'Ncks look to end losing streak
Western Illinois men's basketball team heads west to Southern Utah where they hope to end 10-game losing streak
Jason Nevel
Issue date: 1/24/07 Section: Sports
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At the beginning of the year, it was finding enough players to practice. Thomas put in coaches, he had two players walk on - one of which is still on the team: Michael Bishop - and he had former players Eliz Cepeda and Fred Oguns practice with the men.
The Leathernecks began the season devastated by injuries. NaVonta Kentle nursed a broken thumb, Troy Okeson had bone spurs in his ankles, Lorenzo Taylor had been on crutches from an ankle sprain and Chris Gonzalez had irritated his hamstring.
Furthermore, junior guard Xavier Price missed the first part of the season because of academic ineligibility. Thomas also essentially had a brand new coaching staff.
Not the way a coach would prefer to begin a season, especially after a 7-21 2005-2006 campaign.
With the exception of Kentle, who is no longer listed on the roster due to a violation of team rules, everyone is now playing. However, the 'Necks are still having a difficult time securing victories - the only things they really want to capture.
After 20 games, Western is 4-16, but most importantly, they are 0-5 in the Mid-Continent Conference. The 'Necks will search for their first conference victory Thursday against Southern Utah.
"At this level when things are going wrong you have to figure out a way to dig yourself out of it," Thomas said. "All we want to do is get our team better."
However, winning on the road has eluded Thomas in his four years as Leathernecks coach. Thomas has only garnered five road wins in that time period.
Southern Utah's Thunderbirds (12-8, 2-3 Mid-Con) are coming off a big, emotional win over IUPUI, 56-53. David Barlow blocked an IUPUI three-pointer with two seconds remaining to hold on for the victory. SUU currently stands in fourth place in the Mid-Con; Western is in sole possession of last place behind Centenary (1-4).
The Thunderbirds' most impressive victory this season came against the University of Utah where they were victorious 76-73 in the season opener.
Senior point guard Steve Barnes, who is the only returning starter, leads SUU with 13.7 points per game. The senior also dominates the Thunderbirds with nearly six assists per game.
Last season, SUU led the nation in three-point percentage. The Thunderbirds finished the season with a 42.9 percent accuracy rate after hitting 226-of-527 attempts from beyond the arc.
Western will look to rebound after an 82-72 defeat to Chicago State. Junior guard David Jackson paced the 'Necks with 21 points, but David Holston notched 34 for the Cougars.
Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. in Cedar City, Utah.
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