MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois picked up a big road win Thursday night, pulling away for a 68–53 victory over Tennessee Tech at the Eblen Center.
The Leathernecks (19-3, 11-2 OVC) used a dominant second quarter and efficient shooting throughout to take control early and never fully give it back. After a tight first period, WIU outscored the Golden Eagles 21-7 in the second to build a 34-19 halftime lead. Western shot 60 percent from the field in the quarter and turned defense into offense, cashing in on steals and pushing the pace in transition.
Mia Nicastro led the way with a game-high 25 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-17 shooting performance, while also pulling down 13 rebounds for a double-double. Mallory Shetley added 19 points, attacking the paint and finishing through contact, and Madison Davis chipped in 10 points and six boards. Allie Meadows stretched the floor with eight points, including a pair of three-pointers, and added four assists.
As a team, WIU shot 52.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from three (5-of-10), while holding Tennessee Tech to just 35.6 percent shooting. The Leathernecks controlled the glass with a 33-34 rebounding battle that limited second-chance opportunities and dominated the paint, outscoring TTU 38-22 inside. Western also turned turnovers into 18 points and added 14 fast-break points to keep the pressure on.
Tennessee Tech (12-10, 5-8 OVC) made a push in the third quarter, outscoring WIU 22-16 behind hot shooting, but the Leathernecks responded in the fourth. Western shot nearly 60 percent in the final period and stretched the lead to as many as 17 to seal the road conference win.
WIU led for more than 31 minutes in the game and never trailed after late in the first quarter, continuing its strong win streak. The Leathernecks continue their Tennessee trip by visiting the Tennessee State Lady Tigers on February 7. Tip off is set for 1pm.
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