The Western Illinois University women’s basketball team secured a 79-61 victory over SIUE on Thursday night at First Community Arena, closing out its regular-season road schedule.
Western Illinois established an early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead 20-10. The Leathernecks maintained control throughout the game, holding a 35-21 advantage at halftime. Although SIUE narrowed the gap in the third quarter, Western Illinois responded with strong shooting in the fourth quarter, making nearly 78 percent of their shots to ensure the win.
Mia Nicasro led Western Illinois with 36 points, converting 14 of her 19 field goal attempts and all seven free throws. She also contributed five rebounds and five steals. Addi Brownfield and Mallory Shetley each scored 12 points; Brownfield made three three-pointers while Shetley added four assists. Allie Meadows scored 11 points and hit three shots from beyond the arc.
The Leathernecks shot nearly 56 percent from the field and over 84 percent from the free-throw line as a team. They scored 30 points in the paint, forced turnovers that led to 12 points, and recorded 14 fast-break points. The team narrowly outrebounded SIUE and held their opponents to just over 36 percent shooting.
SIUE’s Kiyoko Proctor led her team with 24 points, including five three-pointers.
With this win, Western Illinois achieved its 24th overall victory and its 16th conference win as it heads into postseason play.
Western Illinois University Leathernecks Women’s Basketball is based in Macomb, Illinois and competes in the Ohio Valley Conference as part of intercollegiate athletics at the university. The program adopted its nickname “Leathernecks” to honor the U.S. Marine Corps. More information about the team can be found on their official website.
