Game #5
Western Illinois (3-0, 0-0 OVC) vs Bradley (2-1, 0-0 MVC)
Match Information:
Date: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Location: Macomb, IL
Venue: Western Hall
Tip-Off: 7 p.m. CT
Last Meeting: Nov. 18, 2023, W 93-75
Live Stats: Stats
Live Video: Watch
Matchup
The Western Illinois women's basketball team hosts the Bradley Braves on Thursday, Nov. 20th at 7 p.m. CT. The Leathernecks are on a 3-game winning streak, hoping to extend the streak. WIU is in its third season in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Last Time Out
Western Illinois improved to 3–0 with an 86–75 win over Chicago State on Monday night at Western Hall. The Leathernecks controlled the matchup behind a dominant 31-point, 16-rebound performance from Mia Nicastro and a steady 18-point outing from Raegan McCowan. WIU set the tone early with a 12-point halftime lead, owned a 42–24 advantage in the paint, and turned 17 Cougar turnovers into 22 points. A strong fourth quarter helped the Leathernecks close out their third straight victory to remain unbeaten.
Scouting Bradley
Coach Kate Popovec-Goss had firmly laid the groundwork for a transformational era at Bradley. In her third year, she guided the Braves to a 14-19 overall record and a much-improved 7-13 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play — a clear step forward from earlier rebuilding years. Popovec-Goss has leaned into her defensive pedigree, instilling in her squad a gritty, effort-driven identity that's reflected in markedly tighter defensive metrics. Offensively, the Braves still face challenges, especially given limited ball-handling depth and scoring consistency, but Popovec-Goss remains bullish on the team's trajectory: with her core returning and thoughtful use of the transfer portal and recruiting, she's betting on continuity and growth rather than short-term fixes.
Up Next
The Leathernecks will travel to face the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 26. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT. For more information, go to https://goleathernecks.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule.
FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS
For all the latest information on Leatherneck Women's Basketball, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
