TOPEKA, Kan. -- The Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team (18-5 overall, 12-5 MIAA) secured a 62-50 victory over the Washburn Ichabods in Lee Arena. 

Jayna Green's defensive efforts may have put the league on notice as she rejected a new career-high seven shots against Washburn. Three Bearcats hit double-figures; Molly Hartnett (16), Caely Kesten (16), and Laini Joseph (11). 

Washburn's Aubree Dewey led the Ichabods (11-12 overall, 6-11 MIAA) with a game-high 20 points, four rebounds, and two assists. 

Molly Hartnett controlled the Bearcats scoring in the first quarter with six points. On the other end, Washburn ended the first quarter on a 10-2 run to lead 14-11. 

Caely Kesten ended the Ichabod run with a pull-up jumper to bring the 'Cats within six. Before Kesten's bucket, Northwest was reaching nearly five minutes before a score. Short after, Kesten capped off an 8-0 run just before the U5 media timeout to put the Bearcats in front, 21-20 in the second quarter. Laini Joseph scored seven of her 11 points in the second quarter with Washburn leading 24-23 at the break. 

Northwest took its first lead of the third quarter after Caely Kesten drilled a three-pointer with two minutes left to play. The Bearcats sparked a 9-0 to end the third quarter, outscoring Washburn 18-12. With one quarter to play, Northwest led 41-36. 

The Ichabods cut Northwest's lead down to two before Molly Hartnett answered back with a deep three-ball with 5:04 to play. Free throws down the stretch for Northwest secured another road victory against Washburn, 62-50. Northwest captures its fourth-ever win in Lee Arena and seventh road victory on the season. 

Northwest managed to hit seven three-point shots compared to Washburn's one. Although Washburn grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, the two teams met even at 38 apiece. 

Now at an overall record of 18-5, the Bearcats have their most wins in a season since 2011.