KEARNEY, Neb. -- The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team (8-1 overall, 3-1 MIAA) snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (8-2 overall, 2-2 MIAA) in a 67-65 victory at the Health and Sports Center. 

The Bearcats rallied back from an 11 point deficit in the second half to take down the Lopers. Caely Kesten set a new career-high 22 points en route to victory. Kelsey Fields provided 12 points and six rebounds. Northwest also secured the rebounding battle, 34-33. 

The Bearcats shot 48.6 percent from the field, 40.9 percent from beyond the arc. 

In the opening quarter, Northwest had the 10-7 advantage when the first media timeout hit, thanks to a hot-shooting start from the three-point line and solid defense. UNK struggled to find points, shooting 29.4 percent from the floor. At the end of the first quarter, Northwest led 16-11. 

UNK went on a late first-half run to regain the lead 34-30 at the break. Kesten had a game-leading 11 points at halftime. 

A Kesten jumper to end the third quarter brought Northwest to within eight points heading into the fourth quarter. 

The Bearcats came roaring back in the fourth as Northwest went on a quick 5-0 run. Kelsey Fields made a jumper from the left elbow followed by a Kesten three to force a Loper timeout. Kesten and Hartnett then hit back-to-back three pointers to shrink the Loper lead to two with four minutes to play. Evelyn Vasquez was the late answer for the Bearcats as she brought the Bearcats within one with two minutes to play. 

Northwest forced a shot clock violation to change possessions with 40 seconds to go. Head Coach Austin Meyer drew up a masterpiece after he called timeout on Northwest's side of the floor. Kesten found Lindsey Kelderman for an eventual game-winning three in the corner with 10 seconds to play. The Lopers had one more shot to either tie or take the lead, but the Northwest defense prevailed and came out with the road victory against the Lopers. Northwest ended the game on a 13-3 scoring run. 

Nebraska-Kearney held a 24-game home winning streak at Health and Sports Center before today's matchup. The Lopers were also holding a nine-game winning streak against the Bearcats.