MARYVILLE, Mo. -- The Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team edged non-conference opponent Augustana during a Tuesday matinee in Bearcat Arena, 67-63.

Despite another cold shooting night from beyond the arc for the Bearcats, they were able to take care of the Augustana Vikings, 67-63. 

Emma Atwood led the Bearcats with 15 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Molly Harnett put together a nice game scoring 14 and pulling down seven rebounds. 

In the first quarter, Augustana came out firing hitting almost 50 percent of their shots. Northwest only shot 23.5 percent from the field. At the end of one quarter played, Northwest trailed 17-11. 

The Vikings kept their foot on the gas in the second quarter and continued their presence down low when the U5 media timeout hit. Northwest managed to cut the Viking lead down to four with two minutes remaining after a bucket from Emma Atwood. The Bearcats used a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to two as Laini Joseph led the 'Cats with eight points at the half. 

Northwest had their only lead for 28 seconds up until halftime and trailed 29-27.

Northwest jumped out to a 7-0 run to open up the second half. Peyton Kelderman buried a three to give the Bearcats a three-point advantage. Caely Kesten answered back with a converted and-one opportunity to give the 'Cats a 39-33 lead with six minutes remaining in the third. Northwest held a 46-42 lead with one quarter to play. 

The Vikings battled back in the final quarter cutting Northwest lead down to one, but Peyton Kelderman nailed another three to cut down the Viking momentum. Augustana then regained the lead after a pair of free throws by Lauren Sees, 50-49. 
Augustana's Lauren Sees nailed a three-pointer to tie the game back up 56 to force a Northwest timeout. Soon after, Emma Atwood drove to the rim and converted on a layup to give the 'Cats a two point advantage with under a minute to go. 

Free throws led the way for the Bearcats down the stretch as they came out with the 67-63 triumph over the Vikings. 

Northwest goes in to the holiday break 10-2 overall, 4-2 MIAA as Augustana drops to 1-9 overall, 1-6 in the NSIC. 

'Cats return home on Saturday, Dec. 30 in an exhibition game against Kansas Wesleyan at 1:30 p.m.