Game # 19 & 20
Western Illinois (16-3, 8-2 OVC) vs SEMO (7-12, 3-7 OVC) | UT Martin (10-6, 6-3 OVC)
Match Information:
Date: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 | Saturday Jan. 31, 2026
Location: Macomb, IL
Venue: Western Hall
Tip-Off: 5 p.m. CT | 1 p.m. CT
Last Meeting: Jan. 3, 2025, W 58-51 | Jan. 1, 2026, L 78-86
Live Stats: Stats
Live Video: Watch
Matchup
The Western Illinois women's basketball team comes home to face the SEMO Redhawks and the UT Martin Skyhawks. The Leathernecks are 16-3 this season and 8-2 conference. Western Illinois is in its third year in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Last Time Out
Western Illinois women's basketball earned a key OVC road victory last time out, defeating Southern Indiana 72–62 at Liberty Arena. The Leathernecks led from start to finish, shooting over 50 percent from the field and building a 15-point halftime advantage. Mia Nicastro paced WIU with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Addi Brownfield and Allie Meadows combined for 25 points from the perimeter. Western also forced 17 turnovers and dominated the paint to secure the conference win.
Scouting the Redhawks
Southeast Missouri State enters 2025-26 under second-year head coach Briley Palmer with a roster blending key returners and new faces as they aim to climb the Ohio Valley Conference standings. Graduate guard Lexi McCully, one of SEMO's primary offensive catalysts, leads the backcourt with consistent scoring and floor leadership, while center Ainaya Williams anchors the paint after a strong freshman showing. The Redhawks have constructed a challenging non-conference slate to prepare for OVC play and were picked ninth in the conference preseason poll, with expectations centered on growth, competitiveness and earning every possession. SEMO's balanced attack and defensive effort will present a test as WIU looks to secure a crucial conference win.
Scouting the Skyhawks
UT Martin enters the 2025-26 season under veteran head coach Kevin McMillan with a roster that mixes proven contributors and a wave of new talent. The Skyhawks return key guard Kenley McCarn, who was an All-OVC Second Team selection a season ago and continues to lead the team offensively, while Norah Clark provides outside shooting and experience in the backcourt. With just four returners, UTM leaned into a large recruiting class and transfer additions this year, adding depth and athleticism around its core. The non-conference slate includes challenging tests designed to prepare the Skyhawks for OVC play, including a home contest against Tennessee in the Pat Summitt Heritage Classic. UT Martin's blend of veteran leadership and fresh faces has shown balanced scoring and competitive spirit through early conference play, making them a tough matchup as they aim to climb the OVC standings.
Up Next
The Leathernecks will hit the road to face Tennessee Tech and Tennessee State on February 5 and 7. Tipoff is set for 5pm and 1pm. For more information, go to https://goleathernecks.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule.
FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS
For all the latest information on Leatherneck Women's Basketball, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
