The Western Illinois University Leathernecks women’s basketball team will play the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament, according to a March 15 announcement.
This matchup is significant for Western Illinois, as it marks another opportunity for the program to compete on a national stage. The Leathernecks previously played against North Carolina in 1995 as a No.14 seed, losing 48-84. This year, they aim to achieve a different outcome.
Western Illinois enters the tournament with a 26-5 overall record after winning the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and earning an automatic bid. The team finished with an 18-4 conference record during the regular season and secured its place in March Madness by defeating Lindenwood Lions women’s basketball in the championship game. According to the official website, the Western Illinois University Leathernecks Women’s Basketball competed in the Ohio Valley Conference and held home games on campus in Macomb, Illinois according to the official website.
North Carolina comes into this contest with a 26-7 overall record and finished 14-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. The Tar Heels have been ranked at times this season and reached the semifinals of their conference tournament before receiving their NCAA bid.
The Leathernecks function as an intercollegiate athletics program at Western Illinois University and adopted their nickname to honor the U.S. Marine Corps according to the official website. The team operates from Macomb, Illinois according to the official website.
Game time, location, and broadcast details for this first-round matchup will be announced when finalized by tournament organizers. Fans can follow updates through WIU Women’s Basketball social media channels or visit GoLeathernecks.com.
