Western Courier

Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Adam Sacasa Senior guard Chris Gonzalez helps up redshirt freshman guard James Washington earlier this season.

Media Credit: Adam Sacasa Redshirt freshman guard James Washington attempts to find an open teammate while flying through the air against Oral Roberts earlier this year.

At the end of the regular season, the Western Illinois men's basketball team finds itself grasping the No. 6 seed as the Leathernecks prepare to travel to Tulsa, Okla., for the Summit League Tournament to battle the No. 3-seeded Oakland Golden Grizzlies Sunday.

Western finds itself in an identical situation from last year's opening round, as the 'Necks clashed against Oakland in the first round of last year's tournament in Tulsa. The 'Necks were eliminated with a 74-57 loss to the Golden Grizzlies.

"We're hoping to not (follow) that same path," said fifth-year coach Derek Thomas. "In order for that to happen, we must contain them offensively because they are very versatile, physical and talented. It's going to be a good challenge for us."

Senior guard David Jackson, who is Western's all-time leading scorer in Division I, is well aware of the possibility that Sunday's quarterfinal game may be his last.

The four-year starter said he has gained much knowledge and experience in his tenure at Western on and off the court.

"College has been very good experience for me," Jackson said. "Growing up in

Memphis, Tenn., and knowing the neighborhood and background that I came up in, I was able to learn a lot of things here through classes with my major, and I learned some things on the court as well.

"I've learned that basketball in college is more of a business, which is much different from high school," he added. "If you don't produce, you won't play."

Despite the possibility of his career coming to an end Sunday, Jackson is still optimistic about the game and is ready to give his best efforts in a game that he said "is one of the biggest games of his life."

"I know what's on the line, so I'm going to go out there and give it my all and see what happens from there," Jackson said. "I don't want to feel like the seniors of last year who lost the first game of the tournament. I want to go as long as we possibly can."

Sunday's game will be the third time the 'Necks square off against the Golden Grizzlies this year. Western lost to Oakland in the previous two meetings in relatively close games. That has presented a cause for concern for Oakland coach Greg Kampe, who, despite his team's head-to-head success, is not looking past Western at all.

"This team scares the hell out of me," said Kampe, who is in his 24th season as head coach for the Grizzlies. "This team has major talent at all positions, and regardless of their record, they can beat a lot of teams if playing well. I felt that we were lucky in beating them the first time because (sophomore guard David) Nurse was in foul trouble and played limited minutes.

"In the second game, Jackson didn't play, and he's as dangerous," Kampe added. "We will not overlook them."

The 'Necks tip off against Oakland at 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools