MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois women's basketball improved to 2-0 on the season with a 68-50 victory over Northern Illinois Tuesday night inside the Convocation Center.
The Leathernecks outscored the Huskies in three of the four quarters, using a strong defensive effort and balanced offense to take control in the second half. Western held NIU to just seven points in the second quarter to build a 27-19 halftime lead, then pushed the advantage to double digits behind a 24-point fourth quarter.
Mia Nicastro powered Western Illinois with a double-double, scoring a game-high 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting while grabbing 11 rebounds and adding two blocks. Addi Brownfield contributed 13 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Allie Meadows added 12 points and two steals. Mallory Shetley chipped in 10 points and five boards.
As a team, the Leathernecks shot 45.3 percent from the floor and dominated the glass, out-rebounding NIU 40-25. Western also scored 34 points in the paint and forced 18 NIU turnovers that led to 12 points.
Emilie Sorensen led the Huskies with 17 points, while Nadechka Laccen added 10 points.
Western Illinois will return home for its next matchup, continuing nonconference play next week at home against Chicago State on Nov. 17 before hosting Bradley on Nov. 20.
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