MACOMB, Ill. (Interstat) — Mia Nicastro scored 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead Western Illinois to an 86-75 victory over Chicago State 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.

Western Illinois controlled the game by dominating inside, outscoring Chicago State 42-24 in the paint and capitalizing on Cougar mistakes, scoring 22 points off 17 Chicago State turnovers. The Leathernecks attempted 32 free throws, making 24, compared to Chicago State’s 17 attempts, of which they made 10.

Despite the loss, Chicago State was more efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 7 of 14 three-point attempts. Western Illinois struggled from long range, making just 2 of 15.

Nicastro, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from St. Charles, Missouri, was a force on both ends of the floor, adding two blocks in her 33 minutes of play. She was complemented by Raegan McCowan, who added 18 points and six rebounds for the Leathernecks.

Chicago State was led by Keona McGee with 16 points and Marisa Gant with 15. Kayla Mount pulled down 11 rebounds for the Cougars in the losing effort.

Western Illinois built its lead by being more effective with its possessions. The Leathernecks scored 86 points on 75 possessions for an offensive rating of 114.4, while the Cougars managed 75 points on 77 possessions, an offensive rating of 97.3.

The game was a back-and-forth affair early, but Western Illinois used a combination of interior scoring and trips to the free-throw line to create separation and maintain control throughout the second half.

Western Illinois next plays at home against Bradley on Thursday. Chicago State travels to face Northern Illinois next Monday.