By WIU Athletic Communications
Western Illinois earned their 12th win of the season, defeating Tennessee State 79-71 in overtime inside a packed Western Hall. The Leathernecks move to 12-5 overall and 3-3 in Ohio Valley Conference play.
The first-quarter action began as Addi Brownfield and Raegan McCowan contributed back-to-back baskets, giving WIU an early 4-2 lead. Brownfield’s six points accounted for the majority of the first eight Leathernecks points. Despite falling behind 13-8, WIU narrowed the gap with Allie Meadows knocking down a crucial three-pointer, bringing the score to 16-13. TSU extended their lead back out to five (18-13) at the end of the first quarter.
Tennessee State extended their lead to nine points in the second quarter, but WIU responded with a 7-0 run, featuring contributions from Anna Deets and Allie Meadows. The back-and-forth nature of the game continued, with both teams making runs, and by halftime, Tennessee State held a narrow 34-29 lead.
The second half saw WIU’s offense clicking as they initiated a comeback. McCowan and Deets combined for ten points, allowing WIU to jump in front 40-38. Tennessee State jumped back in front several times in the third quarter, but free throws from Anna Deets kept it a one-possession game. Tennessee State controlled the rest of quarter three, heading into the fourth quarter ahead 52-48
Down 55-48 to start the fourth quarter, WIU went to McCowan, who contributed three straight points, cutting the deficit to four (55-51). Alissa Dins kept the offense rolling with four points to tie the game at 55.
With the score tied at 64, McCowan’s trip to the free-throw line put WIU ahead 66-64 with 46 seconds remaining. Tennessee State responded with a layup, sending the game into overtime.
WIU opened with four straight points in the extra frame, establishing a 70-66 lead. Despite TSU narrowing the deficit, McCowan and Deets secured the win, with Deets making five consecutive free throws in the closing moments, sealing a 79-70 victory for WIU.
Raegan McCowan delivered an exceptional performance, achieving her third double-double of the season with 28 points and 17 rebounds. Anna Deets was instrumental in the victory, scoring 23 points and making a significant impact from the free-throw line, where she went 17-18. Addi Brownfield also played a crucial role, contributing 10 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
WIU’s overall shooting performance was solid, with a 40% success rate from the field and an impressive 89% accuracy from the free-throw line (35-39).
Western Illinois heads back on the road this week to take on Southern Indiana on Thursday and Morehead State on Saturday
