MACOMB, Ill.- Behind a dominant all-around performance from Mia Nicastro, Western Illinois women's basketball continued its strong Ohio Valley Conference run with a 74–61 road victory over Eastern Illinois Tuesday evening at Groniger Arena.
Nicastro poured in a game-high 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line, while also pulling down 12 rebounds to record a double-double and anchor the Leathernecks on both ends of the floor. Western Illinois set the tone immediately, opening the game with back-to-back three-pointers from Allie Meadows and Kaylen Reed to take a 6–0 lead. The Leathernecks used defensive pressure and transition offense to stay in control, with Mallory Shetley finishing inside and Nicastro scoring off a feed from Shetley to push the lead to 8–0 before the first media timeout.
Eastern Illinois responded with baskets from Meioshe Mason and Ava Stoller, but Western kept its edge thanks to Addi Brownfield's mid-range jumper and trips to the free-throw line. Nicastro closed the first quarter with two late buckets in the paint, giving Western a 20–16 lead after one.
The Leathernecks seized control in the second quarter. Madison Davis knocked down a pair of free throws to spark a run, and Nicastro took over in transition, converting a steal into a fast-break layup and following with another bucket to stretch the lead to double figures. Western's defense forced multiple turnovers, and Nicastro capped the half by sinking two more free throws in the final minute to send the Leathernecks into the locker room ahead 37–25.
Eastern Illinois showed life coming out of halftime, cutting into the margin behind outside shooting from Ella Lune and Clara Glad, trimming the lead to ten midway through the third. Each time the Panthers threatened, Nicastro answered—scoring in the paint, drawing fouls, and converting at the line. A late surge by EIU narrowed the gap to 55–45, but Western still held a comfortable advantage heading into the fourth.
The Leathernecks opened the final period with poise. Brownfield found Nicastro for a jumper, and Western followed with a series of trips to the free-throw line to quickly rebuild the lead to 16. Nicastro continued to dominate inside, adding a pair of layups and swatting a shot on the defensive end to halt Panther momentum.
With just over a minute remaining, Shelby Bowman came off the bench and drilled a three-pointer to put the finishing touches on the win, as Western closed out the contest 74–61.
Shetley added 18 points, while Brownfield contributed nine points, eight rebounds, and four assists as Western Illinois improved to 14–2 overall and 6–1 in OVC play.
The Leathernecks controlled the game from start to finish, never trailing, and leaned on a balanced effort and Nicastro's star performance to earn another important road conference victory.
The Leathernecks will continue their road trip by facing the Little Rock Trojans Jan. 17 at 1pm.
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