MARTIN, TN- Western Illinois struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the second half as they fell to UT Martin, 75-55, Saturday afternoon at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.
The Leathernecks (12-11, 6-8 OVC) started strong, leading 22-20 after the first quarter behind a balanced offensive attack. However, UT Martin (10-15, 7-7 OVC) took control in the second period, outscoring WIU 21-14 to take a 41-36 halftime lead.
The Leathernecks stayed within striking distance through three quarters, trailing 64-50, but the Skyhawks' defense locked down in the final period, holding the Leathernecks to just five points while pulling away for the victory. Mia Nicastro led WIU with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Raegan McCowan added 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Allie Meadows chipped in six points and five assists.
UT Martin's Kenley McCarn led all scorers with 21 points, including five three-pointers. Daejah Richmond contributed a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Anaya Brown added 14 points and 11 rebounds.The Leathernecks shot just 32.8% from the field (20-of-61) and 27.8% from beyond the arc (5-of-18), while UT Martin hit 50.8% of their shots (30-of-59) and knocked down nine three-pointers.
WIU will look to bounce back as they return home for games against Southern Indiana and Morehead State. The Leathernecks are currently in seventh place in the Ohio Valley Conference with six games to go.
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