Game notes (PDF)

Thurs., Jan. 24 at Nebraska Kearney Lopers (11-6), 5:30 p.m.
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Sat., Jan. 26 at No. 8 Fort Hays State Tigers (16-1), 2 p.m.
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ROAD TRIP
The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team will go on the road to face Nebraska Kearney and Fort Hays State this weekend. Both of those teams are coming off big road wins. Kearney defeated Emporia State and Hays beat Washburn. The Lopers are 11-6 and 4-4 in conference play, with a 9-1 record at home. Fort Hays is 16-1 and has been completely dominant at home in recent years. They have not lost multiple home games in a season since 2011-12 and are currently on a 17-game home winning streak. Northwest is 2-1 on the road in MIAA play. 

LAST TIME OUT
Northwest saw its two-game MIAA road winning streak come to an end Saturday against Missouri Western at the MWSU Fieldhouse, 66-43.

The Bearcats shot a season-low 23.8 percent from the field and were limited to one made three-pointer. Northwest drained 22-of-28 free throws (78.6 percent). Northwest entered the contest ranked No. 2 in the nation in free throw percentage (80.4 percent), trailing only Lenoir-Rhyne (80.7 percent).

Kaylani Maiava and Kendey Eaton each scored a team-high nine points. Maiava also added a team-best five rebounds.

DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT
Defense has been a huge emphasis for head coach Austin Meyer and the Bearcats this year.  It has been a huge improvement for them moving from last in the conference last year in team scoring defense to sixth this year. Last year the team allowed 74.1 ppg and this year that number has drastically improved to 60.9. Northwest has not allowed less than 60 ppg for a season since the 2012-2013 season.