IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Western Illinois men’s basketball team opened its 2020-21 season with No. 3 Iowa at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The Hawkeyes are a colossal test for many opponents, but considering the variables – welcoming a new coaching staff, an overhauled roster, and the pandemic – the Leathernecks fared well in the 99-58 decision Thursday (Dec. 3).
There are no moral victories, but it was a stellar showing for WIU. Ten made their Leatherneck debut, and Rod Johnson Jr. led the charge with a double-double. He finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Tamell Pearson recorded a team-high 12 points and six rebounds.
“We haven’t played basketball in a long time, and it really showed. Fourteen of the 16 guys are new,” said first-year head coach Rob Jeter. “It was one of those lessons that you have to learn. We’re trying to do so much with this group in such little time; it’s going to look ugly before it looks better.”
The early goings saw both teams working to settle into their offensive groove. Through nine minutes, Western shot 3-for-18 from the floor and Iowa 5-for-19, and the home crew managed a 16-7 lead (11:02).
With the help of a 14-2 run and five Leatherneck turnovers, the Hawkeyes expanded their advantage to double-digits before taking a 48-26 edge at halftime.
All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year Luka Garza had already notched 30 points at the break.
“I did like the fact that we started the second half with some fight. I saw some character out of some guys,” Jeter said. “It was a grind tonight on both ends of the floor, which created some really simple and easy opportunities. You can watch film on Luka [Garza] all you want, until you have to guard him, these guys, I think have a different appreciation for how tough he is and tough that Iowa team is.”
Powered behind a driving layup, Marcus Watson Jr. sparked the Leathernecks’ offense in the second half. Western came out of the break scoring — shooting 7-for-9, starred by five consecutive field goals — to close its deficit to 59-43 with 14:51 remaining.
Fifteen points marked the closest point difference of the latter half. Division II and III journeyman Will Carius finished with 10 points, three blocks and three steals in his DI debut and Cameron Burrell added nine boards off the bench.
The Leathernecks welcome Central Michigan to Western Hall this Sunday for their 2020-21 home opener. Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m.
***Report courtesy of WIU Athletics***
