EVANSVILLE, IN- In a game that featured eight ties and eight lead changes, the Leatherneck Women's Basketball team pulled out a gritty 78-75 win over Eastern Illinois at the Ford Center on Thursday afternoon. The Leathernecks overcame a sluggish second quarter and foul trouble to secure the victory, fueled by a strong second-half performance.
The Leathernecks came out firing, scoring 20 points in the opening quarter and trading baskets with EIU to keep the game knotted at 20. Raegan McCowan set the tone early with a three-pointer, and Allie Meadows also connected from deep to help WIU keep pace with the Panthers, as the two teams combined for 40 points in the first ten minutes.
However, the second quarter was a struggle for the Leathernecks. WIU managed just 14 points as turnovers and fouls started to pile up. The Leathernecks had seven turnovers in the period and committed eight fouls, allowing EIU to capitalize at the free-throw line. By halftime, WIU trailed 39-34 and needed a spark. The spark came with 5 seconds left before halftime as McCowan hit a half court buzzer beater to bring WIU to within five at the break.
Coming out of the locker room, McCowan started to find her rhythm. The Sophomore guard caught fire in the third quarter, scoring from both inside and beyond the arc. She finished with a game-high 25 points on 11-of-22 shooting, including 3-for-6 from three-point range. Her biggest bucket of the game came with 15 seconds left in the fourth quarter, as she caught the ball at the elbow, ripped through her defender, and scored at the rim giving the Leathernecks a 76-75 lead late in the game. Mia Nicastro also stepped up, scoring six quick points in the third to help WIU outscore EIU 21-13 in the period. Defensively, the Leathernecks clamped down, limiting the Panthers to just four field goals in the third quarter. Entering the fourth quarter, WIU held a slim 55-52 lead.
The final quarter was a back-and-forth battle. WIU extended its lead to seven early in the period, thanks to key buckets from Nicastro and Addi Brownfield. However, foul trouble became a major issue. Brownfield, who was doing it all with 15 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, fouled out late in the game. Meadows also fouled out after contributing nine points, all from beyond the arc.
Despite losing two starters, WIU stayed composed. Nicastro delivered a clutch two minute performance late in the fourth quarter, scoring four points in the final two minutes of the game to give the Leathernecks the lead for good.
EIU made one final push, taking the lead with 1:10 to play. With the game on the line, McCowan drove into the lane and converted a tough jumper, putting WIU up 76-75. The Leathernecks then got a crucial stop on defense as Nicastro secured the rebound to seal the win.
As a team, WIU shot 52.6% from three (10-of-18) and dominated inside with 26 points in the paint. They also won the fast-break battle, outscoring EIU 10-8 in transition. Despite committing 12 turnovers and dealing with foul trouble, the Leathernecks' efficient shooting and strong rebounding (36 total, including 30 defensive boards) helped them secure the win.
The Leathernecks will now move on to the semi-finals of the OVC tournament where they will take on Lindenwood tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 PM.
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