MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois women's basketball turned in another dominant home performance on Tuesday night, powering past Columbia (MO) 75–37 inside Western Hall. The win pushes the Leathernecks to 7–1 on the season and extends their strong early-year momentum, recording a 3-game win streak.

WIU controlled the matchup on both ends, breaking the game open with a decisive second half in which they outscored the Cougars 44–10. The Leathernecks' interior presence set the tone all night, piling up 52 points in the paint and owning the boards with a 42–33 rebounding advantage.

Mia Nicastro anchored the effort with a monster double-double, finishing with 24 points and 14 rebounds while also adding three steals and three blocks. Raegan McCowan delivered an efficient 21 points on 10-for-16 shooting and grabbed seven boards. Addi Brownfield contributed across the box score with nine points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.

Western Illinois' defense smothered Columbia from start to finish, holding the Cougars to just 13 second-half points and forcing 21 turnovers that led directly to 27 points the other way. WIU also collected 13 steals and seven blocks while limiting Columbia to 13-of-59 shooting (22 percent).

Despite a competitive first half that saw WIU take a 31–27 lead into the break, the Leathernecks opened the third quarter with a surge—using quick baskets inside, transition opportunities, and defensive stops to build separation. By the fourth quarter, WIU's balanced scoring and relentless pressure sealed the one-sided victory.

Eleven Leathernecks recorded at least one field goal, showcasing the team's depth and tempo as WIU continued its strong start to the 2025–26 campaign.

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