Leatherneck Nation

WGEM Prediction:   UT Martin 77, Western Illinois 73
 

Massey says 46% chance of a win with a predicted score of 77-75 for UT Martin: https://masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=939085598

UTM is 9-7 this season with wins over Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama (2 OT), Chicago State, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, and four lower-division teams. Losses to Mississippi State, Prairie View, Rice, McNeese State, NC State, Evansville, and Eastern Illinois. They are 2-1 in the OVC currently.
https://utmsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule

That was impressive in my opinion..no flow to the game but we looked pretty tough

Western wins 73-64

JJ Kalakon led the Western scoring with 17 points.  Ryan Myers had 16.  James Dent Jr had 15.

Drew Cisse had 12 Rebounds.

Attendance at Tennessee-Martin = 1,598
 
 

I love the effort for every board. I’ve said it before. Cisse is impressive.  This team is so long and athletic and they play with an attitude. 

not a knock on massner here at all because he was one of the best I’ve seen at western hall in 20 years. But I do like how everyone can score. Offense doesn’t focus on one guy.  Kalakon has really stepped up his offensive game.  I haven’t seen the stats but my one area of concern is it seems there are a bunch of shots missed right around the basket. But they grab the board and get plenty of 2nd and 3rd chance looks. 

UTM coach sounded really impressed in short interview on espn+. Mentioned he wouldn’t be surprised if wiu was one of the last couple standing at the end of year. 

 

Way to get a hard fought battle tonight over a very good UT-Martin team. JJ comes up better every game. 

wiu712 wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:45 pm Western wins 73-64

JJ Kalakon led the Western scoring with 17 points.  Ryan Myers had 16.  James Dent Jr had 15.

Drew Cisse had 12 Rebounds.

Attendance at Tennessee-Martin = 1,598
 
 

 

Realy big that Kalakon decided that to stay and not transfer, He has really stepped up here lately.
 

Starting to wonder who was carrying who the last few years. I love that coach Jeter brought us back to relevance but how much of that was him and how much was Boudreau. I’ve also noticed how much our assistants have a voice and step up. In the past we’ve had assistants for both teams who kind of just stand around and don’t say much. 

Really like the way the guys hung in there, but am I the only one that thought the officiating was a little dicey? Been a long time since I've seen that many starters with 4 fouls apiece.

rocki wrote: Fri Jan 12, 2024 7:57 am Really like the way the guys hung in there, but am I the only one that thought the officiating was a little dicey? Been a long time since I've seen that many starters with 4 fouls apiece.

 

It was a very very herky-jerky game.  Seemed like they called some Ricky tack stuff then let other things go.  Seemed like lot of moving screen fouls, which is rarely called.  

I love how every time UTM made a run WIU answered back. Shows a lot of character, composure, and leadership. Which all starts at the top. Getting seriously hopeful for this season.