MACOMB,Ill.- Top-seeded Western Illinois used a dominant fourth quarter to erase a double-digit deficit and defeat No. 8 Southeast Missouri, 74-66, in the Ohio Valley Conference Women's Basketball Championship semifinals Friday afternoon at the Ford Center. 

After trailing for much of the afternoon, the Leathernecks erupted for 35 points in the final quarter, turning a seven-point deficit entering the period into an eight-point victory to move on to the conference championship game. 

Mallory Shetley led Western Illinois with a dominant performance, scoring 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting while adding five rebounds and two blocks. Addi Brownfield added 17 points, knocking down three three-pointers and going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. 

Mia Nicastro delivered a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while also dishing out four assists. Madison Davis chipped in eight points and five rebounds as the Leathernecks shot 50 percent from the field and an impressive 21-of-22 from the free-throw line in the win. 

Southeast Missouri controlled much of the first half and built a 35-22 halftime lead, later extending the advantage to as many as 16 points in the third quarter. The Leathernecks responded by steadily chipping away before exploding offensively in the fourth, shooting 10-of-13 from the field and 12-of-12 from the line in the final period. 

Western Illinois also found success in transition, holding a 22-5 advantage in fast-break points while scoring 36 points in the paint. 

With the victory, the Leathernecks improve to 25-5 overall and advance to the OVC Championship game, where they will play against Lindenwood for the conference title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. 

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