MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois Women's Basketball closed the game on a dominant fourth-quarter run to pull away from Lindenwood, earning a 74–65 road victory Wednesday evening at Robert F. Hyland Arena.

The Leathernecks (9–1, 1–0) outscored the Lions 23–12 in the final period, turning a two-point deficit entering the fourth into a nine-point win. WIU shot 57.1 percent in both the third and fourth quarters and finished the night at 45.0 percent from the floor.

Mia Nicastro led all scorers with 23 points on 11-of-18 shooting, adding nine rebounds and three steals. Mallory Shetley provided a strong spark off the bench with 16 points, while Addi Brownfield chipped in 14 points, six rebounds, and four steals. Kaylen Reed added eight points and was perfect from the free-throw line (6-of-8).

The game featured 14 lead changes and nine ties through three quarters. Lindenwood carried a 53–51 edge into the final frame before Western Illinois seized control with a decisive 17–4 run over four minutes. Nicastro scored eight of WIU's first 14 points in the quarter, including back-to-back layups that gave the Leathernecks their first lead of the half.

Western Illinois controlled the paint, outscoring Lindenwood 36–30, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities with a 19–6 advantage. The Leathernecks also forced 16 Lindenwood turnovers, converting them into key baskets down the stretch.

Lindenwood (7–4, 0–1) was led by Brooke Coffey with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Mya Skoff added 15 points. Ellie Brueggemann chipped in 13 points, including three three-pointers.

Western Illinois returns to action with momentum as conference play continues, improving to 1–0 in league action with the road win.

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