MACOMB, Ill.- The Western Illinois women's basketball team used a dominant second quarter and balanced scoring effort to earn a 75–51 victory over SIUE on Monday afternoon at Western Hall.

After a tightly contested opening quarter that ended tied at 15, the Leathernecks took control in the second period, outscoring the Cougars 22–5 to build a 37–20 halftime advantage. WIU's defense set the tone, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting SIUE to just two field goals in the quarter.

Western Illinois continued to apply pressure in the second half, answering every SIUE run and maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the third quarter. The Leathernecks closed the game strong, scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter while capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and second-chance points to seal the win.

Five Leathernecks finished in double figures, led by Mia Nicastro, who posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Mallory Shetley added 13 points, while Addi Brownfield chipped in 12 points, five steals, and four rebounds. Brownfield also hit 1,000 points in her career as a Leatherneck, joining junior guard Raegan McCowan in the 1,000-point club.  Allie Meadows and Madison Davis rounded out the balanced attack with 10 and 11 points.

Western Illinois shot 43 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range, while holding SIUE to 36 percent shooting. The Leathernecks also won the rebounding battle, 32–29, and finished with a 42–24 edge in points in the paint.

With the victory, Western Illinois improves to 10–1 overall and 2–0 in conference play, while SIUE falls to 8–4 on the season. The Leathernecks will look to continue their strong start when they return to action later this week.

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