Game One
MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois (2-11,1-4) dropped the series opener against Kansas City (5-5, 2-2) 78-64 on Friday (Jan. 15) evening.
“Pretty disappointing game, just not happy with our mental activity,” head coach JD Gravina said. “The difference in the energy they had between us was just off the charts. I think we are better than that. Now we gotta turn around and have a better effort tomorrow.”
In the second half of the contest, Kansas City nailed a three at the 3:06 mark to go up 50-35. Western responded with a 13-0 run started by Alissa Dins to make it a one-possession game (50-48, KC) at 0:58. The run featured five different Leathernecks in the scoring column before two late baskets by the Roos set up the final frame up 54-48.
The Roos, who rejoined the Summit League after a seven-year run in the WAC, began the final frame with an 8-0 run to maintain a double-digit lead the rest of the game.
After the first quarter (18-12, KC), the visitors used a quick 6-0 run and pushed ahead 24-18 into the media. Carla Flores drilled a late jumper in the paint to enter half down, 24-18.
Evan Zars ended with her team-leading fourth double-double (18 points and 12 rebounds), and Danni Nichols finished in double-figures (14 points) for the fifth straight game.
The loss snapped a five-game win streak over Kansas City and marked the first win by the visitors in Western Hall since 2013.
Game 2
Senior Grace Gilmore poured in a career-high 21 points to lead Western Illinois (3-11, 2-4) to an 82-76 victory over Kansas City (5-6, 2-3) on Saturday (Jan. 16) evening.
“Today, our main goal was to bring more energy and be the more aggressive team,” Gilmore said. “Even when Kansas City made a run, we didn’t play scared. We were ready to get back at them. What is great about our team is that any night can be anyone’s game. It was a great team win, great team effort, and everyone contributed.”
All five starters – Gilmore (21), Evan Zars (17), Elizabeth Lutz (15), Danni Nichols (15) and Carla Flores (10) finished in double figures for the series split against KC. Zars also recorded her team-leading fifth career double-double and second straight. Nichols has scored double-digits in every Summit League game this season.
Both sides’ offense clicked right away as the two teams combined for 40 points in the first quarter. Lutz scored 10 in the first 10 minutes to push WIU ahead 23-17.
The scoring slowed down in the second quarter before Nichols hit a driving layup in the paint to give Western it’s largest lead of the contest, 36-24 (2:13). Three late free-throws gave the host a 39-29 lead at the half.
Flores and Lutz opened the third quarter with back-to-back three-pointers, but Kansas City answered the shots from deep with their own, which began a 10-2 run to make it a one-possession game, 49-46 at 4:50. Two minutes later, the Roos used the three-ball again and tied it 52-52 at the 2:38 mark.
The Purple and Gold used the free-throw line to maintain the advantage and enter the final quarter ahead 59-55. The Leathernecks got to the line a season-high 41 times led by Gilmore, who set the program record with 20 attempts.
The intensity continued in the final frame. KC tied it on two separate occasions (62-62 & 65-65) and took its first lead of the game, 72-71 (2:21). The charity stripe helped Western stay ahead, and well-executed inbounds play led to a Nichols bucket for a 76-73 advantage with 19 seconds left. The Roos would play the foul game, but the Leathernecks stayed solid from the line.
Western hosts the reigning Summit League Champions, South Dakota, next Friday (Jan. 22) and Saturday (Jan. 23).
***Recaps courtesy of WIU Athletics***
