LIBERTY, Mo. - The William Jewell men's basketball team returns to action for the first time in 2023, jumping back into Great Lakes Valley Conference play with two tough opponents. Illinois Springfield and Quincy come to town and are two of the more improved squads from a year ago, both sitting at 3-1 in the GLVC and tied for second in the league standings. Thursday's game will also be Youth Team Night, presented by Crowley Furniture and Mattress.

THE SERIES

• Jewell is 6-7 all-time against Illinois Springfield, all in the NCAA era as conference opponents. The teams have traded the last three games, with the Stars winning 64-53 last February. On the other side, Quincy is an old foe, with the first meeting dating back to 1949. Jewell trails the all-time series 8-15, and having dropped three of the last four. 

CARDINAL NOTES

• The Cardinals are looking to start 2023 strong after dropping a 60-40 contest on the road at Southern Nazarene back on December 19, snapping a three-game winning streak. 
• Mason Alexander established himself as one of the league's best shooters a long time ago. Now in his fifth season, the southpaw has become one of the top distributors as well, averaging 3.8 assists per game, seventh best in the GLVC, including a career high nine against Kansas Christian. 
• Jewell has been difficulty to scout since the start of conference play, proving to be one of the more balanced teams in the league. Four players average in double-figures, Jordan Jermain (11.8), Kobe McKinley (11.0), Mason Alexander (10.4) and Grant Stubbs (10.0), while three others are chipping in at least five per conference game. 
• Heri Tshiyoyo was dominant on the glass in the first part of the season, ranking second in the GLVC with 119 total rebounds and an average of 9.2 per game. The fifth year senior boasts seven double-digit rebound performances already this season, with a season best 15 against Kansas Christian. 
• The combination of Alexander and Jermain form quite the potent punch for the Cardinals. The duo are both ranked among the best in the GLVC in three pointers made and percentage along with total field goals and free throws. The pair has hit at least five three point field goals (combined) in all but one of the Cardinals wins. 
• Grant Stubbs finished the first half of the season on a tear, averaging better than 11 points and shooting nearly 58% from the field over the final four games, stepping into the starting lineup for an injured Trey Shannon.