Preview: No. -- Western Illinois at Morehead State

HALDEMAN, Ky. (Interstat) — A surging Western Illinois women’s basketball team, boasting one of the nation’s top records, visits Morehead State on Thursday in an Ohio Valley Conference matchup.

The Leathernecks (15-2, 5-1 OVC) enter E.T. Johnson Arena riding a five-game winning streak, their lone conference loss a double-overtime setback at Tennessee-Martin on Jan. 1. Morehead State (10-9, 5-2) looks to build momentum after a narrow 67-66 road win at Tennessee Tech last Saturday.

Western Illinois is powered by the prolific scoring of guard Mia Nicastro. The standout senior is averaging 27.1 points over her last seven games, including a 33-point, 11-rebound performance in a Jan. 13 win at Eastern Illinois and a 28-point effort in last Saturday’s 75-59 victory at Arkansas-Little Rock. She has scored 20 or more points in 10 consecutive contests.

The Eagles counter with guard Marie Sepp, who is coming off a 21-point, 6-assist game in the win over Tennessee Tech. Sepp has been a consistent all-around contributor, averaging 12.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in conference play.

The Leathernecks’ high-powered offense, which has eclipsed 75 points in three of its last four games, will test a Morehead State defense allowing just 60.3 points per game in OVC contests. Western Illinois’ only defeats this season are the 2OT loss at UT Martin and a November road game at Power Five opponent Iowa.

Morehead State has won four of its last five, with the lone loss a 70-62 decision at Tennessee State on Jan. 15. The Eagles are 6-2 at home this season.

Thursday’s game tips off at 7:30 p.m. EST. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Macomb, Illinois, on Feb. 21.