CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Southeast Missouri Women's Basketball (5-8, 1-3 OVC) fell to Western Illinois (11-2, 3-1 OVC), 58-51, at the Show Me Center despite forcing 22 turnovers. Western Illinois secured the victory by outscoring SEMO 20-12 in the fourth quarter.
First Quarter
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Lexi McCully scored the Redhawks' first points with a layup at 6:55, assisted by
Raissa Nsabua.
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Ainaya Williams contributed back-to-back layups, including a fast-break score, to give the Redhawks an 8–6 advantage.
- Western Illinois's Mallory Shetley converted a layup and free throw to regain the lead at 9–8.
- At the end of the quarter, the Leathernecks held a 15–10 lead.
Second Quarter
- Williams and
Zoey Rixter each scored layups early, keeping the Redhawks within four points.
- The Redhawks gained momentum with
Carmen Taylor hitting two free throws, narrowing the gap.
- McCully connected on a crucial 3-pointer, assisted by Taylor, bringing the home team within one.
- At halftime, the Redhawks led 29–26.
Third Quarter
- Taylor opened the quarter with a 3-pointer, assisted by Nsabua.
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Kearra Jones scored two consecutive jumpers in the paint, extending the lead.
- Western Illinois's Mia Nicastro countered with a fast-break jumper to narrow the gap.
- A last-second 3-pointer from Kaylen Reed brought the Leathernecks within one point at 39–38 heading into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter
- Nicastro opened the scoring for the Leathernecks with a jumper, giving them a 40-39 edge.
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Da'Kariya Jackson's three-pointer tied the game at 42.
- Western Illinois responded with a 6-0 run, extending the lead to 48-42.
- In the final minutes, Nicastro sealed the game with four free throws, securing a 58-51 victory for the Leathernecks.
SEMO Top Performers
Carmen Taylor
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- 11 points
- 4 assists
- 2 steals
Raissa Nsabua
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- 6 points
- 7 rebounds
- 4 assists
Lexi McCully
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- 10 points
- 3 rebounds
Ainaya Williams
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- 10 points
- 2/2 free throws made
In their next game, the Redhawks will face Southern Indiana on Thursday, Jan. 8. The matchup is set for 5 p.m. at Screaming Eagles Arena in Evansville, Indiana.
