Game # 29 & 30
Western Illinois (23-4, 15-3 OVC) vs SIUE (14-14, 7-11 OVC) | Lindenwood (22-7, 14-4 OVC)
Match Information:
Date: Thursday Feb. 26, 2026 | Saturday Feb. 28, 2026
Location: Edwardsville, IL | Macomb, IL
Venue: First Community Arena | Western Hall
Tip-Off: 5 p.m. CT | 1 p.m CT
Last Meeting: Dec. 22, 2025, W 75-51 | Dec. 18, 2025
Live Stats: Stats | Stats
Live Video: Watch | Watch
Matchup
The Western Illinois women's basketball team will hit the road to face the SIUE Cougars in Edwardsville before coming home to face Lindenwood. The Leathernecks are 23-4 this season and 15-3 conference. Western Illinois is in its third year in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Last Time Out
Last time out, the Western Illinois University women's basketball team delivered a dominant 74-53 victory over Morehead State University inside Western Hall. After trailing 29-24 at halftime and battling to a 46-46 tie through three quarters, the Leathernecks erupted for 28 points in the fourth to pull away. Mia Nicastro led the way with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Addi Brownfield added 20 points, including four three-pointers. WIU shot 45.3 percent from the field and knocked down seven threes, holding Morehead State to just seven fourth-quarter points to seal the 21-point win.
Scouting the Cougars
The 2025-26 SIUE women's basketball team enters the season under fourth-year head coach Samantha Quigley-Smith with a mix of experience and new talent, coming off a 10-14 campaign and a projected lower-tier finish in the Ohio Valley Conference. Seniors like Macy Silvey and Jaiden Bryant provide leadership and perimeter scoring, while a trio of freshmen, including Kiyoko Proctor and Lauren Miller, have already made an impact, showcasing scoring versatility and energy. The Cougars boast a capable frontcourt presence in Syanne Mohamed, who anchors the glass and protects the paint, and junior Ava Gugliuzza provides shooting depth from beyond the arc. Offensively, SIUE can be dangerous in transition and from downtown, as evidenced by a 96-47 season opener and balanced scoring outputs. Defensively, their success will hinge on rebounding fundamentals and contesting shots to disrupt opponents, while consistency and experience will be key to climbing the OVC standings this season.
Scouting the Lions
Lindenwood University enters the 2025–26 season looking to continue building momentum within the Ohio Valley Conference. The Lions are known for their physical style of play, balanced scoring attack, and commitment on the defensive end, often forcing opponents into tough half-court possessions. Offensively, Lindenwood thrives when pushing the pace in transition but is equally comfortable working inside-out in the half court. Their ability to crash the boards and generate second-chance opportunities makes them a constant threat, while disciplined perimeter defense allows them to contest shots and limit clean looks from three. To be successful against the Lions, opponents must control the tempo, limit turnovers, and match their intensity on both ends of the floor.
Up Next
The Leathernecks will come home to wrap up their regular season against Lindenwood. Tip-off is scheduled for 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.
