MACOMB, Ill.- The Western Illinois University women's basketball team erased a 16-point second-half deficit and nearly completed a dramatic comeback Saturday afternoon, but ultimately fell 49-50 to Lindenwood inside Western Hall.
Lindenwood struck first and controlled much of the opening half, jumping out to a 21-13 lead after the first quarter behind efficient shooting and early momentum. The Leathernecks struggled to find a consistent rhythm offensively, shooting 38 percent in the opening frame while the Lions knocked down 8-of-16 from the field. WIU tightened up defensively in the second quarter, holding Lindenwood to just eight points, but managed only nine of its own and trailed 29-22 at the break.
The third quarter proved decisive. After a quick bucket from the Leathernecks cut the margin to seven, Lindenwood responded with a sustained run, stretching the lead to as many as 17 points. The Lions outscored Western Illinois 14-5 in the period, capitalizing on turnovers and limiting WIU to just 2-of-13 shooting in the quarter. Entering the fourth, the Leathernecks faced a 43-27 deficit.
The Leathernecks flipped the script in the final period, turning up the defensive pressure and attacking downhill offensively. WIU shot 7-of-16 in the fourth and knocked down three triples, steadily chipping away at the margin. Senior Mia Nicastro sparked the comeback, finishing with a game-high 27 points and 13 rebounds. She scored 15 of her 27 in the fourth quarter alone, including a pair of free throws with 55 seconds remaining that pulled WIU within one at 50-49.
Addi Brownfield added 10 points and six rebounds, while Kaylen Reed dished out seven assists to help facilitate the late surge. The Leathernecks forced 12 Lindenwood turnovers and turned them into 19 points, while also holding the Lions to just 14 percent shooting in the fourth quarter.
With one final opportunity in the closing seconds, Western Illinois generated a look, but the shot from Nicastro would not fall as time expired. Despite outscoring Lindenwood 22-7 in the final frame and dominating the momentum late, the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
The loss drops WIU to 24-6 overall and 16-4 in conference play, as the Leathernecks now turn their focus to postseason preparation after a hard-fought regular-season finale at home.
The Leathernecks mark their spot as OVC regular-season champions and will head to Evansville, IN to play in the tournament.
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