MACOMB, Ill. (Interstat) — Mia Nicastro scored 27 points and Western Illinois used a decisive third-quarter surge to pull away from Southeast Missouri State for a 69-55 victory in an Ohio Valley Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Western Hall.

The Leathernecks, who entered the game with a 95.4% win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, improved to 17-3 overall. The Redhawks fell to 7-13.

Nicastro, a 6-foot-2 junior from St. Charles, Missouri, was the catalyst throughout, adding three assists in 32 minutes. She spearheaded a 17-11 third-quarter advantage for Western Illinois that turned a 30-24 halftime lead into a more comfortable 47-35 margin entering the final period. The Leathernecks then sealed the win by scoring 22 points in the fourth quarter.

The most important stretch of the game came early in the second half. Leading by six, Western Illinois opened the third quarter with a 7-2 run, capped by a Nicastro layup, to push the lead to 37-26. Southeast Missouri State never got the deficit back to single digits after that point. The Leathernecks’ defense held the Redhawks to just 4-of-24 shooting from three-point range for the game and forced 18 turnovers, which they converted into key transition opportunities.

Addi Brownfield supported Nicastro with 16 points, two assists and a block for Western Illinois. Mallory Shetley added 10 points and three assists.

Southeast Missouri State was led by Raissa Nsabua and Lexi McCully, who each scored 11 points. Madison Ayers added 10 points. The Redhawks struggled mightily with their shooting efficiency, making only 20 of 53 field goal attempts and a costly 11 of 23 from the free throw line. Their offensive rating of 75.4 on 73 possessions underscored the offensive difficulties against a stout Western Illinois defense.

Despite the loss, Southeast Missouri State showed defensive activity, recording 11 steals and forcing 18 Leatherneck turnovers. Kearra Jones contributed eight points and was active on the glass with multiple defensive rebounds early.

Western Illinois was more efficient from the floor, shooting 24 of 53 overall and a sharp 7 of 14 from beyond the arc. They also capitalized at the free throw line, making 14 of 17 attempts. The Leathernecks’ offensive rating of 93.1 on 74 possessions proved to be the difference in a game where possessions were nearly even.

The victory completed a regular-season sweep for Western Illinois, which also defeated Southeast Missouri State 58-51 on Jan. 3. Nicastro has been in strong form, averaging over 21 points in her last three contests.

Southeast Missouri State visits Eastern Illinois on Saturday. Western Illinois returns to action at home against Tennessee-Martin on Saturday.