By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications
#1 Western Illinois (24-5, 16-4 OVC) vs #8 Southeast Missouri (14-17, 8-12 OVC)
Match Information:
Date: Friday Mar. 6, 2026
Location: Evansville, IN
Venue: Ford Center
Tip-Off: 1 p.m CT
Live Stats: Stats
Live Video: Watch
More Info: Here
Matchup
The Western Illinois women's basketball team will hit the road Evansville, Indiana to face off in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. WIU will compete against the Southeast Missouri Redhawks. The Leathernecks are 24-5 this season and 16-4 conference. Western Illinois is in its third year in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Last Time Out
The Western Illinois University women's basketball team dropped a heartbreaking 50-49 decision to Lindenwood inside Western Hall. After trailing by as many as 16 points entering the fourth quarter, WIU mounted a furious comeback, outscoring the Lions 22-7 in the final frame. Mia Nicastro poured in a game-high 27 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, scoring 15 in the fourth quarter alone to pull the Leathernecks within one in the closing seconds. Despite having a chance late, the rally fell just short as Western Illinois wrapped up the regular season as OVC Regular Season Champions.
Keys to Success
The biggest keys to success for the Western Illinois University Leathernecks women's basketball heading into the Ohio Valley Conference Women's Basketball Tournament come down to leaning into the identity they've built all year. When this team has been at its best, it's been because of defensive intensity and disciplined half-court execution. Limiting second-chance opportunities, winning the rebounding battle, and forcing opponents into late-clock shots will be critical in a tournament setting where possessions matter more. Their ability to control tempo and avoid live-ball turnovers will dictate whether they can dictate the game rather than react to it.
Offensively, balance and composure will be everything. Throughout the season, Western has proven it can score in multiple ways with inside touches, paint drives, and timely perimeter shooting. In March, that balance has to show up every night. Strong starts, efficient shot selection, and consistent free-throw shooting will be essential to close tight games. Most importantly, experience and poise in late-game moments - something this group has developed all season - must translate under tournament pressure. If they defend, rebound, and stay confident in their offensive rhythm, they'll put themselves in position to cut down the nets.
Scouting the Redhawks
The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks women's basketball continued its strong run in the Ohio Valley Conference Women's Basketball Tournament with a gritty 60–55 upset win in the quarterfinals, knocking off the No. 4 seed and advancing to the semifinals. The Redhawks leaned on a balanced effort and timely defense, closing the game with a strong fourth quarter to secure the victory. Forward Kearra Jones led the way with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Ainaya Williams added 11 points off the bench and Lexi McCully contributed nine in a key supporting role. Southeast Missouri's defensive pressure and rebounding helped limit late scoring opportunities and protect the lead down the stretch, giving the Redhawks their second straight tournament win after a 68–65 opening-round victory the day before. With the momentum of back-to-back postseason wins, SEMO now turns its focus to the semifinals with confidence and a growing rhythm on both ends of the floor.
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.
