Western Illinois: A Leatherneck Legacy

[Bballer14]

Western Illinois Announces New Head Coach
http://www.wiu.edu/users/miath/Images/Staffaction/thomas1.jpg Coach Briggs adresses the media

Macomb, IL (AP)- The Leatherneck basketball progaram announced the hiring of their new head coach late last night. The new coach is 34 year old Stuart Briggs. Briggs loves a physical style and hopes to implement those physical aspects this year. In addition to this he likes to get out and run, scoring plenty of points in transisition.

Briggs wasted no time finding two assistant coaches to help put the Leathernecks back on track. He hired Wayne Smith, a fantastic recruiter and game planner. His other assistant is a fantastic bench coach and a defensive mastermind, B.B. Long.

When asked what his goals for this season were coach Briggs had this to say, " I think that we can win at least half of our games as well as go deep in our conference tournament. I'm here to rebuild this program, so I don't expect anything spectacular this year."

[Bballer14]

WIU Announces Schedule and Starters

Macomb IL (AP)- Here is the 2003-2004 Western Illinois Men's Basketball Schedule:

* Indicates Conference Game

SW Missouri St. - Tournament
@Illinois
@UNLV
@Wisc-Green Bay
Drake
@Minnesota
FAMU
Norfolk St.
Eastern Illionois
@Detroit
@IUPUI*
Oakland Union College*
@Oral Roberts*
@Missouri-KC*
@Valpo*
Southern Utah*
Chicago St*
Centenary*
Valpo*
@Chicago St.*
@Centenary*
MO-KC*
Oral Roberts*
@Southern Utah*
IUPUI*
@Oakland Union College*


STARTERS

PG- Steven Williams - 6'2 SR #1
Williams is the team's best ball handler and passer, he should rack up plenty of asissts, he also has a quick first step to the basket.

SG- Tony Davis - 6'3 SR #23
Tony can flat out jump, he loves to play above the rim. He too is very quick and can play defense better than anyone on the team.

SF- Perry Cox - 6'3 SR #22
Cox is the team's go to guy. He is the Leathernecks best shooter. In addition to this he is a solid all around defender.

PF- Don Simmons - 6'6 SR #44
Don is great with his back to the basket, but his lack of height hurts him in the post. Despite this he is a great offensive rebounder.

C- Alan Woods - 6'9 FR #0
Alan is a shot blocker and a rebounder. He only scores off offensive boards, and is not really a threat in the low post.

In his preseason press conference coach Briggs had this to say about his lineup, " I'm a little worried about our lack of height, but hopefully we can make up for it with our quickness and toughness at every position."

[Bballer14]

http://weather.ou.edu/~billston/images/espn.gif

ESPN Preaseason Top 25

1.Uconn
2.Arizona
3.Missouri
4.Kansas
5.UNC
6.Michigan St.
7.Syracuse
8.Florida
9.Miss St.
10.Kentcuky
11.Duke
12.Texas
13.Gonzaga
14.Oklahoma
15.Illinois
16.Louisville
17.Wisconsin
18.Pitt
19.Wake Forest
20.Notre Dame
21.Oklahoma St.
22.Stanford
23.Cincinatti
24.Auburn
25.Oregon

[Bballer14]

Western Squeaks by SW Missouri St.
http://aflink.af.uni.edu/unidome/virtual_tour/2001_event_pictures/b_missouri/SMS.jpg
SMS goes for the offensive board

http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/ncaa/clubhouses/index_logos/2710.gif WIU (0-0) Vs. http://espn.go.com/i/ncaa/clubhouses/index_logos/2623.gif SMS (0-0)

Macomb, IL (AP)- The Western Illinois Leathernecks won last night, but it certainly wasn't an easy victory. Niether team shot well in the first half and neither team pulled away. Perry Cox (23 points) of WIU hit a 2 to tie the game at 26 with a minute to go in the half. For the Bears it was R.J. Palmer who did the majority of the damage scoring 13 points and pulling down 7 boards at the intermisssion. SMS led 35-33 at the break

Wesetern Came out firing from three point land , hitting on 3 straight trips, after going 0-5 in the first half. The game was back and forth the entire game there were a total of 10 lead cahnges and 7 ties in the second half. Then a steal and a layup by Cox put they Leathernecks up by 1 with 3 minutes remaining in the game. WIU never looked back after that. They went on a small 8-0 run and went up by 10 with a minute left. Point guard Steven Williams hit 6/6 free throws in the final minute to seal the 68-57 victory.

After the game Coach Briggs had this to say about his teams opening round victory, " We played well, their press gave us some trouble early, but once we figured it out we did fine. It feels good to get that first victory under our belt. Steven was huge down the stretch with those free throws , and I was pleased with the way slowed down plamer in the 2nd half."

Players of the Game

WIU- Alan Woods- 8 pts, 10 reb, 2 blk
Perry Cox- 23 pts
SMS- R.J. Palmer- 17 pts, 16 reb

Key Stats

WIU- 50% FG shooting, 31% 3pt shooting, 7/7 FT, 33(11) reb(off), 18 TO's

SMS- 41% FG Shooting, 17% 3pt Shooting, 6/6 FT, 30(12), 11 TO's

[Bballer14]

Heartbreaking First Loss for Leathernecks

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/sanf/sports/m-baskbl/auto_action/a-coxdribusf.jpg
USF Point Guard Takes it to the Hole

http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/ncaa/clubhouses/index_logos/2710.gif WIU (1-0) Vs. http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/ncaa/clubhouses/index_logos/2539.gif USF (1-0)

Macomb, IL (AP)- Western Illinois led most of the first half in Colombia friday night, unfortunately for them, basketball games are two halves long. USF shot the lights out the entire game and finished with a 59% field goal percantage. "We had no answer for their big guy once again," Coach Briggs said of USF's Bill Johnson (19 points, 17 rebounds)

In the second half WIU led by as many as 7 but the USF shooters kept hitting and the Leathernecks went cold. USF took their first lead of the half with 2:30 remaining in the game, and Western could never muster enough offense to catch them. Perry Cox of Western tied the game up with a 3 point field goal with 59 seconds left in the game. However, a 3pt play by USF with 20 seconds left, put them up by 3 again. With 6 seconds left WIU freshman Andre Cullins had a wide open look but it bounced of the back of the rim, and the Leathernecks were handed thier first lost of the season, 64-67.

Players of The Game

WIU- Alan Woods- 8 pts, 10 reb
Perry Cox- 18 pts
USF- Bill Johnson- 19 pts, 17 reb

Key Stats

WIU-41% FG, 1/11 3pt, 14 TO's
USF-59% FG, 6/17 3pt, 13 TO's

[MizzouIs#1]

hey man nice legacy. I like it so far, being from illinois and all. Good luck and keep up the good work.

[MizzouIs#1]

hmmmmm.

[MizzouIs#1]

Keep the updates comin..

[Bballer14]

Western Illinois Gets Whooped
http://www.dailyillini.com/jan02/jan14/images/sports_story03.jpg
Tiras Heard stares down Steven Williams during the Illini's big victory.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gif WIU (1-1) Vs. http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/iic.gif Illinois (0-0)

Macomb, Il (AP)- Western Illinois held its only lead of the game 45 seconds in. After that it was all Fighting Illini. Illinois went on a 12-0 spurt to take a 14-5 lead. The Western Illinois Leathernecks pulled to within 3 points on a 3 pointer by Perry Cox, but Illinois answered with a 14-0 run of their own. Illinois ended the first half on a 23-6 run to lead 43-23.

One brightspot for Western was that they actually won the second half, but unfortunatly the lead was much to insurmountable. The Leatherncks lost 57-74. Tiras head led the Illini with 21 points. "Heard killed us from the perimeter and (Jud) Higgins, was way to quick for any of our guys. Our defense was terrible, and so was our ability to finish close to the hoop. We missed 18 layups, you do the math if we make half of those we win." Said coach Briggs after the game.

Western heads to Las Vegas next week to take on the Runnin' Rebels of UNLV.

Players of The Game

WIU- None
ILL- Tiras Heard- 21 points
Jud Higgins- 14 points, 7 assists

Key Stats

WIU- 42% FG shooting, 21 rebounds
ILL- 64% FG shooting, 37 rebounds

[Jackrabbit]

My best man did his grad work at Macomb - will be watching!

[Bballer14]

Jackrabbit Wrote:


My best man did his grad work at Macomb - will be watching!

Thanks for watching, at least now I know someone is.

[Bballer14]

WIU Comes Back Big to Beat Rebels

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gif WIU (1-2)@ http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/nne.gif UNLV (2-1)

Macomb, IL (AP)- The game started off slow for the Leathernecks of Western Illinois, missing 5 layups right of the bat. UNLV led 12-3 two minutes into the game, and kept pouring it on. At one point in the first half WIU went on a 8-0 to pull with in 8, but UNLV went on a 6-0 run to end the half and led 37-23.

WIU went on an 15-0 run to start the second half and take thier first lead of the game, 38-37. UNLV wouldn't get any closer the rest of the game. It was a impressive second half for the Leathernecks.

"To be honest with you, I was a little worried at the half," said coach Briggs about his teams half time deficeit, "I couldn't be more proud of these kids and the way they never gave up. It was a great effort."

Players of The Game
WIU-Perry Cox- 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
UNLV- Quentin Whitehead- 11 points, 9 rebounds

Key Stats
WIU- 52% FG shooting, 29(12) rebounds, 15 TO's
UNLV- 53% FG shooting, 26(8) rebounds, 12 TO's

[Bballer14]

WIU Gets Upset by UW-Green Bay
UWGB 67 WIU 52


http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU (2-2) @ http://www.uwgb.edu/gbextdeg/index_images/phoenix.gifUWGB (0-3)

Macomb, IL (AP)- The first half was close and filled with lead changes and excitement as both teams shot well from the field. Ron Simmons was hot from the field in the first half hitting his first 4 shots. UWGB led only by 3 at the half, 29-26. Little did the Leathernecks know the Phoenix of UWGB were just heating up.

UWGB went on a 16-2 run to start the second half and never were bothered again. They shot 75% from the field in the second half. "Awful, pitiful, embarassing, I don't know any other way to describe our defense tonight. This was by far our worst effort of the year. Ron (Simmons) was the only guy that looked like he cared out there." Coach Briggs told reporters after the game.

The Leathernecks play their third game in as many days tomarrow against a struggling Drake team. Hopefully they can get back on track and back to the .500 mark.

Players of the Game

WIU- Ron Simmons- 16 points, 11 rebounds
UWGB- Archie Neal- 19 points, 10 assists

Key Stats

WIU- FG%=41%
17 TO's
UWGB- FG%=59%
6 TO's
27(12) rebounds

[Bballer14]

Western Can't Win Nail Biter
WIU- 58 Drake- 60


http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU (2-3) vs. http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/dde.gifDrake (0-2)

Macomb, IL (AP)- Man oh man was this a great game. WIU started of strong making a 17-8 run to start the game, and looked to be in control. They led by as many as 13 in the first half, but the Drake Bulldogs cut the lead to 8 at the half, 35-27. The two teams stats were nearly identical at half time (61% FG shooting each, 2/5 from 3, 7 TO's) The difference in the half was rebounding, Drake had 0 offensive rebounds.

The second half was when it got good. Drake pulled to within 1 with 6:00 left in the game and had all the momentum in the world agains a Leatherneck team trying to put on a good showing in their first home game. WIU held on to the lead with all their life untill the two minute mark where a 3 pointer by Drake tied the game at 52. Drake took their first lead of the half exactly one minute later at 60-58.

Perry Cox, of WIU, went for the win on a 3 from the top of the key, but it rattled around and fell out. The Bulldogs got cocky and tried to get a fsatbreak dunk, but Cox came from behind and blocked it giving the Leathernecks one last chance.

With 10 seconds remaining in the game, the crowd on their feet, the Leathernecks took the floor after their last timeout. Point guard Steven Williams drove to the hole with two guys on him, he broke free put up the shot with 4 seconds to go on the clock, the ball hit the back of the rim and bounced right to Cox. He threw up a last second prayer, and it seemed to just rest on the front of the rim before fallling to the side. It was a valiant effort, but unfortunatly not enough.

"It's always tough to lose those close games, especially when we had a couple good looks to send it in to overtime. I think that fatigue was a big factor, this was our third game in three days and everyone is tired. The kids are tired I'm tired, luckily we don't have a game for a while, so we can rest up. I hope that all we need is a little rest, then we can get back on track." Coach Briggs said in his post game press conference.

Players Of The Game

WIU Perry Cox- 22points
Alan Woods- 9 points, 10 rebounds
Drake Maynard Carroto- 19 points, 7 assists
Key Stats
WIU FG%=52%
Drake FG%=45%

[Bballer14]

Hey guys, my game froze so i was forced to sim the Minnesota game, I got killed 101-62 so WIU's record is now 2-5 :cry:

[nickm]

Too bad about the game freezing, that happens a lot, its really annoying.
I really like the pictures with the caption to start off your games. Your off to a really good start and your writing is good. Good luck on getting WIU some respect.

Also- That stinks how horrible the score was when you simulated, Minnesota got 101 points, are they a good team in your legacy?

[Bballer14]

Too bad about the game freezing, that happens a lot, its really annoying.
I really like the pictures with the caption to start off your games. Your off to a really good start and your writing is good. Good luck on getting WIU some respect.

Also- That stinks how horrible the score was when you simulated, Minnesota got 101 points, are they a good team in your legacy?

thanks a lot for your input, but its going to be tough getting this team respect. As for Minnesota, they are decent at 7-3 with a good win over Illinois, but I just think that they were a lot better than my team.

[Bballer14]

Leathernecks Lose Four Straight
FAMU 71 WIU 68

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/college/1999/ncaa_tourney/men/east/news/1999/03/08/famu_underdog/t1_famu_ap.jpg
FAMU practices before their game with WIU.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU(2-5) vs.http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/ffb.gifFAMU(1-3)

Macomb, IL (AP)- Western Illinois did what it seemingly always does, get a first half lead, only to blow it in the second. The Leathernecks led 26-22 at the half and saw it blow up in thier faces in the second part of the game.

Part of that loss was because of the Rattler's Quanas Swift who scored an amazing 28 points in the second half alone. WIU fell back by as many as 12 but stormed back to within 2 but it was to little to late as the Leathernecks dropped their fourth straight.

Coach Briggs was obviously aggravated after the game. "We are in a slump right now, that's all there is to it. There's no other way to explain why we can't hold on to a lead. Even when we make our come back we can't seem to get that one shot to push the momentum in our favor."

Players of the Game
FAMU- Quanas Swift- 38 points, 7 rebounds

WIU- Alan Woods- 10 points, 10 rebounds

[Martin Dihigo]

Tough start coach. You let a few winnable games slip away , a few minor adjustments and a little luck and I see you turning this season around to meet your goals.

nice start

recruit recruit recruit :D

[Bballer14]

Streak Snapped At Four

http://www.mid-con.com/images/reference/mbball/wiu/fullsize/MBB_WIU_bobbycarter_action.jpg
Tony Davis Dunks During the Leathernecks Win.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU(2-6) vs. http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/nan.gif Norfolk St. (3-3)

Macomb, IL (AP)- The Leathernecks were due for a victory sooner or later, and fortunatly for them it came at the hands of the Spartans of Norfolk St. WIU center Alan Woods had a double double at half time and his team was up 30-20 at the break. "Every rebound seemed to fall right in my hands, and my shots were falling tonight." Said Woods who finished with 14 points, and an amazing 21 rebounds.

For once the Leathernecks were able to extend a lead after th ebreak as they went up by 17 early and held on to that margin for the rest of the game. WIU looked impressive on both the offensive and defensive ends, as they held the advantage in almost all statistical categories.

"We really needed this one. We had to get a big victory like this to boost our confidence, and I hope this victory does that for this team. We've lost some close ones recently, so it's good to get such a solid "W"." Coach Stuart Briggs told reporters after his teams victory.

Final Score
WIU 78 NSU 61

Players of the Game
WIU- Alan Woods-14 points, 21 rebounds
NSU- Esmond Bryant- 27 points, 3 assists

Key Stats
WIU- FG%=50%, REB(OFF) 36(12), 11 TO's
NSU- FG&=33%, REB(OFF) 32(7), 17 TO's

[Bballer14]

Tough start coach. You let a few winnable games slip away , a few minor adjustments and a little luck and I see you turning this season around to meet your goals.

nice start

recruit recruit recruit

Yeah those 3 games were brutal but I'm back on track as you will see in my next few posts. As for the recruits right now I have a couple of pretty decent 1* recruits and some 2* are interested, but its hard when your program isn't very prestigous, but i guess that's what this legacy is all about. :wink:

[Bballer14]

Western Wins Against Rival

http://www.eiu.edu/~sprtinfo/images/pictures/03-Domercant-UI-game.jpg

Panther Forward John Scott Throws one Down Early in the Game.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU (3-6) vs. http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/eed.gifEIU (0-6)

Macomb, IL (AP)- The Western Illinois Leathernecks, were big favorites over the winless Panthers of Eastern Illinois, but no matter what the records this game is always a great one. The Leathernecks trailed by 3 going into the half, but they felt good, Alan Woods had missed 6 layups and Coach Briggs was confident that they would fall in the second.

The game was back and forth the entire second half until there was about 5 minutes left in the game. It was then that the Leathernecks pulled away to the 78-68 win. EIU was led by John Scott (18 points). All five Leatherneck starters scored in double digits.

Coach Briggs had this to say after the game,"Alan struggled in the first half, but we all knew he would come through and he did. I thought we had a real balanced attack tonight, I'm pretty sure all the starters finished with 10 or more. I think that this team is starting to realize that they can do some damage this year, adn all that they needed was a little boost of confidence. I just hope we can keep on rollin'."

The Leathernecks play at Detroit (2-5) next. They are trying to win 3 straight for the first time under Coach Briggs' tenure.

Final Score
WIU 78 EIU 68

Players of the Game
WIU- Alan Woods- 16 points, 12 rebounds
EIU- John Scott- 18 points

Key Stats
WIU- FG%=52%, REB(OFF) 35(12), 12 TO's
EIU- FG%=50%, REB(OFF) 21(12), 15 TO's

[Bballer14]

WIU Finally Wins Close Game

http://www.detroittitans.com/images/sports/mensbasketball/A-MBB-Covile-4.jpg
UDM Center Gets an Easy Two Early

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU (4-6) vs. http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:bQl4EwnRzgcJ:graphics.fansonly.com/schoolsUDM (2-6)

Macomb, IL (AP)- After losing two games last week because they couldn't hit a last second clutch shot the Leathernecks finally did just that. The first half of this game was full of runs and lead changes, UDM led 31-26 at the break.

The Titans went on a 7-0 run to start the second half, and all looked lost for WIU, but they scratched and clawed their way to a one point lead with 45 seconds to go in the game.

Detroit brought the ball down the court with 20 seconds to go and called a timeout to come up with a play to try to win the game. The strategy was simple, bang it into George Fletcher. The strategy worked, Ron Simmons of WIU, fouled Fletcher and sent him to the line for two shots. Fletcher made both of them to put the Titans up 54-53.

The Leathernecks brought the ball across the half court line and called timeout. Following the timeout, WIU gave the ball to Simmons in the post, who turned, faced, and tried to bank it off the glass, but his attempt hit the backside of the rim and bounced off, but senior point gaurd Steven Williams, who had missed 2 previous game winning shots, was there and tipped in the put back with 3 seconds remaining on the clock. The Titan's half court buzzer beater clanked off the back of the rim, and the Leathernecks walked away with a 55-54 victory.

"Wow, that was something else, I just about ripped Ron's head off after that foul, but it worked out in the end, and a win's a win." Coach Briggs explained after the game.

"I could tell that it was going to be a little long, so I just timed my jump and tried to tip it in, and it fell for me," Williams told the media just minutes after his game winning tip-in.

The win was WIU's third straight and provided some positive momentum for the Leathernecks heading into conference play. They play IUPUI next week in the conference opener.

Final Score
WIU 55 UDM 54

Players of the Game
WIU-Steven Williams- 8 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, game-winning shot
UDM-George Fletcher- 18 points, 7 rebounds

Key Stats
WIU-FG%=52%, 17 TO's, 1/11 3pt-FG
UDM-FG%=47%, 12 TO's, 2/13 3pt-FG

[Bballer14]

Western Loses Another Close Game

http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/midcon/iupui/JinxJaguar.JPG
IUPUI Mascot, Jinx the Jaguar, roots his team to victory

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU (5-6, 0-0) vs. http://us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/iak.gifIUPUI (5-2, 0-0)

Macomb, IL (AP)- The Conference opener didn't go quite as planned for the Western Illinois Leathernecks. They held a 30-27 lead at the half, but their achilles heel all year has been the second half, and it held true again last night.

The game stayed close the entire second half but a wide open layup with 30 seconds left to go up by 2. Ron Simmons of WIU missed a turnaround jumper and IUPUI came down with the board. WIU fouled instantly and sent IUPUI to the line for a 1and1 situation.

The crowd was silent as Austin Woods stepped to the line. The shot went up and he missed it, Alan Woods(no relation) of WIU grabbed the board and called the Leatherneck's last time out.

WIU put the hands in none other than the hero of the Detroit game, Steven Williams. Williams got the ball at the top of the key with 8 seconds to go. He tried to drive the lane, but the stingy Cougar defense wouldn't allow it and Williams was forced to throw up an off balance 17 foot jumper that barely nicked the front of the rim.

"We can't seem to pull out these close games," said WIU coach Stuart Briggs, "I'd like to blame it on inexperience, but we have 3 seniors, and a junior out there at the end of the game."

The Leathernecks play Oakland Union College next week.

Final Score
IUPUI 65 WIU 63

Players of the Game
WIU
Ron Simmons- 12 points, 8 rebounds
Perry Cox- 19 points
Alan Woods- 9 points, 16 rebounds
IUPUI
Austin Woods- 10 points, 16 rebounds

Key Stats
WIU- FG%=39%, 13 TO's
IUPUI- FG%=50%, 11 TO's

[Bballer14]

http://www.fresnostatebasketball.com/Images/Links/espn.gif Top 25 : Week 8

1. Missouri Tigers show no signs of slowin' down

2. Kansas
3. UNC
4. Connecticut
5. Pittsburgh
6. Arizona
7. Syracuse
8. Providence
9. Duke
10. Oklahoma St.
11. Florida
12. Mississippi St.
13. Texas
14. Oklahoma
15. Wisconsin
16. Seton Hall
17. NC St.
18. St. Joe's
19. Cincinatti
20. Colorado
21. Stanford
22. Charlotte
23. Oregon
24. Maryland
25. Xavier

Notables
34. SMS-10-1 (1 loss to WIU)

[Bballer14]

http://tsat.transform.to/i.12/logo.fact-or-fiction.jpg
*College Hoops Music Playing in background*


Reece Davis: Hello everyone and welcome to a little game we here at ESPN like to call fact or fiction, with me today I have college hoops gurus Andy Katz, and Jay Bilas. How you doing guys?

Andy Katz:http://espn-i.starwave.com/i/columnists/katz_andy_ipr.jpg Pretty good

Jay Bilas: http://www.fuqua.duke.edu/conference/speakepix/thu_bilas.gifI'm doing alright, i'm still a little disappointed in Dukes loss the other night, but other than that I'm fine.

RD: Alright first statement, Missouri is the best team in the country, fact or fiction? Jay lets start with you.

JB: That's a FACT. The Tigers have a great inside outside game with Brandon Hollins, who scores about 13 a game to go along with 8 rebounds a game, and Alton Simpson, who also scores about 13 a game with about 5 rebounds. If these two guys are on at the same time, I don't think anyone in the country can beat these guys.

AK: Come on Jay that's FICTION. I'd have to say the best team in the country right now is UNC. I truly believe that they have the nation's best starting lineup. Lewis Briggs is averaging 19 points a game, Whitney Jenkins is almost a guaranteed double double night in and night out, and Todd Watson is one of the nations best at finding open teammates.

RD: Ok then next we have, The Big 12 is the best conference in college hoops, fact or fiction?

AK: Once again I'm going to have to go with FICTION. The Big East is the best conference in America. Uconn, Pitt, Syracuse, and Providence are all in the Top 8, and Seton Hall is ranked 16. Notre Dame and BC could creep in there as well by seasons end.

JB: I'm going to say FACT here Reese. Just look at the numbers. They Big 12 is home to the top 2 teams in the country with Missouri, and Kansas. The Cowboys, Sooners, Longhorns, and Buffaloes, are all in the top 25 too.

RD: Alright guys, thanks for your input, and now we send it back to Kenny Mayne, and Dan Patrick in the Studio

http://www.espn.go.com/thisissportscenter/sc25k/i/around_world.jpg

Kenny: Thanks guys, we'll be back as soon as I figure out what this thing is on my head.

[Bballer14]

WIU Falls to 0-2 in MCC

http://www.freep.com/art/1999/november/19/oakland_1119.jpg
Oakland Fires up a 3 in Their Win over WIU.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU (5-7, 0-1) vs. http://us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/oaa.gifOakland (3-5, 0-1)

Macomb, IL (AP)- Western Illinois missed a ton of lay-ups in the first half against a very solid Oakland team. The Leathernecks trailed the Golden Grizzlies by only 3 points.

The game went back and forth the entire second half but in the end the Grizzliles were too talented and too deep for the Leathernecks to handle. Oakland won by the final score of 64-62.

"Missed lay-ups and poor second halves have been our weak spots all year," said WIU coach Stuart Briggs after the game, "Oakland did a great job of exploiting those weaknesses."

Mr. Leatherneck
Alan Woods- 18 points, 15 rebounds

Key Stats
WIU- 44% FG, 2/18 From 3, 18 TO's
Oak- 44% FG, 4/12 From 3, 9 TO's

Key Contributors
WIU
Ron Simmons- 14 points
Perry Cox- 14 points
Tony Davis- 9 points, 9 rebounds

Oakland
Leslie Adams- 36 points
James Smith- 14 rebounds

[Bballer14]

WIU Gets First Conference Win

http://www.mid-con.com/images/reference/mbball/wiu/fullsize/MBB_WIU_doylecole_action.jpg(Photo Coutesy of MCC)
WIU Forward Eric Collums Brings the Ball up the Court.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU (5-8,0-2)vs.http://us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/oai.gifOral Roberts (5-6,0-2)

Macomb, IL (AP)- Western Illinois got a much needed win at home against Oral Roberts yesterday, it was their first in conference play. The win also wasn't much of a struggle at 70-56.

Perry Cox led the Leathernecks with 22 points, and Alan Woods ripped down 12 boards to get the "W". Oral Roberts never held a lead as the Leathernecks jumped out to an early 6-0 lead.

"We finally were able make those close shots," Coach Briggs told reporters after the game, "Cox hit some big 3's for us and I think Woods made a big difference on the boards."

The Leathernecks play Missouri-Kansas City later this week.

Final Score
WIU 70 ORU 56

Mr. Leatherneck
Alan Woods- 12 points 12 rebounds

Other Conributors
WIU
Perry Cox- 22 points
Steven Williams- 9 points, 7 assists

ORU
Matt Wilhelms- 24 points

Key Stats
WIU
43% FG%, 3/7 3point FG, 9 TO's

ORU
37% FG%, 2/11 3Point FG, 17 TO's

[Bballer14]

WIU Wins Big

http://www.umkc.edu/depts/athletics/sports/m-bb/photo-album/bball16.gif
UMKC Guard Edmund McGrath scores 2 of his 40 points

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU (6-8, 1-2) vs. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/images/basketball/college/logos/65/mbi_65.gifUMKC (7-7, 2-0)

Macomb, IL (AP)- Edmund Mcgrath did all he could for the UMKC Kangaroos, but his 40 point effort wasn't enough to stop the balanced Western Illinois offensive attack.

Perry Cox scored 12 out of the Leatherneck's 18 points in the victory. The first half was all WIU as they ended it on 12-0 reun to go up 41-28. Casey Kleiza came off the bench and scored 12 points in 4 minutes in the first half.

The Kangaroos couldn't close in any closer than 12 in the second half, as WIU rolled to their second straight conference victory. WIU plays Valparaiso next week.

"These kids are starting to get confidence in their shot again," Coach Briggs said after the game, "However, I was a little worried about our perimeter defense, we struggled to stop McGrath tonight, so that is something we will be working on this week in practice."

FINAL SCORE
WIU 78 UMKC 62

Mr. Leatherneck
Perry Cox- 25 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists

Other Contributors
WIU
Steven Williams- 10 assists
Casey Kleiza- 14 points (off bench)
Ron Simmons- 20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists

UMKC
Edmund McGrath- 40 points, 4 assists, 5 steals, 8 threes

Key Stats
WIU
56% FG, 7 TO, 27 bench points
UMKC
48% FG, 16 TO's, 3 bench points

[Bballer14]

Western Takes a Step in the Wrong Direction

http://www.becking.com/basketball/2002-03/Valparaiso/DSC_1130.jpg
Valparasio watches as WIU gaurd Steven Williams gets an easy 2

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gifWIU (7-8, 2-3) vs. http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/vvi.gifValparaiso (5-7, 2-3)

Macomb, IL (AP)- It looked like this game would go down to the wire the entire first half. Valpo and WIU traded baskets up and down the court the entire first half. Once again, the Leathernecks seemed to lose their composure late in the second half.

"We seem to just lose our cool in tight games down the stretch." Coach Stuart Briggs said of his teams losing effort. Senior Captain Perry Cox couldn't hit the broad side of barn in the second half, going 0/5 from three point land. Freshman Alan Woods, usually a consistent double double man, was a non factor. Nothing went right for the Leathernecks in the second half and they ended up losing by the score of 72-64.

Western will play Southern Utah later this week. The Thunderbirds have been struggling all season long, so the Leathernecks hope to get back on track with a win.

FINAL SCORE
WIU 64 VALPO 72

Mr. Leatherneck
Ron Simmons- 18 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists

Other Contributors
Valpo- Jack Covington- 18 points

Key Stats
WIU
38% FG, 11 TO, 2/17 3's

Valpo
52% FG, 10 TO, 5/11 3's

[Bballer14]

Leathernecks Get Tipped in OT

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gif WIU (7-9, 2-3) vs http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/ssp.gif SUU (4-11, 2-3)

Macomb, IL (AP)- Western Illinois dropped yet another close home game as they lost 83-82 in OT to the SUU Thunderbirds. Western missed their 12 shots from the field, SUU started the game on a 10-0 run, and led 40-30 at the half.

A 4 point play by Perry Cox brought the Leathernecks within 4 points. Then, with 16 seconds left to go, and with up by 3, SUU center Archie Monroe missed the second part of a 1 and 1, and WIU center Alan Woods got the board and made the outlet pass to Steven Williams who got to half court and called a timeout.

Perry Cox got his hands on the ball with 5 seconds remaining, got a screen from Woods, and ripped home a 3 with 1.8 seconds remaining. A half court shot by SUU was no good and the game was headed into OVERTIME.

The two teams went back and forth exhanging baskets, WIU went up 82-81 on a Ron Simmons layup. SUU came down the court and, Forward Don Saunders got into the lane and hit a runner with 2.5 seconds left for a Thunderbird victory.

"It seems like we are always on the losing end of these close games." Coach Briggs said after the loss. "We are competing, we just can't seem to put teams away. It's frustrating."

FINAL SCORE
WIU 82 SUU 83 OT

Mr. Leatherneck
Alan Woods- 18 points, 18 rebounds

Other Contributors
WIU
Perry Cox- 25 points, 5 rebounds, Game tying shot

SUU
Archie Monroe- 6 points, 16 rebounds, 6 blocks
Don Saunders- 27 points, 7 rebounds, GW Shot

Key Stats
WIU
44% FG
20 TO
7/17 3's

SUU
53% FG
10 TO
8/22 3's

[Bballer14]

Is anyone reading this because if not I'm just going to stop. So, if anyone is reading this and would like me to continue posting my WIU legacy please let me know. Thanks

[mdlee3]

I'm reading it and enjoying it a lot

[Bballer14]

ok heres the deal for anyone that cares or reads this legacy other than lee. I am going to begin re updating begininng in my 3rd season. I have already finished my first season with a 17-16 record. I got 4th in the mid-continent conference, but won the conference tourney. I got a 16 seed in the tourny and got whooped by mizzou. In my second season at WIU I went 18-7, 13-2 in conference and once again made it to teh NCAA and once again got a 16 seed and got killed by arizona. I will begin with updates of my 3rd season in a few days.

[nickm]

sounds good, can't wait to here about your new season

[Bballer14]

Schedule, rosters, Top 25, and preseason fact or fiction coming soon!!!!!

[MooseMan2216]

lookin forward to it Bballer14

[Bballer14]

Western Illinois Announces 2005-2006 Mens Basketball Schedule

Conference Games are marked with *

11/17- @ URI ---TOURNEY---
11/23- @ Appalachian St.
12/2- @ N. Iowa
12/3- @ Michigan St.
12/4- Marshall
12/8- Miami
12/12- Northeastern
12/15- @ Fordham ---TOURNEY---
12/24- Arkansas
12/25- @ Clemson
12/26- @ Missouri
1/3- @ IUPUI*
1/5- Oakland*
1/8- @ Oral Roberts*
1/15- @ UMKC*
1/17- @ Valpo*
1/20- Kentucky
1/23- SUU*
1/24- Chicago St.*
1/29- Centenary*
1/31- Valpo*
2/5- @ Chi St.*
2/7- @ Cent.*
2/12- UMKC*
2/14- ORU*
2/19- @ SUU*
2/26- IUPUI*
2/28- @ Oakland*

[Bballer14]

Pre-Season WIU Press Conference

Reporter 1: Coach your non-conference schedule seems much tougher than usual, what are the reasons for this?

Coach Stuart Briggs: Well Heidi, we do have a tough schedule, we play Arkansas, at Clemson, and at Mizzou all in a row, all over Christmas break. That'll be tough on the kids, but I think playing those types of teams better prepares us for conference play, as well as gets us a little bit more respect from the NCAA toournament comittee.

Reporter 2: What are your expectations for the season?

Coach: We want to win at least 60-70% of our non-conference games, win the regular season conference title, as well as the conference tournament. Mark my words we will make the NCAA tournament this year!!

R1: That's quite a statement coach, are you really that confident in this team?

Coach: If you've seen this team on practice for as long as I have you'd be able to tell that this is special team. My assistants did a great job in the off season picking up some great recruits. That's all I have time for, I have to get back to practice. Thank you.

[Bballer14]

Western Announces 2005-2006 Roster

Macomb, IL- Coach Stuart Briggs held a press conference Wednesday night to announce the probable starters, as well as the rest of the roster for the Leatherneck's upcoming season. The team looks like this:

PG- Ty Tudeme, Jr.- 5'9, 160 (76)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/ill/sports/m-baskbl/auto_headshot/Brown.jpg
---Best 3 point shooter, ball handler, paser on team. He must become more of a leader.---

SG- Clay Wrenn, So.- 6'3, 215 (79)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/ill/sports/m-baskbl/auto_headshot/Head.jpg
---Defensive Stopper, worked on his shot, and is now an outside threat.---

SF- Adam Blount, So.- 6'8, 208 (69)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/ill/sports/m-baskbl/auto_headshot/Randle.jpg
---Decent all-around player. Worst of the 5 starters.---

PF- Nick Jackson, So.- 6'8, 247 (73)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/ill/sports/m-baskbl/auto_headshot/Spears.jpg
---Defensive stopper in the low post, great rebounder.---

C- Daon Cambell, So.- 7'0, 234 (75)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/ill/sports/m-baskbl/auto_headshot/Carter.jpg
---Great in the low post, on offense and defense. Big body, takes up space.---

Bench
--PG--
Gordon Nutter (66)
Terry Granger (67)
--SG--
Kelyn Robertson (74) (may start at SF)
Jamal Hacker (71)
--SF--
Roger Watson (67)
--PF--
Orlando Hargett (73)
--C--
Alan Woods (71)

[Bballer14]

http://www.connecticutfitness.com/espn-logo.gif Top 25

1. Arizona
2. Uconn
3. Marlyand
4. Syracuse
5. Auburn
6. Wake Forest
7. Oklahoma
8. Illinois
9. Kansas
10. Providence
11. Cincinatti
12. UAB
13. Florida
14. Louisville
15. ASU
16. Utah
17. La Salle
18. Pepperdine
19. S. Illinois
20. St. Joe's
21. Long Beach St.
22. La-Lafayette
23. Niagra
24. Wisconsin
25. Clemson

[Bballer14]

http://www2.uol.com.br/espnbrasil/prog/imagens/sportscenter.jpg

Reese Davis:Welcome back I'm Reese Davis here with Jay Bilas and Andy Katz to play the first game of Fact or Fiction for the 2005-2006 College basketball season. First statement, Uconn will repeat as National Champs, Fact or Fiction?

Jay Bilas: That's Fiction for one simple reason. It's nearly impossible to repeat as national champions. There are just to many good teams out there nowadays. The playing field has leveled off.

Andy Katz: For once I agree.Fiction They have a very tough non-conference schedule, and they play in one of the toughest conferences in the nation.

RD: Okay next we have, Arizona will go undefeated in the regular season again, fact or fiction?

AK: Fact They play in an awful conference, and they have one of the easiest non-conference schedules I've ever seen for a #1 team.

JB: Come on Andy thats Fiction. It's just to hard to lose zero games over the entire season. There will always be upsets in a season, they got lucky last year.

RD:Alright guys, that's enough, we are out of time, see you next time on Fact or Fiction, back to you guys in the studio.

[Bballer14]

Season Opener for WIU: A Good One
Western Blows By Rhode Island

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/wwj.gif WIU (0-0) vs. http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/rra.gif URI (0-0)

Macomb, IL- If you were to only watch the first half of the Leatherneck's game against the Rams of Rhode Island, you probably thought it would be a close game. Think again. After holding on to a 38-32 half time lead, Western blew away URI in the second half of play.

The opened up a 58-46 lead with 7 minutes remaining in the game, and extended it from there. The final score was 85-56 in favor of the Leathernecks.

"I couldn't be more proud of these guys tonight," Coach Stuart Briggs said after the game, "There isn't a senior on this team, and they did a great job of playing togther."

The Leathernecks play Gonzaga, 75-49 winners over Oklahoma St., in the next round.

"They will be a little bit more of a test for this team. Gonzaga always comes to play and they always have a talented roster. I'm looking forward to it, I think all the guys are." Said Jr. point guard, and captain Ty Tudeme.

Final Score
WIU 85 URI 56

Key Stats
WIU
51% FG Shooting, 14 TO, 20 Bench Points, 26 Fast Break Points

URI
42% FG Shooting, 16 TO, 6 Bench Points, 5 Fast Break Points

Players of the Game
WIU
Clay Wrenn- 18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
Nick Jackson- 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists

URI
Brandon Cole- 16 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists

[Bballer14]

hey (anyone that reads this), sorry i haven't updated in a while, school was brutal this week so I haven't had time, hopefully I can get something done this weekend.

[nickm]

ok sounds good, I'm really liking your legacy, and will keep reading it!

[vandnbyriver5]

Bballer, i give u credit, this one is my favorite since the Bait's Owls and Prez's ChiState Cougars started up, (although im partial to my own, for obvious reasons, it being mine and all).

This is absolutely great, i love it. :D

Keep it coming,
River

[Bballer14]

Thanks Vandy, more updates should be coming later today or tomarrow. It's hard to find time to update.

[krzyzewskisucks]

Where did u find those logos u use?

[Bballer14]

Okay everyone heres the deal. I have been so swamped wtih School, work, and baseball that I haven't really had anytime to play this game, While I am not done with my updates they probably won't be coming for a while.

[vandnbyriver5]

thats ok man,
priorities, im going through the same thing