MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois women's basketball earned a commanding 64-39 victory over Southern Indiana on Wednesday evening inside Western Hall. With the win, the Leathernecks improved to 22-4 overall and 14-3 in conference play.

WIU set the tone early and never trailed, holding Southern Indiana scoreless for nearly the first two minutes before building a 10-point advantage midway through the opening quarter. The Leathernecks led 17-11 after one and extended the margin in the second, using a 14-0 run to create separation. A late three-pointer from Mia Nicastro pushed the lead to 15, and WIU took a 33-21 advantage into halftime.

Western Illinois maintained control in the third quarter, pushing its lead to as many as 17 behind strong inside play and timely perimeter shooting. The Leathernecks carried a 47-34 edge into the final period before closing the game on a dominant note, outscoring USI 17-5 in the fourth to secure the 25-point win.

Kaylen Reed led the way with 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, while Addi Brownfield and Mia Nicastro each added 14 points. Nicastro recorded a double-double with 13 rebounds to go along with her 14 points. Mallory Shetley chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds as WIU shot 45.1 percent from the field.

Defensively, the Leathernecks limited Southern Indiana to just 39 points on 25 percent shooting and held the Screaming Eagles to 5 points in the fourth quarter. WIU also dominated in transition, scoring 14 fast-break points and controlling the glass with a 36-35 rebounding edge.

Southern Indiana was led by Chloe Gannon with 11 points, while Kylee Dennis added six.

Western Illinois will look to carry its momentum into its next matchup against the Morehead State Eagles on Saturday. Tip-off is at 1 pm.

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