MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois showed stretches of high-level execution and defensive disruption on Wednesday night but ultimately fell 86–69 to Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Leathernecks hung tough through multiple runs, forced the Hawkeyes into 21 turnovers, and closed the night with their strongest offensive quarter, but Iowa's size, efficiency in the paint, and timely shooting set the tone early. The Leathernecks will go on to a 4-1 record for the season.
Iowa opened the game with a 20–9 first quarter, capitalizing on interior touches and transition opportunities. The Hawkeyes hit nine of their first 15 shots and leaned heavily on center Ava Heiden, who scored 10 first-quarter points and anchored an interior attack that eventually produced 44 points in the paint. Despite WIU forcing five turnovers in the opening frame—thanks to early ball pressure from Allie Meadows, Addi Brownfield, and Raegan McCowan—the Leathernecks struggled to convert consistently, shooting 4-of-17 in the period.
The second quarter saw Iowa stretch its lead behind bench production and perimeter shooting. The Hawkeyes hit three triples in the frame and stacked up 16 bench points, building a 44–25 halftime advantage. Still, Western Illinois created second-chance opportunities with five offensive boards and held the Hawkeyes to five turnovers in the period. Mia Nicastro kept WIU within striking distance, scoring six points in the quarter—including a transition three that cut the margin to single digits momentarily.
Out of halftime, WIU delivered its strongest defensive stretch of the night. The Leathernecks forced six Iowa turnovers in the third and translated that into key scoring bursts. McCowan opened the half with back-to-back buckets, including a rhythm three off a Kaylen Reed assist. Brownfield followed with a steal-and-score, and Nicastro drilled a wing three to trim Iowa's lead to 49–35. Iowa answered with timely perimeter shooting, but WIU's 19-point third quarter showed their offensive balance and competitive response.
The fourth quarter was WIU's most complete offensive frame, producing 25 points and multiple paint touches that opened up the perimeter. Nicastro continued her standout night, finishing with a team-high 20 points on 8-of-19 shooting while adding seven rebounds. McCowan added 16 points, and Shetley and Brownfield each posted 10—Brownfield also contributed five steals, four assists, and two boards in one of the most well-rounded performances of the game. Western Illinois' defensive pressure remained disruptive, ending the night with 14 steals and 22 points off turnovers.
Despite WIU's late surge, Iowa's efficiency—shooting 60% from the field and 9-for-20 from deep—combined with a 41–25 rebounding margin ultimately proved too much to overcome. Addison Deal led the Hawkeyes with 17 points, while Heiden posted a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double and Hannah Stuelke added 12 points and nine boards.
The Women's Basketball team will go on to face St. Francis on December 4th at 11am in Western Hall.
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