Who's Playing

Denver @ Western Illinois

Current Records: Denver 10-7; Western Illinois 8-7

What to Know

Get ready for a Summit battle as the Denver Pioneers and the Western Illinois Leathernecks will face off at 3 p.m. ET Saturday at Western Hall. The teams split their matchups last year, with WIU winning the first 84-80 on the road and Denver taking the second 83-77.

The Pioneers came up short against the St. Thomas (MN) Tommies on Thursday, falling 81-71.

Meanwhile, it was close but no cigar for the Leathernecks as they fell 78-74 to the Nebraska Omaha Mavericks on Thursday.

Denver is expected to lose this next one by 4. However, those who like betting on the underdog should be happy to hear that they are 4-2 against the spread when expected to lose.

Denver is now 10-7 while WIU sits at 8-7. A couple stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: The Pioneers enter the matchup with a 50.20% field goal percentage, good for seventh best in college basketball. Less enviably, the Leathernecks have allowed their opponents to shoot 45.60% from the floor on average, which is the 42nd highest shooting percentage allowed in college basketball.

How To Watch

  • When: Saturday at 3 p.m. ET
  • Where: Western Hall -- Macomb, Illinois
  • Follow: CBS Sports App

Odds

The Leathernecks are a 4-point favorite against the Pioneers, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Leathernecks as a 3.5-point favorite.

Over/Under: -111

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Series History

Denver have won eight out of their last 14 games against Western Illinois.

  • Feb 26, 2022 - Denver 83 vs. Western Illinois 77
  • Dec 20, 2021 - Western Illinois 84 vs. Denver 80
  • Feb 13, 2021 - Western Illinois 82 vs. Denver 75
  • Feb 12, 2021 - Western Illinois 75 vs. Denver 69
  • Feb 29, 2020 - Denver 69 vs. Western Illinois 63
  • Jan 11, 2020 - Western Illinois 86 vs. Denver 80
  • Feb 28, 2019 - Denver 74 vs. Western Illinois 46
  • Dec 30, 2018 - Western Illinois 78 vs. Denver 60
  • Feb 24, 2018 - Denver 89 vs. Western Illinois 52
  • Jan 25, 2018 - Denver 70 vs. Western Illinois 58
  • Feb 14, 2017 - Denver 78 vs. Western Illinois 72
  • Jan 11, 2017 - Denver 84 vs. Western Illinois 70
  • Feb 11, 2016 - Western Illinois 63 vs. Denver 60
  • Jan 14, 2016 - Denver 76 vs. Western Illinois 69