MACOMB, Ill- The Western Illinois Women's Basketball team put forth a strong effort in a back-and-forth battle but ultimately fell to Southern Indiana, 76-70, in an Ohio Valley Conference showdown Thursday night at Western Hall.
The Leathernecks (12-12, 6-9 OVC) kept the game close throughout, despite trailing early in the first quarter. After falling behind 18-14 after the opening period, WIU responded with 18 points in the second quarter, heading into halftime down 38-32. The third quarter saw WIU's best offensive stretch, as they erupted for 22 points, closing the gap and even taking the lead at times. However, they struggled to maintain momentum in the final frame, scoring just 16 points while Southern Indiana finished strong with 22 to secure the victory.
Raegan McCowan delivered an outstanding performance, leading the Leathernecks with 24 points. She was particularly effective from beyond the arc, knocking down four of her seven three-point attempts while also sinking four free throws. McCowan was a key factor in the Leathernecks' third-quarter surge, hitting timely shots to help her team climb back into contention.
Addi Brownfield also played a crucial role in WIU's offensive attack, contributing 16 points on 6-of-17 shooting. She added seven rebounds and four assists but fouled out late in the contest. Mia Nicastro provided a strong presence in the paint, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, and two assists.
Western Illinois leaned heavily on their three-point shooting, connecting on 10-of-27 attempts from deep, which kept them in the game despite Southern Indiana's advantage in the paint. The Leathernecks struggled at times with ball control, committing 13 turnovers, compared to just eight for USI. Those giveaways proved costly, as the Screaming Eagles capitalized with 12 points off WIU's mistakes.
Rebounding was another closely contested battle, with Western Illinois pulling down 40 boards to USI's 47. The Leathernecks had 12 offensive rebounds, leading to seven second-chance points, but they struggled to convert those opportunities consistently.
One of the key moments in the game came late in the fourth quarter when Southern Indiana strung together multiple defensive stops while executing offensively to stretch their lead. Despite McCowan's best efforts, WIU could not claw back in the final minutes.
The loss drops the Leathernecks to .500 on the season, and they now sit at 6-9 in the OVC standings. With five games left before the conference tournament, the Leathernecks sit in seventh place in the OVC standings. They will look to bounce back in their next contest as they continue to battle for positioning in the OVC standings when they tip off at 11 a.m. against Morehead State.
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