MACOMB, Ill. (Interstat) — Mia Nicastro scored 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to power Western Illinois past Chicago State 86-75 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Monday night at Western Hall.

The Leathernecks remained undefeated, improving to 3-0, while the Cougars fell to 1-4.

Nicastro, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from St. Charles, Missouri, was dominant on both ends of the floor, adding two blocks in 33 minutes. She was instrumental in Western Illinois establishing a commanding 42-24 advantage in points in the paint. Her frontcourt partner, Raegan McCowan, added 18 points and six rebounds.

The game was ultimately decided by efficiency and free throw shooting. Despite attempting two fewer field goals, Western Illinois was significantly more effective with its possessions, scoring 86 points on 75 trips. Chicago State, by contrast, managed 75 points on 77 possessions. The Leathernecks also capitalized at the foul line, making 24 of 32 attempts compared to the Cougars’ 10 of 17.

A stark contrast in styles emerged. Western Illinois relentlessly attacked the basket, while Chicago State found more success from the perimeter, hitting 7 of 14 from 3-point range. The Leathernecks attempted only 15 shots from beyond the arc, making two.

Chicago State was led by Keona McGee with 16 points and Marisa Gant with 15. Brianna Hill contributed 10 points and five rebounds, while Kayla Mount pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.

Western Illinois built its lead by converting Chicago State’s mistakes, scoring 22 points off 17 Cougar turnovers. The Leathernecks committed 13 turnovers, leading to 10 points for the visitors.

The Leathernecks set the tone early, opening the game on a 12-2 run. Chicago State chipped away, using a 7-0 spurt late in the first quarter to close the gap, but Western Illinois maintained control and took a 38-30 lead into halftime.

Chicago State continued to fight in the second half, closing to within six points on multiple occasions, but each time Western Illinois responded, often with a basket from Nicastro or a trip to the free-throw line, to keep the Cougars at bay.

Western Illinois will look to continue its winning streak when it hosts Bradley on Thursday. Chicago State, still seeking its first road win, travels to face Northern Illinois next Monday.