MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois opened the 2025-26 season dominantly on Tuesday night, rolling to a 116-46 win over Westminster (MO) inside Western Hall. The Leathernecks controlled the game from the opening tip, forcing 26 turnovers and scoring 38 points off takeaways while shooting 54 percent from the field. The Leathernecks finished with 49 rebounds and outscored the Blue Jays 44-14 in the paint while adding 19 fast-break points. The WIU bench contributed 45 points in the win.

Mia Nicastro led the way with 26 points on 10-for-15 shooting, adding eight rebounds and three steals in 21 minutes. Raegan McCowan followed with 16 points and nine boards, while Kaylen Reed turned in an all-around performance of 10 points, six assists, and three steals with no turnovers. Mallory Shetley added 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, and Allie Meadows knocked down four threes to finish with 12.

Western Illinois used pressure defense early to establish momentum, forcing nine first-quarter turnovers and scoring 14 points off those mistakes in the opening period. Nicastro, Reed, and McCowan sparked a 10-0 run to push the lead into double digits less than four minutes into play, and the Leathernecks never trailed.

The second quarter saw continued balance, with Shetley and Bowman combining to stretch the advantage beyond 25 before halftime as WIU closed the half leading 56-26. Westminster's Gizelle Carreto led the visitors with 19 points, but the Blue Jays were limited to 2-for-15 from three and were out-rebounded 49-20.

Western Illinois put the game completely out of reach in the third, hitting five threes in the quarter and scoring 32 points while continuing to score in transition and second-chance situations. Nicastro scored eight during the stretch, while Meadows hit back-to-back threes to push the lead past 30.

Every Leatherneck who entered the game recorded at least one rebound or assist, and ten WIU players scored.

Western Illinois improves to 1-0 on the year and returns to action on November 11, traveling to face the Northern Illinois Huskies. Tip-off is set for 6 PM inside Convocation Center.

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