MACOMB, IL – Raegan McCowan's double-double was not enough as Western Illinois fell to the University of Wisconsin 74-52 on Thursday (Nov. 9) night. WIU moves to 1-1 overall on the season. 

The Leathernecks defense came to play to start Thursday's game. The Leathernecks forced three turnovers in the first three minutes as the score remained scoreless. Raegan McCowan opened up the Leathernecks scoring as she knocked down two free throws, cutting the Badger lead to 3-2. Down 5-2, Anna Deets buried a three to tie the game at five. McCowan gave WIU their first lead 45 seconds later with a mid-range jumps shot at 7-5. McCowan doubled the lead with a layup with 4:00 minutes left in the first quarter. WIU ended the opening frame with a Carla Flores jumper as they took an 11-10 lead.

WIU saw their lead grow back to four two minutes into the second quarter as McCowan had another basket drop, giving WIU a 16-12 lead. Wisconsin tied the game at 20-20 before finishing the half on a 17-2 run.

Wisconsin extended their halftime lead to 16 multiple times, but WIU had an answer. A free throw by Alissa Dins, two by Flores, and a three by Mallory McDermott brought the deficit down to 10 (44-34). Wisconsin extended their lead to 12 before McDermott came back down and hit her second three in a row, bringing WIU within double digits 46-37. Wisconsin would deflate the basketball as they grew their lead back up to 14 points heading into the final quarter.

Anna Deets opened the 4th quarter with a free throw before Wisconsin broke open the game with a 7-0 run to put the Badgers up 21, 63-42. The Leathernecks could not trim the deficit down as teams traded baskets the rest of the way.

Raegan McCowan led WIU with her first collegiate double-double, posting 13 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes of play. Addi Brownfield finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and an assist. Allie Meadows led WIU with three assists. The Leathernecks shot 28% from the field. WIU shot 31 free throws on the night, knocking down 18.

The Leathernecks return home on Sunday, welcoming in-state rival Northern Illinois. The game is set for a 1:30 p.m. tipoff and is the first game of a doubleheader with Western Illinois Men's Basketball.