LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock controlled the glass and generated second-chance opportunities but couldn't overcome a fast start by Western Illinois, falling 75–59 Saturday afternoon at the Jack Stephens Center.
Despite a 47–34 rebounding advantage and 20 second-chance points, the Trojans (9-9, 5-3 OVC) were unable to erase an early deficit against the league-leading Leathernecks (15-2, 7-1 OVC).
Little Rock struck first as
Mya Cotto scored on a layup to open the game, but Western Illinois quickly seized momentum behind Mia Nicastro, who scored twice early to spark a 26–13 first-quarter advantage. The Leathernecks capped the opening period with a buzzer-beating three from Addi Brownfield to extend the lead to double figures.
The Trojans settled in during the second quarter, matching Western Illinois point-for-point as each team scored 12.
Brenna Burk connected on a three-pointer midway through the period, and Little Rock continued to control the boards, outrebounding the Leathernecks 14–6 in the quarter. Still, Western Illinois maintained a 38–25 lead at halftime.
Little Rock made its push in the third quarter, outscoring the Leathernecks 14–10 to trim the deficit.
Jordan Holman converted a fast-break layup and free throw early, and
Alaina Payne followed with a transition bucket off a steal to cut the margin to 10. Western Illinois, however, answered late at the free-throw line to carry a 48–39 lead into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Holman opened the scoring with a tip-in to pull the Trojans within seven, but Western Illinois responded with timely scoring from Nicastro and Allie Meadows to keep Little Rock at bay. A late three-pointer from Meadows sealed the outcome as the Leathernecks closed out the 75–59 victory.
"We battled and competed, especially on the glass, but we dug ourselves too big of a hole in the first half," Little Rock head coach
Steve Wiedower said. "Western Illinois is very good, and you can't give a team like that that kind of cushion. I was proud of our effort in the middle two quarters, but we have to put together a full 40 minutes."
Holman led the Trojans with 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Burk added 12 points, knocking down two three-pointers, while
Destinee Salgado finished with 11 points and eight rebounds. Payne chipped in 10 points and nine boards as Little Rock placed four players in double figures.
Little Rock returns to action Thursday, Jan. 22, traveling to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to face SEMO. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
"We'll have a chance to rest a bit and then get ready for this road trip," Wiedower said. "We'll be prepared for SEMO."
