MACOMB, Ill. — Southeast Missouri Women's Basketball (7-13, 3-8 OVC) fell to Western Illinois (17-3, 9-2 OVC), 69-55, with the Leathernecks pulling away in the second half. The Redhawks recorded 11 steals and scored 20 points off turnovers in the contest.

First Quarter
- Kearra Jones scored the opening points for the Redhawks with two free throws at 7:35.
- Carmen Taylor added two 3-pointers, contributing six points to the Redhawks' total.
- The Leathernecks took a late lead with a 3-pointer from Addi Brownfield as time expired.
- At the end of the first quarter, the Leathernecks led 15–12.

Second Quarter
- Lexi McCully initiated a strong defensive start for the Redhawks with a steal, followed by Carmen Taylor's free throw.
- Taylor contributed four free throws and a layup, while Jones added a key layup from the paint.
- Madison Ayers and McCully each scored from the field, contributing to the visitors' offense.
- The Leathernecks led 30–24 at the half.

Third Quarter
- Jones opened the quarter for the Redhawks with a layup, countered quickly by Brownfield's layup for the Leathernecks.
- Taylor connected on a 3-pointer at 9:09, assisted by Jones, to bring the Redhawks within three points.
- Ayers scored a layup at 6:26 for the Redhawks, narrowing the gap to two.
- The Leathernecks capitalized on fast breaks, with Mia Nicastro contributing to a 7-2 run, ending the quarter with the Leathernecks leading 47-35.

Fourth Quarter
- Ayers initiated the scoring for the Redhawks with a steal and layup.
- Nicastro contributed for the Leathernecks with a jumper and an assist, extending the lead.
- McCully responded with a 3-pointer for the Redhawks following a turnover.
- At the final buzzer, the Leathernecks secured the victory with a 69–55 win.

SEMO Top Performers
Raissa Nsabua
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- 11 points
- 5/7 field goals made
- 2 steals

Lexi McCully
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- 11 points
- 5/12 field goals made
- 2 steals

Madison Ayers
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- 10 points
- 3 steals
- 5 rebounds

Kearra Jones
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- 8 points
- 8 rebounds
- 2 assists

Up next for the Redhawks is a matchup against Eastern Illinois on Saturday, Jan. 31. The game will take place in Charleston, Illinois, with tipoff set for 1 p.m. CT.