Jump to content
SiouxSports.com Forum

UND (9-12, 3-4) vs WIU (5-12, 2-5) 1/25 7:00 PM


SWSiouxMN

Recommended Posts

UND used 10 3's,  a new career high 23 points from Walter, and clutch free throws down the stretch to snap a 4 game losing streak and complete a season sweep of DU.  UND looks to complete a perfect homestand tonight as they take on Western Illinois.

About Western Illinois:

In conferences, the worst position that you can be is in the basement.  This faith has been bestowed on the Leathernecks for the past few seasons.  2013 seems a long time ago when Western Illinois was tied for 1st place in the league.  Since then?  7th, 9th, 9th, 8th, 8th, and 8th place finishes in conference play.  Things haven't been all bad for WIU, they have shown the abilities to knock off the top teams.  Such as last year, when they spoiled the dream season of the Jackrabbits by beating them in the first round of the Summit League tournament.   However, these successes have been few and far between and unfortunately, this year has been no different.  Despite beating an beaten up USD squad and holding serve against DU at home, it has been more of the same.  At some point, something needs to change.  With Denver potentially figuring things out, it could be the year that Western could potentially miss out of Sioux Falls.

About Coach Wright

Billy Wright is in his 6th year at Western (53-106, 20-65 Summit) and it has been a rough go of it.  As stated, they have been in the bottom of the league for a while and that hasn't changed under Wright.  He is under pressure to try and get it figured out, because even WIU would think of trying something different after 6 years on the bottom.  They do have some talent, but some of that talent has gone and left.  Missing Sioux Falls could be the final blow and change could be on the horizon.

Key Player: Kobe Webster (6'0 Junior Guard)

One of the bright spots on the team has been the Junior guard from Indy.   Has averaged 16 to 17 points in all 3 years of his career.  Was apart of a dynamic duo with Isaiah Johnson, who has since left the team, but this is his team now and is dangerous enough to lead Western.  Definitely one of the better players in the Summit.  Averages around 4 assists a game, but he also shoots 73% from the line... which is okay but not great. 

Series History: 

UND leads the series 4-3, including being 2-0 in the Summit

Other Games:

DU (1-6) @ NDSU (5-2): The youthful Pios are getting better, but face a still test against a Bison squad wanting to take their frustrations out on someone after losing in Brookings.

ORU (4-2) @ USD (4-3): Key clash between two teams fighting to stay in the conference title race.  Should be a great battle between big men.

Fort Wayne (2-4) @ Omaha (4-2):  Mavs trying to defend the homecourt and avoid an upset against the Dons, who are trying to avoid falling further behind the top of the conference. 

Keys:

1) Seniors Lead the Way

2) Win the free throw battle

3) Defense, Defense, Defense

The Call:

Like I stated in the DU thread,  the two home games were critical to get back to .500 and to keep themselves away from the 9th spot and missing Sioux Falls.  So far, they completed step one by holding serve against DU.  They need to do the same here.  I think they will play a better game overall than they did against DU and I see this as a game where all 5 starters will be in double figures and free throws will close the deal once again.  UND finishes the first half with a 2 game winning streak and at .500 in conference play.  I'd like to see DAE break out in this one as well. 

UND 81-71

Game is on the Plus

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, SWSiouxMN said:

UND used 10 3's,  a new career high 23 points from Walter, and clutch free throws down the stretch to snap a 4 game losing streak and complete a season sweep of DU.  UND looks to complete a perfect homestand tonight as they take on Western Illinois.

About Western Illinois:

In conferences, the worst position that you can be is in the basement.  This faith has been bestowed on the Leathernecks for the past few seasons.  2013 seems a long time ago when Western Illinois was tied for 1st place in the league.  Since then?  7th, 9th, 9th, 8th, 8th, and 8th place finishes in conference play.  Things haven't been all bad for WIU, they have shown the abilities to knock off the top teams.  Such as last year, when they spoiled the dream season of the Jackrabbits by beating them in the first round of the Summit League tournament.   However, these successes have been few and far between and unfortunately, this year has been no different.  Despite beating an beaten up USD squad and holding serve against DU at home, it has been more of the same.  At some point, something needs to change.  With Denver potentially figuring things out, it could be the year that Western could potentially miss out of Sioux Falls.

About Coach Wright

Billy Wright is in his 6th year at Western (53-106, 20-65 Summit) and it has been a rough go of it.  As stated, they have been in the bottom of the league for a while and that hasn't changed under Wright.  He is under pressure to try and get it figured out, because even WIU would think of trying something different after 6 years on the bottom.  They do have some talent, but some of that talent has gone and left.  Missing Sioux Falls could be the final blow and change could be on the horizon.

Key Player: Kobe Webster (6'0 Junior Guard)

One of the bright spots on the team has been the Junior guard from Indy.   Has averaged 16 to 17 points in all 3 years of his career.  Was apart of a dynamic duo with Isaiah Johnson, who has since left the team, but this is his team now and is dangerous enough to lead Western.  Definitely one of the better players in the Summit.  Averages around 4 assists a game, but he also shoots 73% from the line... which is okay but not great. 

Series History: 

UND leads the series 4-3, including being 2-0 in the Summit

Other Games:

DU (1-6) @ NDSU (5-2): The youthful Pios are getting better, but face a still test against a Bison squad wanting to take their frustrations out on someone after losing in Brookings.

ORU (4-2) @ USD (4-3): Key clash between two teams fighting to stay in the conference title race.  Should be a great battle between big men.

Fort Wayne (2-4) @ Omaha (4-2):  Mavs trying to defend the homecourt and avoid an upset against the Dons, who are trying to avoid falling further behind the top of the conference. 

Keys:

1) Seniors Lead the Way

2) Win the free throw battle

3) Defense, Defense, Defense

The Call:

Like I stated in the DU thread,  the two home games were critical to get back to .500 and to keep themselves away from the 9th spot and missing Sioux Falls.  So far, they completed step one by holding serve against DU.  They need to do the same here.  I think they will play a better game overall than they did against DU and I see this as a game where all 5 starters will be in double figures and free throws will close the deal once again.  UND finishes the first half with a 2 game winning streak and at .500 in conference play.  I'd like to see DAE break out in this one as well. 

UND 81-71

Game is on the Plus

I'm not finding it on either the Plus or ESPN3?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...