MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois women's basketball used a strong fourth-quarter surge to secure a 58–51 Ohio Valley Conference road win over Southeast Missouri on Saturday afternoon at the Show Me Center.
The Leathernecks were led by a dominant performance from Mia Nicastro, who poured in a game-high 29 points, shooting 9-for-17 from the field and 11-for-13 at the free-throw line. Nicastro also added seven rebounds as WIU outscored the Redhawks 20–12 in the final period to pull away late.
Western Illinois held a slim 15–10 advantage after the first quarter, but Southeast Missouri responded with a 19-point second frame to take a 29–26 lead into halftime. The Redhawks extended their lead to as many as 11 points in the third quarter before the Leathernecks chipped away and entered the final period trailing just 39–38.
WIU took control early in the fourth quarter behind baskets from Nicastro, Kaylen Reed, and Mallory Shetley, reclaiming the lead for good at 40–39. The Leathernecks built their advantage to six points midway through the quarter and sealed the win at the free-throw line in the final minute.
Shetley finished with 12 points and six rebounds, while Reed added 11 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting. Addi Brownfield contributed on the glass with 10 rebounds, helping WIU win the rebounding battle 35–25.
Western Illinois shot 43.2 percent from the field and went 19-for-26 from the free-throw line, while holding Southeast Missouri to 32.1 percent shooting.
The Leathernecks will continue OVC play next week as they return home to Macomb to face the Tennessee State Tigers Janurary 8. Tip-off is set for 5 pm.
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