MACOMB, Ill. — Little Rock trimmed a double-digit deficit to two and briefly seized the lead late in the third quarter, but Western Illinois responded and handed the Trojans an 84-73 setback Thursday night at Western Hall.
"We showed toughness and resilience to fight back and take the lead in the third quarter," Little Rock head coach
Steve Wiedower said. "But against a team like that, you have to sustain it for four quarters. We hurt ourselves with turnovers and sent them to the free-throw line too often."
Little Rock (12-13, 8-7 OVC) trailed by 11 after the opening quarter and entered halftime down 46-36, despite a strong perimeter showing.
Jordan Holman helped ignite the offense with multiple three-pointers, while
Destinee Salgado kept pressure on the interior defense with consistent scoring and rebounding.
The Trojans came out of the break with renewed energy.
Alaina Payne's layup cut into the deficit, and Salgado continued to attack the paint, finishing through contact and controlling the glass. Holman knocked down back-to-back threes during a key stretch, and a flurry of baskets from Salgado and
Mya Cotto pushed Little Rock in front 57-55 late in the third quarter.
Western Illinois answered quickly in the fourth. Mia Nicastro fueled the surge with a dominant stretch that included 15 points in the final period. The Leathernecks 21-4, 13-3 OVC) extended their lead at the free-throw line, halting Little Rock's momentum and sealing the outcome.
Holman led the Trojans with 23 points and five three-pointers, adding six rebounds. Salgado posted 12 points and nine rebounds, while Payne finished with 10 points and six assists.
Brenna Burk contributed 10 points, including three from beyond the arc.
Little Rock concludes its road trip Saturday at Eastern Illinois. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Charleston.
