MOREHEAD, KY- Western Illinois Women's Basketball (9-7, 3-4 OVC) delivered a statement victory over Morehead State (7-10, 2-5 OVC), cruising to a 92-63 win at Johnson Arena in Morehead, KY. The Leathernecks showcased their depth, efficiency, and dominance in a game that saw them lead for most of the game, outscoring the Eagles in every quarter.
The Leathernecks established their dominance early, scoring 31 points in the first quarter while holding Morehead State to just 15. WIU's inside presence was unrelenting, tallying 48 points in the paint, and their rebounding prowess was evident with a 45-29 edge on the glass. Western Illinois also turned defense into offense, scoring 12 points off turnovers while limiting their own mistakes with just 15 turnovers compared to Morehead State's 11.
Raegan McCowan lead all scorers tying her season-high scoring 35 points on an efficient 15-of-21 shooting. She also pulled down 11 rebounds, recording her sixth double-double of the season. McCowan was a force both inside and on the perimeter, demonstrating her versatility by hitting a 3-pointer and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Mallory McDermott chipped in 14 points, including three 3-pointers, while contributing key plays in transition. Addi Brownfield also filled the stat sheet with 14 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, serving as the team's engine on offense. Mia Nicastro rounded out the balanced scoring with 15 points and nine rebounds, providing an additional interior presence that Morehead State struggled to contain.
Western Illinois' defense was equally impactful, limiting Morehead State to just 37% shooting from the field. The Eagles' offense was led by Harley Paynter, who scored 19 points, but the rest of the team struggled to find a rhythm against the Leathernecks' aggressive defense.
The Leathernecks' 24 team assists highlighted their unselfish play and offensive cohesion. With the win, the Leathernecks move closer to .500 in conference play and gains momentum for their game on Saturday at Southern Indiana. Tip off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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