Preview: Lindenwood Lions at Western Illinois Leathernecks MACOMB, Ill. (Interstat) — A pivotal Ohio Valley Conference women’s basketball clash is set for Thursday when the surging Lindenwood Lions visit the first-place Western Illinois Leathernecks. The matchup at Western Hall features two of the league’s hottest teams. Western Illinois (23-4 overall) enters on a five-game winning streak and sits atop the OVC standings. The Leathernecks are dominant at home, boasting a 12-1 record in Macomb this season. Their most recent outing was a commanding 74-53 victory over Morehead State on Feb. 21, led by Addi Brownfield’s 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Lindenwood (22-7) has won seven of its last eight games, including a 70-57 road win at Tennessee Tech on Saturday. The Lions’ only loss in that stretch was a six-point defeat at Morehead State. A key storyline will be the backcourt battle between two of the conference’s top guards. Lindenwood’s Aleshia Jones is averaging 15.2 points per game over her last eight contests, including a 22-point, seven-rebound performance against Southeast Missouri State on Feb. 14. For Western Illinois, Addi Brownfield has been a consistent force, scoring in double figures in seven of her last eight games while contributing across the board. The Leathernecks won the season’s first meeting, 74-65, in St. Charles, Missouri, on Dec. 18. In that game, Western Illinois used a strong second half to pull away from the Lions. Western Illinois presents a balanced attack, with Mia Nicastro coming off a 24-point game and Mallory Shetley providing steady play. Lindenwood counters with additional scoring options like Ellie Brueggemann and Gracie Kelsey, who combined for 25 points in the win over Tennessee Tech. With conference tournament seeding on the line, Thursday’s contest offers Lindenwood a chance to avenge its earlier loss and tighten the standings, while Western Illinois aims to protect its home court and solidify its position as the team to beat in the OVC. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.