MACOMB, Ill. – Behind an efficient offensive performance and a dominant fourth quarter, Western Illinois women's basketball pulled away for a 77–60 Ohio Valley Conference victory over Tennessee Tech on Saturday afternoon inside Western Hall.

The Leathernecks (13–2, 5–1 OVC) shot an impressive 58.3 percent from the field and went 18-for-20 at the free throw line, using a 23–15 fourth-quarter surge to turn a tight contest into a convincing win. WIU led 43–27 at halftime after shooting nearly 77 percent in the second quarter and never trailed in the game.

Mia Nicastro led all scorers with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting while adding five rebounds as she continued her strong play in conference action. Mallory Shetley added 14 points and five assists, while Addi Brownfield stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Allie Meadows chipped in 10 points and three steals as five Leathernecks reached double figures.

Western Illinois built early momentum behind strong interior play, scoring 48 of its 77 points in the paint while holding Tennessee Tech to just 31.7 percent shooting for the game. The Golden Eagles briefly cut the deficit to single digits in the third quarter, but the Leathernecks responded with timely baskets and defensive stops before breaking the game open late with a 12–2 run in the fourth.

WIU also won the turnover battle, forcing 16 Tennessee Tech miscues and turning them into 19 points. The Leathernecks improved to 8–0 at home this season and remained near the top of the OVC standings with the win

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