Preview: Surging Western Illinois Visits Struggling Drake in Women’s Basketball DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — A stark contrast in early-season trajectories will be on display Sunday when the Western Illinois Leathernecks visit the Drake Bulldogs in a nonconference women’s basketball game at the Knapp Center. Western Illinois (5-1) enters riding a wave of momentum, having won five of its first six games. The Leathernecks are coming off a dominant 90-55 victory over St. Francis on Thursday, where they showcased a potent offense and controlling rebounding presence. The Bulldogs (1-6), conversely, are searching for answers amid a difficult opening stretch. Drake has lost six straight since a season-opening win, including a 68-52 home loss to Lindenwood on Wednesday. The Bulldogs have struggled to find consistent scoring, failing to reach 75 points in any game during their skid. The matchup features a compelling individual duel between two players carrying significant loads for their teams. Western Illinois is powered by standout Mia Nicastro, who is in the midst of a spectacular stretch. The forward is averaging 26.2 points over her last five games, including a 32-point, 18-rebound tour de force against St. Francis. Her ability to score and control the glass will be a primary focus for Drake’s defense. Drake will look to sophomore Quinn Vice to provide a spark. Vice has shown flashes, scoring 21 points against Arkansas and 12 with three blocks against Lindenwood, but consistency has been elusive for the Bulldogs as a whole. Containing Nicastro and finding reliable secondary scoring behind Vice will be crucial for the home team. The Leathernecks have demonstrated balanced support for their star. Addi Brownfield (22 points) and Raegan McCowan (15 points, 10 rebounds) were also key contributors in the latest win, giving Western Illinois multiple offensive threats. For Drake, breaking the losing streak will require a significant defensive improvement and more efficient offense. The Bulldogs have faced a tough schedule, including losses to Iowa, Iowa State, and Arkansas, but will need to harness that experience against a confident Western Illinois squad. Sunday’s game tips off at 2 p.m. Central Time. Following this contest, Western Illinois will host Columbia on Tuesday, while Drake travels to face St. Thomas (Minn.) next Saturday.