PEORIA, Ill. – Western Illinois kept it close during the first several minutes of the first half, but Bradley used a 14-0 run to pull away for good as the Leathernecks dropped a 93-64 decision Wednesday night (Dec. 21).

Playing their second game in as many nights, the Leathernecks (3-8 overall) kept it close during the first eight minutes. Valencia Kelly scored eight of the first 10 points, and her jumper in the lane cut the deficit to 20-16 at the 12 minute mark. From there the Braves scored 14 straight and used a 22-4 run to pull out to a 42-20 lead with just over four minutes remaining.

Sadie Webb got a three-point play, then finished the half with four consecutive made free throws but Bradley used a pair of 3-pointers from Katie Yohn to make it 51-27 at the half.

The Braves (9-3) shot 61.8 percent in the first half from the field, including 8-of-14 from long distance. Western was 11-of-35 from the floor (31.4 percent) and Webb accounted for the 5-of-5 effort at the free throw line.

During the second half Western's defense cooled Bradley to 44 percent from the floor (52.9 percent overall).

Kelly scored a season-high 18 points while Webb netted 14. Michele Salvatori scored all 11 of her points in the second half and led the Leathernecks with eight rebounds.

Western forced one more turnover than Bradley (15-16), and was 11-of-11 at the line until missing its first attempt during the second half. The Leathernecks finished 16-of-18 from the line but were only 2-of-13 from 3-point range. Overall Western shot 31.9 percent from the field while Bradley finished at 53 percent.

Catie O'Leary led all scorers with 29 points. Kelsey Budd finished with 10 points and nine assists while Leah Kassing added a double-double with 10 points/11 rebounds.

The Leathernecks return to action Tuesday (Dec. 27), playing host to William Woods. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

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