MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois women's basketball used a strong second half and a decisive fourth-quarter surge to secure a 76–59 Ohio Valley Conference victory over Tennessee State on Thursday evening at Western Hall.

The Leathernecks trailed by three after the opening quarter before taking control with a 20–11 second quarter to go into halftime up 35–29. WIU continued to build separation in the third and closed the game with a 26-point fourth quarter to improve to 12–2 overall and 4–1 in OVC play.

Mia Nicastro led all scorers with 20 points, adding eight rebounds, an assist, a block and a steal in 37 minutes of action. Addi Brownfield finished with 12 points, while Madison Davis added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Mallory Shetley chipped in 11 points, and Kaylen Reed contributed eight points and five assists.

Western Illinois shot 39.7 percent from the field and went 20-for-26 at the free-throw line, capitalizing on 26 points off turnovers. The Leathernecks also held a 34–26 advantage in points in the paint and outscored Tennessee State 41–30 in the second half.

Tennessee State was led by Aaniya Webb with 11 points, while Kiki Roberts added eight off the bench. The Tigers were limited to 36.4 percent shooting and committed 24 turnovers.

The Leathernecks will continue OVC play as they look to build momentum heading into the next stretch of conference action by hosting the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles Jan.10.

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