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Western Illinois University Athletics

WIU WBB
78
St. Thomas (MN) UST 3-5,0-0 Summit League
82
Winner Western Ill. WIU 7-1,0-0 OVC
St. Thomas (MN) UST
3-5,0-0 Summit League
78
Final
82
Western Ill. WIU
7-1,0-0 OVC
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
St. Thomas (MN) UST 17 26 16 19 78
Western Ill. WIU 20 22 14 26 82

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | WIU Athletic Communications

Leathernecks Extend Win Streak to Six in Win

WIU defeats St. Thomas for the first time in Western Hall

MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois secured a hard-fought victory over St. Thomas with a final score of 82-78, continuing their impressive season with a 7-1 record and notching their sixth consecutive win. The triumph marked a significant milestone as it was the first time the Leathernecks emerged victorious over St. Thomas inside the confines of Western Hall.

The game's intensity was evident as Western Illinois quickly asserted its dominance, opening the first quarter with a 6-2 run. A pivotal 7-0 run midway through the quarter, fueled by a three-point basket from Mallory McDermott and a well-executed mid-range jump shot, extended the lead to 18-11. Jasmine Nichols contributed to maintaining the lead at 7, finishing the first quarter with Western Illinois ahead 20-17.

The second quarter saw both teams trading blows, with St. Thomas launching an 8-3 run early on. Undeterred, Western Illinois responded with a 7-2 run, leveling the score at 30. The turning point came with Anna Deets' layup at the 5:17 mark, granting Western Illinois their first lead since the eight-minute mark of the second quarter. Capitalizing on an 8-0 run, the Leathernecks pulled ahead 40-34 with 3:04 left in the half. However, St. Thomas rallied and closed out the half with a 9-2 run, seizing a narrow 43-42 lead at halftime.

The third quarter began with a surge from St. Thomas, who embarked on a 9-0 run, establishing a 51-42 lead with 7:53 remaining. Undaunted by the deficit, Western Illinois staged a comeback with a 14-4 run, featuring crucial baskets from Allie Meadows and four impressive contributions from Raegan McCowan. Carla Flores added a free throw, and the Leathernecks entered the final quarter with a slim 59-56 lead.

The fourth quarter showcased Western Illinois' resilience, as they opened with a decisive 10-0 run. Mallory McDermott played a pivotal role, sinking two crucial three-pointers during the run. McCowan and Anna Deets contributed baskets to maintain a 7-point lead. Despite a late surge from St. Thomas cutting the lead to a single possession, Kaylen Reed sealed the victory for Western Illinois with two clutch free throws, securing an 82-78 win.

Raegan McCowan delivered a standout performance, becoming the first Leatherneck since Anna Deets to achieve a 30-point game. McCowan's impressive stat line included shooting 13-24 from the field, 4-6 from the charity stripe, seven rebounds, and three steals. McDermott provided a spark off the bench with 17 crucial points, shooting 5-7 from beyond the arc. Anna Deets remained perfect, contributing 13 points on 3-3 shooting from the field and a flawless 6-6 from the free-throw line. Addi Brownfield chipped in with 10 points, two rebounds, and three assists.

Western Illinois capitalized on 17 St. Thomas' turnovers, converting them into 20 points.
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