Trojans Hoping to Celebrate Final Home Game of the Season

Trojan Basketball Celebrates Homecoming & Senior Day

it’s going to be a festive day at the Jack Stephens Center on Saturday as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Trojans basketball teams host Western Illinois for a doubleheader. The day will be filled with homecoming and senior day activities during both games.

Game Schedule & Festivities

The women’s game tips off at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s game approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the women’s contest.

• Women’s Game: 1 p.m. vs. Western Illinois
• Women’s Senior Recognition: Promptly following the women’s game
• Men’s Game: Approximately 30 minutes following the women’s game vs. Western Illinois.
• Men’s Senior Recognition: 10-minute mark of the men’s pregame

The Greek Night festivities, originally scheduled for Thursday, have been moved to Saturday and will take place on the concourse. Distinguished alumni will be honored at halftime of the women’s game, and the homecoming coronation is slated for halftime of the men’s game.

Senior Day Honors

Saturday’s games will mark the final home appearances for two outstanding Trojan seniors: Jordan Jefferson and Mwani Wilkinson.

“Jordan Jefferson has been at Little Rock for four years and Mwani Wilkinson just one. But both players have made their marks as their careers wind down and are honored on Saturday,” stated the athletic department.

Jefferson, who played his 100th game for the Trojans on Thursday night, has started 57 games and averages 8.9 points per game and 2.1 rebounds per game despite battling a back injury this season.

Wilkinson,a transfer from LSU,has emerged as a star in his lone season at Little Rock,averaging 13.2 points and 7 rebounds per game. he’s also contributing 1.4 blocks and 1.8 steals per game.

Trojans Look to Extend Dominance over Leathernecks

Little Rock holds a commanding 5-1 record in the all-time series against Western Illinois and has won five consecutive meetings.The Trojans remain undefeated against the Leathernecks since joining the Ohio Valley conference two seasons ago.

Scouting Western Illinois

The leathernecks (10-18, 4-13) have struggled this season, losing five games in a row after a loss to Little Rock last month. They have since rebounded with two wins in their last three games, defeating Southern Indiana and Morehead State last week.

Despite their recent success, Western Illinois dropped a close contest to Southeast Missouri State on Thursday night.

marko Maletic leads the Leathernecks in scoring, averaging nearly 17 points per game. Ryan Myers chips in 13 points per game, and Sean Smith averages 10.2 points per game.

smith scored 16 points in the loss to Little Rock earlier this season, and Maletic added 15. Western Illinois shot just 38% from the field and 22% from the 3-point line in that contest.

Game Day Data

The men’s game can be heard on 106.7 Buz2 with Ray Tucker on the call and can be streamed on ESPN+.

Come out and cheer on the Trojans as they celebrate homecoming and honor their seniors on a day expected to be filled with excitement and tradition!

What does Coach Carter feel makes this weekend’s doubleheader special for teh UALR Trojans?

Archyde News: An Interview with Coach Jason Carter on Trojans’ Homecoming & Senior Day

Archyde’s Will Thompson catches up with Trojans’ Head Coach Jason Carter ahead of Saturday’s doubleheader against Western Illinois.

Coach Carter, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Let’s dive right in. What makes this weekend’s doubleheader special for the UALR Trojans?

Thanks for having me, Will. This weekend is indeed special for our Trojans. It’s our Homecoming party, and we’re honoring our fantastic seniors – Jordan Jefferson and Mwani Wilkinson – in their final home games. it’s a day filled with tradition, excitement, and a lot of well-deserved recognition.

Jordan and Mwani have certainly made their marks here at UALR. How have they contributed to the team’s success this season?

Both Jordan and Mwani have been remarkable. Jordan, even with a back injury, has been a steady presence and a team leader. He’s a true Trojan and has been a crucial part of our team’s growth over the years. Mwani, in his lone season here, has been an absolute force. He’s a double-digit scorer, averaging a solid 13.2 points per game, and provides a defensive spark with his rebounding, blocks, and steals. he’s been a great addition and has fit right in with our Trojan family.

Mwani’s impact as a transfer has been tremendous. What’s your secret to integrating new players so seamlessly into the team?

Well, Will, it starts with the culture we’ve built here. We emphasize teamwork, dedication, and a growth mindset. When we bring in new players, we make sure they understand our systems, our goals, and our commitment to each other. Mwani, especially, has been a great fit because he bought into our culture from day one. Plus, his talent and work ethic have been a huge addition to our team.

Speaking of culture, this game marks the final home appearance for Jordan and Mwani. How does the team plan to send them off?

We’re pulling out all the stops to make it a memorable day for Jordan and Mwani.There will be special recognitions during both the women’s and men’s games.We’re also encouraging all Trojan fans to come out and show their support. It’s going to be an exciting day filled with emotion, passion, and a whole lot of Trojan basketball.

Looking at the series history with Western Illinois, the Trojans hold a commanding 5-1 record. What’s the key to keeping that dominant streak alive?

First, we need to respect our opponents. Western Illinois may be struggling this season, but they’re capable of putting up a fight.We’ve seen it in our previous matchup this season. We need to play our game, stick to our system, and bring the intensity. if we do that, I’m confident we’ll extend our dominance over the Leathernecks.

Coach Carter, if you could send a message to Trojan fans, alumni, and students, what would it be ahead of this weekend’s games?

I’d say, ‘Come out and support your Trojans! This is a special day for us, and we want to see the Jack Stephens Center filled with Trojan blue. Let’s make some noise,create an electric atmosphere,and send our seniors off in style.Together, we can make this Homecoming and Senior Day one to remember!’

Thank you, Coach Carter. We appreciate your time and wish the Trojans the best of luck this weekend!

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