MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois women's basketball closed the game on a strong fourth-quarter run to secure a 75–59 Ohio Valley Conference road victory over Little Rock on Saturday afternoon at the Jack Stephens Center.
After leading by double digits early, the Leathernecks saw Little Rock trim the margin to single digits late in the fourth quarter before Western Illinois responded with timely stops and clutch scoring at the free-throw line. WIU outscored the Trojans 27–20 in the final period to put the game away and improve to 15–2 overall and 7–1 in OVC play.
Mia Nicastro led all scorers with 28 points, going 9-of-14 from the field and a perfect 9-of-9 at the free-throw line. The senior also pulled down 14 rebounds to record her double-double while playing all 40 minutes. Addi Brownfield added 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, knocking down three three-pointers, while Mallory Shetley chipped in 13 points and five rebounds. Allie Meadows finished with 12 points, including a pair of threes, and dished out four assists.
Western Illinois set the tone early, shooting 64.7 percent from the field in the first quarter and building a 26–13 lead after one. Despite a cold stretch in the middle quarters, the Leathernecks maintained control and leaned on their defense, holding Little Rock to 27.1 percent shooting for the game.
At the free-throw line, WIU was nearly flawless, converting 17-of-19 attempts, including key makes down the stretch to seal the win. The Leathernecks also forced 14 Trojan turnovers and turned them into 13 points.
Little Rock was led by Jordan Holman's 17 points and eight rebounds, but the Trojans were unable to overcome their shooting struggles from the floor.
Western Illinois returns to action, continuing OVC play as the Leathernecks look to build on their conference momentum.
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