Lexi McCully delivered in the clutch, scoring 15 points and sinking two game-winning free throws with just 6.7 seconds left to propel Southeast Missouri (5-21, 3-14) to a 51-49 win over Western Illinois (13-13, 7-10) on Thursday night at the Show Me Center.
Western Illinois battled back from a 22-point deficit to tie the game at 49-49 when Reagan McCowan drove in for a layup with 17 seconds remaining. McCully then drew a foul and calmly converted both free throws. The Leathernecks had a final chance, but McCowan missed a layup and Mia Nicastro’s put-back jumper rimmed out as the buzzer sounded.
SEMO snapped a 13-game losing streak, thanks in part to a hot start that saw the Redhawks make their first six 3-pointers. They built a commanding 24-2 lead in the first seven minutes behind two threes apiece from McCully and Zoe Best, with Skylar Barnes and Jariyah Williamson each adding one. SEMO closed the first quarter with a 24-6 lead after shooting 53.3% from the field.
The Redhawks maintained their largest halftime lead in Ohio Valley Conference play this season, 34-19, but Western Illinois surged in the second half. SEMO struggled offensively, shooting just 1-of-16 in the third quarter, allowing WIU to close the gap. Nicastro’s layup cut SEMO’s lead to 45-44 with 4:19 remaining before Williamson’s crucial 3-pointer helped rebuild a narrow cushion.
McCully finished 6-of-6 at the free-throw line, adding six rebounds, four assists, and two steals to her stellar performance. Best followed with 14 points for SEMO, while Nicastro led WIU with 14 points.
SEMO will look to build on the win when they host Lindenwood in their home finale on Saturday.
The Barn 