West Central Reporter

Western Illinois Women's Basketball faced a challenging game against Illinois State in the second round of the WNIT on Sunday. The Leathernecks were close to victory, trailing by only two points in the fourth quarter, but ultimately lost to the Redbirds with a final score of 80-90.

The Leathernecks started strong in the first quarter, leading ISU 23-17. Mia Nicastro and Raegan McCowan contributed significantly, scoring 13 of WIU's first-quarter points. However, Illinois State made a comeback in the second quarter, outscoring Western Illinois 26-17.

Raegan McCowan led WIU offensively with a 30-point performance and added seven rebounds. Mia Nicastro scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds, shooting 6-11 from the field. Allie Meadows also contributed with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

In the third quarter, WIU managed to outscore ISU 19-18. Despite their efforts, ISU maintained their lead into the fourth quarter and outscored WIU again by 27-20. The Leathernecks performed well at the free throw line with a perfect record of 15-15 and reduced their deficit to just two points before falling short at the end.

WIU outrebounded ISU 36-28 during the game and had an advantage in bench points with an 8-0 margin. The Leathernecks concluded their season with a postseason appearance, finishing with an overall record of 17-17 and reaching the OVC tournament semifinals in their second year in the league.

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