EVANSVILLE, Ind. — #8 Southeast Missouri Women's Basketball (14-18, 8-12 OVC) fell to #1 Western Illinois (25-5, 16-4 OVC), 74-66, at the Ford Center, despite holding a lead after the first half. Western Illinois surged with a 35-point fourth quarter, overcoming a 13-rebound effort from the Redhawks.
First Quarter
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Carmen Taylor connected on a 3-pointer at 8:55 to give Southeast Missouri an early lead.
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Raissa Nsabua contributed both offensively with a layup at 7:10 and defensively with a steal at 6:53.
- The Redhawks capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outrebounding Western Illinois 14–9.
- At the end of the first quarter, Southeast Missouri State led 18–10.
Second Quarter
- Taylor connected on a 3-pointer at 7:10, extending the visitors' lead.
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Lexi McCully and
Da'Kariya Jackson each recorded a steal, contributing to the Redhawks' defensive efforts.
- Madison Davis scored in the paint on a fast break, adding to the Leathernecks' points in the paint.
- At halftime, the Redhawks held a 35–22 lead over the Leathernecks.
Third Quarter
- Western Illinois opened with a strong start, securing points in the paint with Mia Nicastro's layup.
- Nsabua led a charge for the Redhawks, scoring a jumper followed by a 3-pointer to narrow the gap.
- Nicastro continued to be a key player, contributing both in scoring and defense with rebounds and assists.
- At the end of the third quarter, the Leathernecks held a 56–47 lead.
Fourth Quarter
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Kearra Jones put the Redhawks ahead early with two successful free throws.
- Addi Brownfield kept Western Illinois close with three 3-pointers in the first two minutes.
- The Leathernecks capitalized on free throws, with Nicastro converting four straight to take a late lead.
- Western Illinois secured the win, 74–66, with a series of free throws and fastbreak points in the closing seconds.
Redhawks Top Performers
Carmen Taylor
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- 19 points
- 5 3-pointers
- 2 steals
Raissa Nsabua
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- 14 points
- 6 assists
- 3 steals
Lexi McCully
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- 17 points
- 4 3-pointers
- 5 rebounds
Zoey Rixter
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- 12 rebounds
