After a highly contested defensive struggle, the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats women's basketball team, 5-5, fell to the #10 Alaska Anchorage Seawolves, 11-1, 56-45.

The Bearcats ended a very back-and-forth first quarter tied with the Seawolves, 14-14.  The quarter included 22 free throws between the two teams. Mallory McConkey and Kylie Coleman led the Bearcats with four points each in the quarter. 

Northwest struggled to score points in the second quarter, only scoring five points. However, impressive defensive play would keep the Bearcats in the game only allowing seven points. 

The Bearcats only scored one two-point field goal in the first half and shot 18% from the field. Seawolves led 21-19. 

The Bearcats scored more effectively in the second half scoring 26 points in the half. The Seawolves were able to find the basket more often in the second half as well though scoring 35 points in the second half. 

Northwest was able to win the turnover battle against the high pressure defense of Alaska Anchorage, only turning the ball over 16 times. The Seawolves were able to outbound the Bearcats 34-19. 

The Bearcats were led in scoring by Jaelyn Haggard, with 13, she was the only Bearcat in double figures. Erika Schlosser led the team in rebounds and assists, with five and four, respectively. 

The Seawolves were led in points and rebounds by Tennae Voliva. She had 13 points and eight rebounds. 

The Bearcats will be back in action for their second game of the Malika Sports Classic tomorrow against Lindenwood-Belleville at 6:00 p.m (CST).