CHARLESTON, Ill. (Interstat) — Mia Nicastro scored 33 points and Western Illinois used a dominant second quarter to pull away from Eastern Illinois for a 74-61 victory in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Tuesday night at Lantz Arena.

The Leathernecks, who entered the contest with a 13-2 record, solidified their strong start to the season by methodically dispatching the struggling Panthers. The game was never in serious doubt after Western Illinois held Eastern Illinois to just nine points in the second period, turning a four-point lead after one quarter into a 37-25 halftime advantage.

The most important stretch of the game came in that decisive second quarter. Leading 20-16 after a competitive opening period, Western Illinois tightened its defense, forcing Eastern Illinois into a series of rushed shots and turnovers. The Panthers managed only three field goals in the quarter, shooting 3 of 15 from the floor. Meanwhile, the Leathernecks, while not shooting a high percentage themselves, controlled the glass and consistently drew fouls, going 9 of 12 from the free-throw line in the period to steadily expand their lead. The 13-point halftime cushion provided a buffer that Eastern Illinois could not overcome, despite a more competitive second half.

Nicastro, a 6-foot-2 junior from St. Charles, Missouri, was the engine for Western Illinois. She added three blocks and three steals to her game-high point total in 37 minutes of action, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. Her performance continued a remarkable stretch of play; she has now scored 20 or more points in five consecutive games.

Mallory Shetley provided crucial support for the Leathernecks with 18 points and four assists. Addi Brownfield contributed nine points, four assists and relentless defensive pressure. For Eastern Illinois, Ava Stoller led the way with 18 points, while Tiny Lewis came off the bench to add 12.

Western Illinois improved to 14-2 overall. The Leathernecks were efficient with their possessions, scoring 74 points on 72 trips for an offensive rating of 102.6. They compensated for 39.6% shooting from the field by attempting 36 free throws, making 29. Defensively, they forced 15 Eastern Illinois turnovers, converting them into 15 points.

Eastern Illinois fell to 3-15. The Panthers shot 39% from the field and were hampered by a 4-for-15 performance from three-point range. They were also out-rebounded on the offensive glass, 8-4, leading to a 15-4 disadvantage in second-chance points for the game.

A crowd of 545 at Lantz Arena saw the Leathernecks win their third straight game and maintain their position near the top of the Ohio Valley Conference standings. Eastern Illinois, which has lost three of its last four, continues to search for consistency.

Western Illinois will travel to face Arkansas-Little Rock on Saturday. Eastern Illinois is scheduled to host Arkansas-Little Rock on Thursday.