West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University women's basketball team faced a challenging game against UT Martin, ending with a 75-55 defeat on Saturday at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. The Leathernecks initially showed promise, leading 22-20 after the first quarter due to a balanced offensive strategy. However, UT Martin gained momentum in the second period, outscoring Western Illinois 21-14 and securing a 41-36 lead by halftime.

Despite staying competitive through three quarters with a score of 64-50, Western Illinois struggled in the final period. UT Martin's defense limited them to just five points while extending their lead to secure victory. Mia Nicastro led Western Illinois with an impressive double-double, contributing 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Raegan McCowan added to the effort with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Allie Meadows also contributed six points and five assists.

For UT Martin, Kenley McCarn stood out as the top scorer with 21 points, including five successful three-pointers. Daejah Richmond achieved a double-double with 17 points and ten rebounds, while Anaya Brown supported with another double-double consisting of 14 points and eleven rebounds. Western Illinois had difficulty finding their range from the field, shooting only 32.8% overall (20-of-61) and managing just 27.8% from beyond the arc (5-of-18). In contrast, UT Martin made efficient use of their opportunities by converting on 50.8% of their shots (30-of-59) along with nine three-pointers.

Looking ahead, Western Illinois aims to recover as they prepare for home games against Southern Indiana and Morehead State. They currently hold seventh place in the Ohio Valley Conference standings with six games remaining in their schedule.

For more updates on Leatherneck Basketball activities or information about upcoming games, fans can visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow them on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.