Preview: Morehead State Eagles at Western Illinois Leathernecks MACOMB, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging Western Illinois squad will look to avenge its only Ohio Valley Conference loss this season when it hosts the Morehead State Eagles at Western Hall on Saturday. The Leathernecks (22-4, 13-1 OVC), who sit atop the conference standings, have won 10 of their last 11 games. Their lone conference blemish was a 63-53 defeat at Morehead State on Jan. 22. Western Illinois is coming off a dominant 64-39 victory over Southern Indiana on Thursday, where its defense held an opponent under 40 points for the second time this season. Morehead State (17-11, 10-4) arrives having won five of its last six, including a 74-70 road win at Eastern Illinois on Thursday. The Eagles handed Western Illinois its first league loss last month and will aim for a regular-season sweep. A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top guards. Western Illinois is led by dynamic scorer Mia Nicastro, who is averaging 25.4 points over her last five games. She erupted for 37 points in a win over Arkansas-Little Rock on Feb. 12. Morehead State will counter with Violet McNece, who is coming off a 19-point, 3-assist performance against Eastern Illinois and has scored in double figures in seven of her last eight contests. The Leathernecks have been nearly unbeatable at home, boasting a 12-1 record at Western Hall this season. Their offense leads the OVC, averaging 74.2 points per game. Morehead State, currently third in the conference, will need another stout defensive effort after limiting Western Illinois to 53 points in the first meeting. Saturday’s result will have significant implications for the OVC tournament seeding next month. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.