: Southern Utah 1-8 (0-1) vs. Western Illinois 5-7 (1-1)

[blue_apocalypse]

Tough losses but at least S. Utah looks like a team you can bounce back against.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


January 1, 2009


(71OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SUtah.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

Southern Utah 1-8 (0-1) vs. Western Illinois 5-7 (1-1)


Leathernecks get back on track with conference home win

WIU gets back in the win column in thrilling fashion over conference foe Southern Utah.. It was a back forth game as neither team ever led by more than 8. SG David Nurse scored 14 points in the first half as WIU built a 34-30 halftime lead. Southern Utah made some adjustments at halftime and came out running, scoring the first 9 points of the half to go up 39-34. The Leathernecks looked to Nurse to stop the run and as usual he came through. Nurse and company got hot from 3-point land and erased the 5 point deficit and never looked back. Southern Utah did hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to make it close. FINAL SCORE WIU 62- Southern Utah 60

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 23pts 4reb 3ast
C James Grantstra 10pts 4reb
SF Nikola Bodic 10pts 4ast

Southern Utah
PF Cris Hoopes 13pts 9reb
SG David Baker 11pts

UP NEXT: Centenary 4-6 (2-0) vs. Western Illinois 6-7 (2-1)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


(68OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Centenary.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

Centenary 4-6 (2-0)vs.Western Illinois 6-7 (2-1)


Leathernecks get to 3-1 in conference play with win


What?? Are we seeing this right??? Is WIU reallyyyy 3 games over .500 in conference play??
That's right folks, its been a very rare sight in the last decade but it's true...

WIU is playing much better ball this season improved to 7-7 (3-1) on the season behind Sophomore Center James Grantstra who led the Leathernecks with 16pts and 11rebs in a defensive struggle. WIU held a 33-26 lead at halftime. The Gents did their best to stay close and make a run in the 2nd half but the Leathernecks were just too much and defended their home court for a 63-58 victory..

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 16pts 11reb
SG David Nurse 12pts 4ast
SG Josh Rivers 12pts

Centenary
SG Jamere King 13pts
SF Roy Williams 12pts 6reb


POST GAME COMMENTS:

Reporter: Coach, This win gets you to 3-1 in conference play. Do you think you can make a run at the top spot?

Coach Carroll: That is not something we are even thinking about, our goal is to keep progressing and keep winning ball games. The rest will take care of itself.

Reporter: Coach, you travel to Cameron Indoor to face Duke next. Any goals for this game?

Coach Carroll: Yes we have a goal.. Dont get anyone hurt....

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 7-7 (3-1) @ #1 Duke 15-1

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Duke.gif(89OVR)

Western Illinois 7-7 (3-1) @ #1 Duke 15-1


LOL

Duke 92
WIU 46


Thats all you need to know.....


UP NEXT: South Dakota St. 5-9 (2-2) vs. Western Illinois 7-8 (3-1)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SDakST.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)


South Dakota St. 5-9 (2-2) vs. Western illinois 7-8 (3-1)


Leathernecks bounce back from Duke loss with conference win

Coming into this game WIU knew this was an important game to get things back on track and they did just that. Once again the Leathernecks play a nail-biter with neither team being able to pull away. With the game tied 37-37 at the half Coach Carroll made it a point at halftime to really get the ball down low to Granstra and freshman Rashod Faye who has been seeing alot of playing time of late.

Granstra and Faye answered the call and really took over on the low block. Granstra finished with 17 and 10 while Faye pitched in 9 points. There were some tense moments in the closing minutes as WIU could not convert on FT's and SD State closed the gap,but WIU held on FINAL SCORE: WIU 71 SD St. 67

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 17pts 10reb
SF Nikola Bodic 16pts 3reb
SG David Nurse 10pts

South Dakota St
PG Michael Palarca 22pts 8ast
SG Clint Sargent 20pts 4ast


UP NEXT: Western Illinois 8-8 (4-1) @ North Dakota St. 10-6 (4-1)
Battle for early top spot in Summit conference

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/NDState.gif(72OVR)

Western Illinois 8-8 (4-1) @ North Dakota St. 10-6 (4-1)

Leathernecks hang tough on the road but fall just short

The first half was a defensive struggle on both ends as neither team could put the ball in the basket. The score at the half was 28-27 ND State..The Bison quickly showed the 2nd half would be different by hitting their first 6 shots from the field to start and increased their lead to 11. WIU fought back slowly and had tied the game up with under 2 minutes left to play, but senior SG Mike Nelson for the Bison was just too much. He hit some clutch shots down the stretch and the Bison held on to win. FINAL SCORE ND ST 74 WIU 71

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 24pts 8reb
SG David Nurse 17pts

North Dakota St
SG Mike Nelson 22pts 5ast
PG Ben Woodside 14pts 6ast

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 8-9 (4-2) @ IPFW 7-8 (3-4)

[TigerCraig]

My write-ups are short and crappy right now, but I got way behind and Im tryin to catch up

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/IPFW.gif(69OVR)

Western Illinois 8-9 (4-2) @ IPFW 7-8 (3-4)


WIU drops another one on the road

The Mastadons were simply too much in this game for WIU. Western Illinois never led and trailed by as much as 20 points. IPFW led at halftime 35-26. WIU shot a horrible 29% for the game and was outrebounded 36-30. FINAL SCORE: IPFW 63 WIU 53

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 14pts 11reb
SG David Nurse 15pts

IPFW
SG Jakari Johnson 14pts 7reb
PF Andres Conley 12pts 9reb

UP NEXT: Oakland 6-10 (4-3) vs. Western Illinois 8-10 (4-3)

[boomosby50]

Yur team this year is pretty inconsistent, hopfully you can find a good go-to-guy if you haven't already, I've missed alot of this season at WIU, Granstra is good I guess, and Summit is good too, but something is missing in the Western Valleys of the Illini state

[blue_apocalypse]

LOL

Duke 92
WIU 46


Thats all you need to know.....

:rotfl:

I feel your pain though. My first year at San Jose State I got freakin owned by Pittsburgh

[TigerCraig]

Yur team this year is pretty inconsistent, hopfully you can find a good go-to-guy if you haven't already, I've missed alot of this season at WIU, Granstra is good I guess, and Summit is good too, but something is missing in the Western Valleys of the Illini state

Yeah consistency is def lacking... Teams that play tight man are giving me trouble, but im working on it :)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

January 22, 2009


(75OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Oakland.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

Oakland 6-10 (4-3) vs. Western Illinois 8-10 (4-3)

WIU improves to 4-0 at home in conference play

A tale of two halves

In the first half the Leathernecks could do no wrong, shooting 63% from the field while holding Oakland to just 26% shooting. WIU held a "comfortable" 24 point lead at the half 47-23..

The second half was all Oakland as they shot over 60% while WIU shot under 30%. Oakland closed the gap to 2 points with 4 minutes left and the game was close to the wire with WIU prevailing.. FINAL SCORE: WIU 69 Oakland 64

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 19pts 2ast
PG Ceola Clark 12pts 4ast

Oakland
PF Will Hudson 11pts 2reb
C Wesley Matsui 11pts 4reb


UP NEXT: UMKC 10-10 (6-2) vs. Western Illinois 9-10 (5-3)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


(69OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UMKC.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

UMKC 10-10 (6-2) vs. Western Illinois 9-10 (5-3)

Nurse scores 33 but its still not enough

There was plenty of fireworks at Western Hall tonight as UMKC took on WIU. Both teams came out blazing and were trading punches on the offensive end. Leathereck SG David Nurse had 22pts by halftime and not far behind was UMKC SG Dane Brumigan who had 20pts. WIU trailed 47-45 at the half....

In the second half the pace slowed down tremendously but that doesnt mean there wasn't some excitement for the fans. The lead went back and forth the entire game and finally ended 78-78 at the end of regulation. Even with the crowd on its feet ( a rare sight at Western Hall) UMKC was just too much to overcome in OT. WIU fell in a heartbreaker 93-86

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 33pts 6reb
SF Nikola Bodic 18pts 6reb

UMKC
SG Dane Brumigan 27pts 5reb
SF Brian Gettinger 25pts 5reb

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 9-11 (5-4) @ Centenary 5-12 (3-6)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg





NCAA ROUNDUP


Top 10 Media Poll
1. Duke (22-1)
2. Stanford (17-1)
3. Arizona (17-1)
4. Providence (18-1)
5. Texas (16-4)
6. UCONN (17-4)
7. Alabama (17-3)
8. Memphis (15-2)
9. UCLA (14-5)
10. Michigan St (17-5)

Top 10 Mid-Majors
1. Gonzaga (17-3)
2. Saint mary's (15-5)
3. UT-Arlington (13-2)
4. Florida Atlantic (17-2)
5. Boston U (16-4)
6. Miami (OH) (14-5)
7. Nevada (15-4)
8. Appalachian St. (15-4)
9. Coastal Carolina (16-5)
10. VCU (14-6)

Summit Conference Standings
1. North Dakota St. (8-2)
2. UMKC (7-2)
3. Oral Roberts (6-4)
4. Western Illinois (5-4)
5. Oakland (5-4)
6. IPFW (4-6)
7. South Dakota St. (3-6)
8. Centenary (3-6)
9. Southern Utah (3-6)
10. IUPUI (3-7)

Other Teams of Interest
North Florida 6-13 (2-5)
Xavier 7-9 (1-5)
Sacramento State 7-12 (2-5)
High Point 8-8 (5-1)
Syracuse 14-5 (4-4)
Minnesota 8-10 (2-5)
Western Michigan 11-9 (7-0)
Howard 5-10 (5-2)
San Jose St. 13-7 (6-1)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Centenary.gif(68OVR)

Western Illinois 9-11 (5-4) @ Centenary 5-12 (3-6)


Cardiac kids lose 2nd straight OT game

Overtime once again unkind for WIU, for the second game in a row the Leathernecks force a game to OT but both times fall just short of victory... WIU outscored Centenary 37-27 in the first half, but Centenary came back to outscore WIU 37-27 in the second half..

The Leathernecks couldnt keep pace in the OT session and dropped a heartbreaker to their conference foe. FINAL SCORE 80-74

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 21pts 9reb
SG David Nurse 15pts

Centenary
PG Tyrone Hamilton 19pts
SF Roy Williams 10pts 13reb

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 9-12 (5-5) @ Southern Utah 4-14 (3-7)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SUtah.gif(71OVR)

Western Illinois 9-12 (5-5) @ Southern Utah 4-14 (3-7)

Western Illinois gets back on track with win

With the season starting to hit the home stretch every conference win becomes important. WIU's goal to start the season wa .500 or better in league play and right now they are hovering around that mark as they jocky for seeding in the Summit Conference tourney.

The Leathernecks took a step in the right direction againt the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. Using a stifling defense WIU held Southern Utah to just 19 first half points and took a 28-19 lead to the locker room. Once again led by Nurse and Grantstra the Leathernecks held that lead for the rest of the game and closed this one out. FINAL SCORE WIU 58 SUU 49

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 23pts 5stl
C James Grantstra 12pts 10reb

Southern Utah
C John Clifford 19pts 8reb

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 10-12 (6-5) @ South Dakota St. 8-13 (5-6)
SD State is another team that is fighting to make the conference tourney, WIU pulled out a 4-point win against them at home. Should be a tough road test..

[boomosby50]

oh yeah, goin for the conference tourney

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SDakST.gif(67OVR)

Western Illinois 10-12 (6-5) @ South Dakota St 8-13 (5-6)

Nurse and Grantstra combine for 53 as WIU topples the Jacks...

Western Illinois came out hot early and really made the crowd a non-factor. SG David Nurse was on fire from 3-point range where he finished the game 7-11. The Leathernecks jumped out to a big lead early and carried a ten point lead into the half 42-32.

In the second half the Jacks defense really focused on shutting down Nurse, but as often is the case C James Grantstra was there to pick up the slack and he chipped in 19 second half points to carry WIU to a victory. FINAL SCORE WIU 83 SD St. 69

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 28pts 10reb
SG David Nurse 25pts

South Dakota St.
SF Kai Williams 22pts 10reb


UP NEXT: IPFW 11-10 (7-6) vs. Western Illinois 11-12 (7-5)
IPFW is talented team that gave WIU fits in the last matchup as IPFW won 63-53...

[vikingfan1]

Nice job at WIU!! 10-12 isn't a bad record at all for them.

[TigerCraig]

Nice job at WIU!! 10-12 isn't a bad record at all for them.

Thank you sir.. I'm looking for REALLY big things next season.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

February 12, 2009

(70OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/IPFW.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

IPFW 11-10 (7-6) vs. Western Illinois 11-12 (7-5)

IPFW once again manhandles WIU

For the second time this season WIU can't solve the Mastadons up tempo offense. WIU actually played well in the first half and really held IPFW in check and the Leathernecks were clinging to a 30-29 halftime lead.

In the second half however, the Mastadons got socrching hot from the field and lit up the scoreboard with 51 points while WIU could only muster 38 points. The game was never really in doubt at any point in the second half as IPFW won handily.
FINAL SCORE IPFW 80 WIU 68

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 19pts 3stl
SG Josh Rivers 12pts

IPFW
SG Jakari Johnson 19pts 5reb

UP NEXT: North Dakota St. 15-9 (10-4) vs. Western Illinois 11-13 (7-6)
North Dakota St. is in 1st place in the conference and really playing well. ND St. took the first meeting 74-71.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

February 14, 2009

(72OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/NDState.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

North Dakota St. 15-9 (10-4) vs. Western Illinois 11-13 (7-6)

The Leathernecks finally win a game in OT

Overtime had not been kind to WIU to this point, but that all changed tonight as they took down the conference leader 72-67

The Bison held a slim 29-28 halftime lead and the second half was a see-saw as both teams took the lead several times, but neither team could really pull away from the other. Western Illinois held a 2 point lead with 30 seconds left but Bison PG Ben Woodside drove to the hoop and layed in the tying bucket with just seconds left. The Leathernecks got off a halfcourt shot but it missed everything..

In the overtime the Leathernecks played good ball and made their free throws in the last minute to seal the victory. FINAL SCORE: WIU 72 ND St. 67

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 23pts 10reb
SF Nikola Bodic 12pts reb

North Dakota State
SF Brett Winkelman 22pts 7reb

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 12-13 (8-6) @ UMKC 13-13 (9-5)
UMKC sits in 2nd place in the conference and they won the first meeting 93-86 in OT

[jjredick4]

i see you gettin' to .500 overall

[Deuce2223]

Very nice season so far. If you can find some defense and get consistant play from Nurse I see you making a run in the conference tourney and getting a spot in the Dance.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

February 17, 2009

(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UMKC.gif(70OVR)

Western Illinois 12-13 (8-6) @ UMKC 13-13 (9-5)

Nurse goes off!! Gets career high 41pts in Leathernecks win


SG David Nurse did exactly what you hope your team captain will do at this time of year.. Take the team on his back and say let's go guys..

UMKC simply didnt have an answer for the hot shooting Nurse. He finished the game 11-19 shooting and 9-10 on FT's. Western Ilinois led throughout to claim the big W.
FINAL SCORE: WIU 79 UMKC 69

Western Illinois is now in a tie for 2nd place in conference...

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 41pts 3ast
SF Nikola Bodic 12pts 8reb

UMKC
C Alex Pledger 21pts 20reb (wow)

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 13-13 (9-6) @ Oakland 12-12 (10-5)
Oakland is now atop the Summit conference. They are super hot right now having won 8 of their last 9 games... Shuold be a good game. Their court always messes with me. The entire area inside the 3-point arc is black.. Its weird

[TigerCraig]

Very nice season so far. If you can find some defense and get consistant play from Nurse I see you making a run in the conference tourney and getting a spot in the Dance.

Thanks Duece, you really nailed it man.. Nurse is sooooo inconsistent. He is only avg about 16ppg on the year. Yet he will go off for 30+ sometimes, but he will follow it up with 7pts on 3-14 shooting :(

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Oakland.gif(74OVR)

Western Illinois 13-13 (9-6) @ Oakland 12-12 (10-5)

Oakland blows out Leathernecks in battle for top spot

This game was eerily similar to the Duke game, and the score really does not show how lopsided the game truly was. Oakland came out smoking and WIU just had no answers.
Oakland led 39-24 at the half and just kept pouring it on. WIU could not get anything to fall and at the same time played no defense. FINAL SCORE: Oakland 72 WIU 50

Top Performers:
NONE!


UP NEXT: IUPUI 11-14 (6-10) vs. Western Illinois 13-14 (9-7)
IUPUI was picked to finish second in the league so they are a talented bunch. This is their first year under a new head coach and it seems they are struggling to find themselves. They do return last years conference player of the year George Hill (87OVR)..

[vikingfan1]

Tough break against Oakland, you will get them the next time.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


February 26, 2009

(75OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/IUPUI.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

IUPUI 11-14 (6-10) vs. Western Illinois 13-14 (9-7)


Leathernecks rebound with OT win

Western Illinois sweeps last years conference champ IUPUI behind strong perfermance by James Grantstra. WIU led 33-23 at the half but IUPUI stepped up in the second half and forced the game into OT. A sight that is becoming all to familiar to the Leathenecks..
Western Illinois started the overtime like they started the game--HOT
Jumping out to a 80-71 lead WIU held on for victory. FINAL SCORE: WIU 83 IUPUI 77

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C James Grantstra 29pts 10reb
SG David Nurse 19pts reb

IUPUI
SF Brandon Ray 20pts 7reb

POST GAME COMMENTS:

Reporter: Coach, you said before the year started that your goal was to get this program to .500 or better in conference. You have done that, and you are also .500 overall with one game left. How important is your game with Oral Roberts?

Coach Carroll: I think it is a pretty important game, for several reasons.. We could improve our seeding in the conference tourney, we could have the first winning record in over 10 years here. But most importantly, we are 0-3 against Oral Roberts and we could very well meet them again in the conference tourney. A win would go a long way for our confidence.


UP NEXT: Oral Roberts 11-14 (7-9) vs. Western Illinois 14-14 (10-7)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


February 28, 2009

(76OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Oral.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(67OVR)

Oral Roberts 11-14 (7-9) vs. Western Illinois 14-14 (10-7)


WIU comes up juuuuust short....

In the regular season finale, in front of the largest home crowd of the year (1,140) the Leathernecks put up a valiant effort but just couldn't finish. Oral Roberts had their hands full and held onto a 1 point 43-42 at the half.. Despite WIU's David Nurse having another superb game with 26pts, the Leathernecks just simply don't have the depth to compete with upper echelon teams in the Summit conference just yet.
FINAL SCORE: ORU 78 WIU 73

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 26pts 3ast
C James Grantstra 17pts 11reb

Oral Roberts
SF Marchello Vealy 24pts

POST GAME COMMENTS:

Reporter: Coach, you fell just short of finishing the regular season at .500. What are your thoughts on the season to this point?

Coach Carroll: I think its evident we are vastly improved from last season and I think we can make some noise in the conference tourney

Reporter: It looks as though you will face off with UMKC in the first round. Is this a good matchup for your squad?

Coach Carroll: We split the regular season with these guys. David Nurse had 33pts and 41pts in the games against UMKC and I really look for them to focus on shutting him down

UP NEXT: #4 Western Illinois vs. #5 UMKC in the Summit Conference tournament at Alltel Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas

[MAK314]

You're going to go to the Championship game and face off against Oral Roberts and win in a 1 or 2 point game. I'm calling it.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


2008-09 Final Summit Standings
1. Oakland (12-6)
2. North Dakota St. (11-7)
3. IPFW (11-7)
4. Western Illinois (10-8)
5. UMKC (10-8)
6. Oral Roberts (8-10)
7. South Dakota St. (8-10)
8. IUPUI (7-11)
9. Centenary (7-11)
10. Southern Utah (6-12)

Regular Season Summit Statistical Leaders
PPG
1. George Hill IUPUI----------------------------21.4
2. Robert Jarvis Oral Roberts------------------20.1
3. Erik Kangas Oakland------------------------17.6
4. David Nurse Western Illinois--------------17.2
5. Ben Woodside North Dakota St.------------15.7

RPG
1. Alex Pledger UMKC--------------------------10.6
2. Roy Williams Centenary--------------------- 8.1
3. James Grantstra Western Illinois----------8.0
4. Derick Nelson Oakland-----------------------7.9
5. Tim Price Centenary--------------------------7.5

APG
1. Ben Woodside North Dakota St.-------------6.9
2. Johnathan Jones Oakland--------------------6.5
3. Ceola Clark Western Illinois---------------4.6
4. Gary Patterson IUPUI-------------------------4.4
5. Michael Palarca South Dakota St.-----------4.2


Recruiting News

Western Illinois has offered scholarships to 3 players:

3* PG Bart Milton
Bart is from nearby Aurora Illinois and is ranked #106 overall and #43 at his position. He is 6'4 198. Avg 10.3pts and 5.1ast in the ABL. He is a very athletic PG that plays great defense. Notable schools interested are Marquette and Memphis.

3* SG Kendall Schwartz
6'2 186 SG that is a solid player all around. No grades over B+ but is an all-around player. Kendall is from South Bend, Indiana

3* C Jovan Markovic (Serbia)
Jovan is 7'0 269 and could step right in if Coach Carroll decides to move Granstra to PF

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


SUMMIT CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT BRACKETS RELEASED

(1) Oakland
(8) IUPUI

(4) Western Illinois
(5) UMKC
--------------------------------------
(3) ND State
(6) Oral Roberts

(2) IPFW
(7) SD State

[Deuce2223]

Good luck with the conference tourney. Coach Dezoran,Akpan and Nash are cheering you on.

Your recruits look good. Hopefully you can land all of them.

[TigerCraig]

Good luck with the conference tourney. Coach Dezoran,Akpan and Nash are cheering you on.

Your recruits look good. Hopefully you can land all of them.

Thanks! You've assembled quite a staff there!

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Summit_League_logo.png

Summit League Conference Tournament
Alltel Arena
Little Rock, Arkansas
(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UMKC.gif(70OVR)

#4 Western Illinois 14-15 vs #5 UMKC 14-16

Nurse helps keep WIU alive....

Western Illinois showed no signs of nerves in their opening round game aginst UMKC as they jumped out to a huge lead early. The Leathernecks led by as much as 23 points in the first half and cruised to a halftime lead of 46-29.
The second half was a totally different story as UMKC made some major adjustments and really clamped down defensivly holding WIU to only 24 points. The game got as close as 4points and Coach Carroll was seen pacing the sidelines with a very nervous look on his face. Western Illinois however made their FT's in the last minute and nailed down the victory. FINAL SCORE WIU 70 UMKC 62

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 28pts
SG Josh Rivers 19pts

UMKC
Alex Pledger 19pts 16reb

OTHER QUARTERFINAL RESULTS
(1) Oakland 48
(8) IUPUI 60

(2) IPFW 100
(7) Sd St. 66

(3) ND St. 65
(6) Oral Roberts 59

UP NEXT: Summit League Semifinals
#4Western Illinois vs. #8 IUPUI

[jjredick4]

hopefully IUPUI doesn't pull another upset over you

[TigerCraig]

How much do day to day injuries affect the players? I just noticed they have a couple guys that have some minor injuries

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Summit_League_logo.png

Summit League Conference Tournament
Alltel Arena
Little Rock, Arkansas
(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/IUPUI.gif(75OVR)

#4 Western Illinois 15-15 vs. #8 IUPUI 13-15

Western Illinois advances in a thriller

IUPUI came into this game trying to defend their title from last season and also had revenge on their side as WIU had beaten them both times in the regular season. The Leathernecks overcame those obstacles in dramatic fashion to notch a 75-73 victory.
IUPUI led 36-35 at half, but SF Nikola Bodic got hot in the 2nd half on his way to scoring 20pts. With IUPUI leading 73-72 Bodic drained a 3-pointer with about 20 seconds left. IUPUI went to their go to guy George Hill but he missed the game tying jumper!

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SF Nikola Bodic 20pts 3reb 3 ast
SG David Nurse 16pts 4 reb

IUPUI
George Hill 21pts 7reb
Alex Pledger 19pts 16reb

OTHER SEMIFINAL RESULTS
(3) ND St. 74
(2) IPFW 72

UP NEXT: SUMMIT CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
#4 Western Illinois vs. #3 ND St.

[vikingfan1]

Wow! Increcible game! Good luck in the finals, I will be rooting for you.:)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Summit_League_logo.png

Summit League Conference Tournament
Alltel Arena
Little Rock, Arkansas

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/NDState.gif

Western Illinois 16-15 vs. North Dakota St. 18-12

The dream is dead, or at least postponed...

The North Dakota State Bison are going dancing after they handed Western Illinois a crushing defeat in the conference championship game. FINAL SCORE: 78-74

POST GAME COMMENTS:
Reporter: Coach, you fell 5 points short of taking this team to the big dance. What was the mood in the locker room after the game?

Coach Carroll: The mood was pretty somber which is to be expected, I really feel for our players especially our 3 seniors.

Reporter: How do you feel about the team next season?

Coach Carroll: I feel great, we have a really nice nucleus coming back and really close to signing some great recruits. One of our goals next year will be to get to the NCAA tournament. Its amazing that we came within one game this year, it was not something I ever even thought about.

[TigerCraig]

NCAA MARCH MADNESS 2008-09

East Regional Bracket 1st Round
1 Stanford 81
16 Stetson 69

8 Oklahoma St. 90
9 Pittsburgh 73

5 Washington 88
12 W. Carolina 57

4 Florida 90
13 South Alabama 75

6 Auburn 54
11 Georgetown 61

3 Providence 90
14 Jackson St. 56

7 Iowa St. 79
10 Nevada 58

2 Villanova 72
15 Creighton 48


West Regional Bracket 1st Round
1 Memphis 84
16 Saint Francis (PA) 66

8 Boston College 77
9 Maryland 69

5 Utah 77
12 UT-Arlington 90

4 North Carolina 86
13 Vermont 84

6 Louisville 82
11 Middle Tennessee 69

3 Indiana 85
14 New Mexico St. 60

7 DePaul 52
10 Clemson 85

2 Alabama 71
15 Cal Poly 60


South Regional Bracket 1st Round
1 Connecticut 73
16 Samford 44

8 Notre Dame 101
9 Nicholls St. 78

5 Gonzaga 74
12 UW-Green Bay 70

4 Mississippi St. 74
13 Fairfield 62

6 Kentucky 93
11 Florida Atlantic 62

3 Texas 79
14 W. Michigan 97

7 Marshall 51
10 Saint Mary's 64

2 UCLA 90
15 ND State 75 (Summit winner)


Midwest Regional Bracket 1st Round

1 Duke 89
16 Winston Salem 45

8 Baylor 78
9 Miami (FL) 67

5 Tennessee 70
12 Coastal Carolina 71

4 Arizona 79
13 George Mason. 81

6 W. Virginia 69
11 Saint Joseph's 68

3 Rhode Island 80
14 Cornell 88

7 Arizona St. 76
10 LaSalle 68

2 Michigan St. 82
15 Lafayette 57

[blue_apocalypse]

Tough way to go down in the conference finals. It was a good experience for your team though so they'll be more prepared next year.

Lots of very low seeds winning in the first round of the dance

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


East Regional 2nd Round Scores
1 Stanford 76
8 Oklahoma St 53

5 Washington 90
4 Florida 67

11 Georgetown 84
3 Providence 64

7 Iowa St. 70
2 Villanova 65


West Regional 2nd Round Scores
1 Memphis 76
8 Boston College 68

12 Ut-Arlington 68
4 North Carolina 109

6 Louisville 62
3 Indiana 73

10 Clemson 59
2 Alabama 81


South Regional 2nd Round Scores
1 Connecticut 96
8 Notre Dame 89

5 Gonzaga 95
4 Mississippi St. 78

6 Kentucky 97
14 W. Michigan 98

10 Saint Mary's 82
2 UCLA 79

Midwest Regional 2nd Round Scores
1 Duke 80
8 Baylor 82

12 Coastal Carolina 64
13 George Mason 58

6 West Virginia 68
14 Cornell 69

7 Arizona St. 86
2 Michigan St. 83

[TigerCraig]

Sweet 16 and Elite 8 Results:

Sweet 16
1 UCONN 67
5 Gonzaga 73

14 W. Michigan 62
10 Saint Mary's 72

8 Baylor 89
12 Coastal Carolina 69

7 Arizona St. 81
14 Cornell 72

1 Stanford 70
5 Washington 67

11 Georgetown 56
7 Iowa St. 83

1 Memphis 84
4 N. Carolina 88

3 Indiana 86
2 Alabama 80
----------------------------
Elite 8
1 Stanford 72
7 Iowa St. 69

4 N. Carolina 96
3 Indiana 91

5 Gonzaga 99
10 Saint Mary's 64

7 Arizona St. 87
8 Baylor 74

[TigerCraig]

FINAL FOUR RESULTS:

1 Stanford 79
4 N.Carolina 107

5 Gonzaga 80
7 Arizona St. 69
------------------------
4 N. Carolina 87
5 Gonzaga 79

University of North Carolina Tarheels are your 2008-2009 National Champions!!
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UNC.gif
28-10 (10-6)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

Recruiting Ruondup

Top Ten Recruiting Classes
1. UNC
2. Arizona
3. Georgetown
4. Pitt
5. Duke
6. UCLA
7. Tennessee
8. Kansas
9. Washington St.
10. Clemson
11. San Jose St.

Summit League Recruiting Rankings
1. Western Illinois
2. Oakland
3. North Dakota St.
4. Southern Utah
5. IUPUI
6. UMKC
7. Oral Roberts
8. Centenary
9. IPFW
10. South Dakota St.

Let me intoduce to you the incoming freshman for the 2009-2010 season
3* C Jovan Markovic (Serbia 7'1 274 71OVR)
Jovan will compete for a starting spot right away for WIU. He is a very complete player that should really be a force down low on the offensive and defensive ends.

3* PG Bart Milton (Aurora, IL 6'5 196 71OVR)
Bart is pretty tall for a PG and is still raw in some areas of his game. With JR PG Ceola Clark returning to the Leathernecks Bart may be asked to move the SF position to gives WIU a combination of size and ball skills at that position.

3* SG Kendall Schwartz (South Bend, IN 6'2 193 (67OVR)
Kendall projects to be a valuable back up to the SR David Nurse, Coach Carroll has toyed with the idea of red-shirting Kendall but I don't think WIU has the depth to go that route.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

Before each season starts a coaching staff has to make some tough decisions on personnel and this season is no different. C James Grantstra (JR) has been a staple of this team and one of the reasons for their drastic turnaround. But with star C Jovan Markovic coming in Coach Carroll has decided to move Grantstra to PF in order to keep him in the lineup. Another postion change took place with incoming freshman PG Bart Milton, Milton readily agreed to move to the SF spot for at least a year to help the team win. With that said, lets get to the roster for the upcoming season!

2009-2010 Western Illinois Roster

Starters:
PG #23 Ceola Clark 6'3" JR OVR 63
SG #5 David Nurse 6'3" SR OVR 70 (co-captain)
SF #24 Bart Milton 6'5" FR OVR 71 (Needs work on 3-point shooting, only a 67)
PF #52 James Grantstra 6'11" JR OVR 61 (co-captain)
C #42 Jovan Markovic 7'1" FR OVR 71

Bench:
SG #4 Kendall Schwartz 6'2" FR 67OVR
PG #3 Patrick Stoudamire 5'11" SR OVR 62 (Walk-On)
SG #34 Larry Dumas 6'2" SO OVR 61
PF #30 Delvon Johnson 6'8" JR OVR 58 (can play PF and C)
SF #31 Buster Wiley 6'7" SO OVR 54
PF #44 Rashod Faye 6'11" SO OVR 54 (Solid bench minutes last year)
C #0 George Hines 6'11 FR OVR 53 (Need him to be solid in backing up Markovic)

[boomosby50]

sweet roster tihs year, I love all yur freshman, try and schedule Howard and if you schedule Md-Eastern Shore, make sure ot bring some bikes just in case of a bus malfunction

[TigerCraig]

Howard is already on it, should be releasing it soon :)

[boomosby50]

ok kool, hopefully Nurse can lead the froshes and not have to lead the whole team on his back like last year

[MAK314]

Hey if you don't already have a set schedule, put the Missouri State Bears on there. They should be a good challenge, but you should win. If you already set the schedule then I guess th Bears can wait until next year :)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

2009-2010 Leatherneck Schedule

@ Oklahoma St. (Preseason Tourney)
@ Lamar/SMU (Preseason Tourney)
@ Marshall
vs Howard
@ San Jose St.
vs UC-Davis
@ Colorado
vs North Florida
vs Oakland
vs IPFW
@ #12NC State (Start of a tough road stretch)
@ Northwestern
@ Louisiana Tech
@ Centenary
@ UMKC
@ North Dakota St.
vs South Bakota St.
vs IUPUI
@ Southern Utah
@ Oral Roberts
vs Centenary
vs UMKC
vs NOrth Dakota St
@ IUPUI
@ South Dakota St
vs Oral Roberts
vs Southern Utah
@ IPFW
@ Oakland

WIU tried scheduling a game with Missouri State but it was just too late to get it done this year.

Projected Summit Conference Standings:

1. Oakland (76) (Last year's regular season champ)
2. Western Illinois (72)
3. Southern Utah (71)
4. IUPUI (69)
5. South Dakota St (69)
6. IPFW (68)
7. Oral Roberts (67)
8. Centenary (67)
9. UMKC (65)
10. North Dakota St. (64) (Last year's tourney champ)

[MAK314]

Oh well. Looks like you're moving up the ranks of the Summit Conference. You're going 2-0 against Oral Roberts this year.

[jjredick4]

I'm shocked at how well Western Michigan did in the tournament, and I see you winning the conference this season

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

Coach Carroll previews 2009-2010 season and goals

Reporter: Coach Carroll, thanks for taking the time to give me a one-on-one interview. Your team met all 3 of your goals last season and really made some strides. What can you tell us about this years team?

Coach Carroll: For the first time since I have been here we actually have options, now we are actually faced with a different dilemma. There is only one basketball and we have some guys that can really score. We decided not to redshirt anyone this year, so as a staff we are going to have to really work at getting everyone some minutes to keep them happy yet still try and win ballgames.

Reporter: Jovan Markovic is listed in the Summit League media guide as the league best pro prospect. What have you learned about this kid in preseason practice so far?

Coach Carroll: Oh man, I really encourage our fans to come out to Western Hall and see this guy play. He is absolute beast on the glass, and really nice touch around the goal.

Reporter: You moved 6'11 James Grantstra over to PF. How well do you see that working out?

Coach Carroll: I'm really still not sure. It gives us a nice rebounding edge with those in the game at the same time, but we may really suffer with our quickness getting back. This is something we are going to monitor.

Reporter: Lastly, I wanna talk about SG David Nurse. What things do you expect out of him?

Coach Carroll: Nurse is going to have a great senior year in my opinion. He has really worked on becoming more consistent in the off-season and we already know he can shoot.
I also hear the females in the student section are going to wear "Nurse" outfits to the home games. Should be interesting...

Last years goals were:
Finish .500 or better in conference (still hasn't been done at WIU this decade) DONE
Make conference tourney and win first game DONE
Land 3* recruit DONE

This years goals are:
Win Conference-regular season and tournament
Be named Summit League Coach of the Year
Make Mid-Major Poll (No Summit team has in my legacy yet)
Have National Freshman Player of the Year
Have league's leading scorer-rebounder-and assist man

[MAK314]

Damn those are some ambitious goals. Especially the NCAA Freshman Player of the Year one. I'm guessing Markovic will be seeing the ball alot this year.

[blue_apocalypse]

Nice..SJSU with the #11 recruiting class in nation! Guess the California kids want to play for Coach West.

I'm expecting Markovic to dominate the Summit league competition.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg


After taking a week off for vacation/work in Vegas Coach Carroll is ready to start the 2009-2010 season. Coach Carroll has set some very lofty goals for his team this year in what seems to be a make or break year for him at Western Illinois.

[nemzep95]

Nice, I will definitely be following!!!

[Deuce2223]

Very nice. Looking forward to next season.

[TigerCraig]

This is by far the most fun Ive had playing, the new players are fun to learn.
As soon as my plane landed last night, I ran straight home and played a few games.

I will probably be overloading you guys with post the next 2 days, because I've gotta go out of town again for a tournament Saturday :(

[nemzep95]

Does that mean you'll be posting a lot of games :D? I like reading game posts xD.

[MAK314]

Hey it's Tiger. I thought you died or something. Can't wait for the new season.

[TigerCraig]

Hey it's Tiger. I thought you died or something. Can't wait for the new season.

Haha, nah Im still kickin' Jus been workin a ton so I can take most of the summer off

[boomosby50]

here comes the Leathernecks!!!!! what do leathernecks do? Zip up? Haha, hey this seaosn is lookin good for WIU. Gonna zip up some competition, huh?

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

Settings same as last year:
Keyser Soze's sliders via Blue Apocalypse
16 min halves


(72OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/OKST.gif(85OVR)

Western Illinois 0-0 @ Oklahoma State 0-0

Leathernecks hang tough but drop season opener

Jovan Markovic, freshman from Serbia, made his much anticipated college debut last night and did not disappoint. Despite Markovic's 17pts and 20rebs WIU could not keep up with the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. The Leathernecks did however provide a scare, as the half time score was 36-35 with Ok St. holding a slim lead.

In the 2nd half Oklahoma State simply had too many athletes. WIU kept it close and the score was actually tied 62-62 with 5 minutes left but the Cowboys pulled ahead and never looked back. FINAL SCORE: OSU 78 WIU 69

Top Performers:
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 19pts
SF Bart Milton (fr) 17pts 4reb
C Jovan Markovic 17pts 20rebs

Oklahoma St.
SF James Anderson 21pts 6reb
PG Cheikh Farmer 14pts 7ast

UP NEXT: Lamar 0-2 vs. Western Illinois 0-1

[nemzep95]

Tough loss, good luck against Lamar pull out the W!!!!!

[boomosby50]

you can beat Lamar

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

November 11, 2009

(72OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/lamar.gif(67OVR)

Western Illinois 0-1 vs. Lamar 0-2

WIU wins a thriller in OT

Coach Carroll and the Leathernecks pick up their first win of the season and do it in dramatic fashion! Freshman phenom Jovan Markovic once again dazzled the WIU fans as he poured in 37pts and grabbed 16rebs. Not to be outdone, senior SG David Nurse went for 38pts. Even with these two great efforts Western Illinois needed overtime to put away the pesky Lamar team. FINAL SCORE: 104-98

Top Performers:
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 38pts
C Jovan Markovic 37pts 16rebs 4ast
PF James Grantstra 14pts 5ast

Lamar
SF Derek Hogan 24pts
SG Dave Fazekas 24pts 5ast 5reb

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 1-1 @ Marshall 4-0
Marshall looks like a real tough team this year. They already have wins over Ole Miss and Geargia Tech

[nemzep95]

Nice win and good luck against Marshall, Coach Piers might give you a hard time ;).

[blue_apocalypse]

Good to see you back. Markovic is having a freaking great start to his career with 20 rebound game followed by a 16 rebound game!

[TigerCraig]

Ok, back from Vegas again... Tons of updates tonight.. Might have to give short ones to catch up!!

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

November 17, 2009

(72OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Marshall.gif(79OVR)

Western Illinois 1-1 @ Marshall 4-0

Herd thunder past Leathernecks...

Western Illinois showed flashes of the team they can be, but it seems they still have to learn how to win. Marshall jumped out to an early lead and maintained it for the first half as they went to the locker room with a 41-31 advantage..

Coach Carroll really rallied the guys together at halftime and the Leathernecks came out swinging going on a 20-6 run to take a 51-47 lead behind the hot shooting of David Nurse.
The run didnt last long as Chris Lutz for Marshall got hot and led the Thundering Herd to a somewhat easy win. FINAL SCORE: Marshall 87 WIU 73

Top Performers:
Western Illinois
C Jovan Markovic 18pts 9rebs
SG David Nurse 17pts
PF James Grantstra 10pts 5rebs

Marshall
SG Chris Lutz 18pts
SF Octavious Spann 16pts 5rebs 5ast

UP NEXT: Howard 3-0 vs. Western Illinois 1-2

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

November 21, 2009

(70OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Howard.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(72OVR)

Howard 3-0 vs. Western Illinois 1-2

Two Freshmen lead WIU to victory in a close one

The first half was fairly low scoring as both teams really locked down on defense holding each other to under 40% shooting. Freshmen sensation Jovan Markovic scored 14 first half points to help WIU to a 34-28 halftime lead.

The Bison of Howard came out hot to start the second half and took their first lead with about 6 minutes to go in the game. From there the game was really back and forth with neither team able to pull away. Freshman SF Bart Milton stole the show for the Leathernecks hitting some huge baskets in the last 2 minutes including the game winner with the score tied 66-66 with under 10 seconds to go! FINAL SCORE: WIU 68 HOWARD 66


Top Performers
Western Illinois
C Jovan Markovic 24pts 14rebs
SF Bart Milton 16pts 5reb 6ast
SG David Nurse 14pts 1reb 1ast

Howard
SG Freddie Walcott 17pts 4rebs
SF Babacar Jack 11pts 7rebs

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 2-2 @ San Jose St. 2-2
The Spartans are off to a 2-2 start but Coach Marvin West always has his teams ready to play. Should be a great road test for the young Leatherneck team.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

November 22, 2009

(72OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/SJST.gif(77OVR)

Western Illinois 2-2 @ San Jose St 2-2

Markovic and Milton again lead Leathernecks to victory

Once again the Leathernecks played a low scoring first half. SJSU really sagged their defense to take away Markovic and WIU was cold from beyond the arc. Luckily, the Leathernecks played great defense and went to halftime with a lead 32-26

Despite holding Markovic to his lowest point total of the season (16) SJSU simply could not score enough in the second half to hang with WIU. FINAL SCORE: WIU 76 SJSU 63

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C Jovan Markovic 16pts 14rebs
SF Bart Milton 16pts 5ast
SG David Nurse 12 pts

San Jose St.
SG Mac Peterson 20pts 5rebs
SF Darion Goins 14pts


UP NEXT: UC-Davis 1-2 vs. Western Illinois 3-2

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

November 24, 2009

(72OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/UCDAVIS.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(72OVR)

UC-Davis 1-2 vs. Western Illinois 3-2

WIU leads wire to wire in win over UC-Davis

Western Illinois jumped out early and never looked back. C Jovan Markovic was held to his season low for the 2nd straight game, it seems that teams are really focusing on stopping him down low. The Leathernecks were still able to cruise to a 39-28 halftime lead.

Not really much to say about the second half as UC-Davis never cut the lead under 10 points and WIU marched to victory. FINAL SCORE: WIU 75 UC-Davis 59

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C Jovan Markovic 15pts 16rebs
SG David Nurse 13pts
C Greg Hines 12pts 3rebs

UC-Davis
SG Joe Harden 20pts 4ast
PF Norman Frederick 15pts 9rebs

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 4-2 @ Colorado 5-2

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

November 28, 2009

(72OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Colorado.gif(77OVR)

Western Illinois 4-2 @ Colorado 5-2

Colorado blows out WIU

There is really not much to say about this game. Colorado came ready to play and Western Illinois did not. The score at halftime was 47-19 Colorado.

Freshman phenom Jovan Markovic has had a season low in 3 straight games. It seems as if he is hitting a wall. Colorado held him to just 12 points and 7 rebounds.
FINAL SCORE: Colorado 82 WIU 65

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 15pts 5rebs
SG Kendall Schwartz 15pts 4reb
C Jovan Markovic 12pts 7rebs

Colorado
SF Edmund Youmans 16pts 15reb

UP NEXT: North Florida 2-2 vs. Western Illinois 4-3

[Deuce2223]

Just because you have 2 stud freshman, don't forget about Nurse. That guy should be able to still help lead you to many wins when he is on fire.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

December 1, 2009

(66OVR)(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Northflorida.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(72OVR)



North Florida 2-2 vs. Western Illinois 4-3


Markovic and company rebound against Ospreys

North Florida really played tough in the first half holding WIU to 35% shooting and really locking down on Nurse and Markovic. Luckily for the Leathernecks, the Ospreys were just as cold on offense and Western Illinois led at the half 34-29.

The second half was a different story as North Florida had no answers for WIU's big men down low. C Jovan Markovic and PF James Grantstra really had their way on the low block with a flurry of power dunks and easy layins. The two combined for 45 points and 22 rebounds. FINAL SCORE: WIU 85 North Florida 62

Top Performers
Western Illinois
C Jovan Markovic 24pts 18rebs
PF James Grantstra 21pts 4rebs
SG David Nurse 14pts 3asts

North Florida
SF Stan Januska 25pts 4rebs

UP NEXT: Oakland 2-3 (0-0) vs. Western Illinois 5-3 (0-0)

Oakland is last year's regular season champ and they seem to always give us trouble. They play an aggresive style and already have a win over Villanova this season.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

December 3, 2009

(76OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Oakland.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(72OVR)

Oakland 2-3 (0-0) vs. Western Illinois 5-3 (0-0)

Leathernecks make statement in conference opener

Incase the Summit League members hadn't noticed, this years version of Western Illinois basketball is not like the putrid teams of years past and it showed in the conference opener. Western Illinois came out on fire and really got the crowd into the game earlier. Nurse was hitting the three-ball and Markovic was pounding the glass as usual. WIU took a commanding lead into the half 44-21

Oakland tried to make things respectable in the 2nd half and did get a good showing from sophomore SF Raoul Queen who ended the game with 24pts on 9-12 shooting but the Leathernecks played good sound basketball and came away with an important win to start league play. FINAL SCORE: WIU 79 Oakland 57

Attendance was around 900 people a game when Coach Carroll took over, tonight's game saw 2150 people come through the turnstiles. Western Illinois administration is very happy with boost in ticket sales and the money generated for the program.


Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 23pts 3asts
C Jovan Markovic 18pts 12rebs
SF Bart Milton 16pts 2asts

Oakland
SF Raoul Queen 24pts 4rebs

UP NEXT: IPFW 0-6 (0-1) vs. Western Illinois 6-3 (1-0)

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

December 5, 2009

(69OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/IPFW.gif vs. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif(72OVR)

IPFW 0-6 (0-1) vs. Western Illinois 6-3 (1-0)

Western Illinois cruises to 2-0 start in conference play
****I'm way behind on updates..gotta catch up****

This game was never really close as WIU jumped out early and never trailed. The Leathernecks led 42-32 at the half. Markovic had 15pts while Nurse had 10 at halftime.
The second half was really up tempo for both teams and IPFW showed signs of making a run but WIU held strong and never let off the gas. FINAL SCORE: WIU 89 IPFW 74


Top Performers
Western Illinois
C Jovan Markovic 26pts 13rebs 4asts
SG David Nurse 24pts 5rebs
PF James Grantstra 17pts 6rebs

IPFW
SF Deilvez Yearby 19pts 7rebs
PG Ben Botts 15pts 9asts

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 7-3 (2-0) @ #18 NC State 8-1

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

December 15, 2009

(72OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/NCSTATE.gif(85OVR)

Western Illinois 7-3 @ NC State 8-1

Wolfpack flex defensive muscle in blowout

It's never good when your best player shoots 1-17 from the field.. That's the kind of night SG David Nurse had, everything he threw up clanked off the iron and NC State took advantage and walked away with a comfortable win. FINAL SCORE: NC State 80 WIU 59

Top Performers
Western Illinois
PF James Grantstra 18pts 4rebs
C Jovan Markovic 14pts 10rebs

NC State
PG Marques Johnson 15pts 8asts

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 7-4 @ Northwestern 3-6

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

December 17, 2009

(67OVR)http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIU.gif @ http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/Northwestern.gif(80OVR)

Western Illinois 7-4 @ Northwestern 3-6

Great defense leads WIU to win on the road

The Leathernecks held the wildcats to 32% shooting from the floor and never trailed in route to an easy victory. Northwestern did do a great job shutting down Markovic, they held him to his season low 9 points. David Nurse was there to pick up the slack as he rebounded from his abysmal 1-17 performance with 23 points including 5-8 from 3-point land. FINAL SCORE: WIU 82 Northwestern 61

Top Performers
Western Illinois
SG David Nurse 23pts
PF James Grantstra 15pts 7rebs
SF Bart Milton 10pts 7asts 6rebs

Northwestern
SF Jeff Ryan 16pts 3rebs

UP NEXT: Western Illinois 8-4 @ Louisiana Tech 6-7
Coach Carroll would really love to get a win here. He spent alot of hours and played alot of games on this very court when he was younger. La Tech is a solid team and should be a good test to end non-conference play with.

[TigerCraig]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b117/csctiger2/WIUHeadline.jpg

Season Update

Media Top 10
1. Louisville
2. Duke
3. Arizona
4. Gonzaga (wow)
5. Texas
6. Maryland
7. USC
8. Seton Hall (wow)
9. Michigan St.
10. UCLA

NCAA Leaders
PPG
1. Kevin Love, UCLA 30.3
2. Johnathan Rodriguez, Campbell 29.7 (damn)
3. Tajuan Porter, Oregon 28.1

RPG
1. Jovan Markovic, Western Illinois 13.3
2. Calvin Williams, SEMO 11.1
3. Johnathan Rodriguez, Campbell 10.7 (damn)

APG
Ronald Moore, Siena 7.4
Jonny Flynn, Syracuse 7.3
Eric Bell, SFA 7.1

Summit League Leaders
PPG
1. Jovan Markovic, WIU 19.2
2. David Nurse, WIU 17.9
3. Michael Palarca, SD State 13.9

RPG
1. Jovan Markovic, WIU 13.3
2. Sam Sussenguth, ND State 8.2
3. Deilvez Yearby, IPFW 8.1

APG
1. Bart Milton, WIU 4.3
2. Ben Botts, IPFW 4.1
3. Adrian Moss, IUPUI 4.1
------------------------------------------------------
On pace to acheive goal of top scorer, rebounder, and assist leader in conference!