ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State University junior Andrea Lopreato posted a school-record 40 points in leading the Bearcats to a 75-64 win over Sioux Falls at the NCAA Div. II Regional Crossover Challenge in Civic Arena.

Lopreato also sank a school record 19-of-21 free throws in gaining 20 points. The 19 made free throws and 21 attempts are both new school records. 

The Bearcats gained their first win of the season to move to 1-2, while USF dropped its season opener. The Bearcats put up 23 fourth-quarter points to put the game away. 

Northwest Mo. St. opened the game with a slow start, falling behind early as Sioux Falls took a 9–2 lead by the 6:14 mark. However, momentum shifted dramatically thanks to a 16-0 run that turned a 14-4 deficit into a 20-16 lead in the first half. Andrea Lopreato was instrumental in sparking this comeback with a series of successful plays in the paint. Lopreato's crucial layup at 0:47, followed by an assist on a 3-pointer by Kirsten Hauck with just five seconds remaining, gave the Bearcats a 16–14 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Northwest Missouri State seized control in the second quarter with a key series of plays by Lopreato, who contributed a layup and a pair of free throws to propel the team forward. Her performance was complemented by a crucial steal and layup later in the quarter, helping to widen the gap. Boston Wand added a layup at 3:42, marking her first double-figure game as a collegian with a total of 10 points, followed by a 3-pointer from Brooklyn Stanley at the 30-second mark, solidifying their lead. Sioux Falls attempted to counter with a 3-pointer by Anna Vaaler, but the Bearcats maintained their advantage, finishing the quarter ahead 37–27.

Bailey Birmingham's timely 3-pointers helped the Bearcats maintain a narrow lead throughout the third quarter. After a 3-pointer by Birmingham at 8:50, Sioux Falls narrowed the gap, but the Bearcats responded with another 3-pointer from Birmingham at 5:35, providing a brief cushion. The quarter saw Sioux Falls gain ground with strong inside play, but the Bearcats kept the lead with additional contributions, including Maggie Collins' jumper at 0:53. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats ahead 52-50 after Anna Vaaler's buzzer-beating 3-pointer for Sioux Falls.

Northwest Mo. St. solidified their lead in the fourth quarter with a strong offensive display, outscoring Sioux Falls 23-14. Lopreato led the charge, contributing multiple free throws, including a pair that extended the lead to 64-53 with 5:24 remaining. Birmingham added to the momentum with two clutch free throws at 1:11, pushing the score to 71-61. The Bearcats maintained control with effective defense, limiting Sioux Falls' scoring opportunities and sealing the game with a final score of 75-64.

Lopreato scored a school-record 40 points and added eight rebounds, contributing significantly with three steals and five assists. Birmingham made three 3-pointers and recorded two steals, finishing with 11 points. Wand scored 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting and collected four rebounds.

Looking ahead, Northwest Missouri State will take on Wayne State Saturday at 12 p.m. in Civic Arena.

Bearcat Single-Game Scoring Record
1. Andrea Lopreato vs. Sioux Falls (11/14/25) - 40
2. Kelly Leintz vs. Truman (2/17/88) - 39
3. Annie Coy vs. Lincoln (1/31/98) - 38
4. Jodi Gliles vs. Nebraska (2/17/82) - 37
Gentry Dietz vs. Fort Hays State (1/30/10) - 37
Kendey Eaton vs. Central Missouri (2/13/19) - 37
7. Janet Clark vs. Missouri-St. Louis (1/21/89) - 36
8. Jenna Wolfe vs. Calif. St.-Los Angeles (12/20/02) - 35
Denise Sump vs. Alderson-Broaddus (12/5/98) - 35
Janet Clark vs. Central Missouri (2/8/89) - 35
Gabby Curtis vs. Nebraska-Omaha (2/3/11) - 35

Bearcat Single-Game Free Throws Made
1. Andrea Lopreato vs. Sioux Falls (11/14/25) - 19
2. Jodi Giles vs. Nebraska (1981) - 17
Abby Henry vs. SBU-W (01/14/12) - 17
4. Amanda Winter vs. Truman (1/17/01) - 16
Abby Henry vs. Emporia St. (1/22/11) - 16
6. Molly Hartnett at Central Oklahoma (1/20/22) - 15
7. Molly Hartnett vs. Newman (2/27/25) - 14
8. Meghan Brue vs. Missouri Western (1/3/07) - 13
Sandi Ickes vs. Lincoln (2/8/95) - 13
Gentry Dietz vs. Upper Iowa (11/15/09) - 13
Gentry Dietz vs. Michigan Tech (3/23/11) - 13
Ariel Easton vs. Missouri Southern (01/22/14) - 13

Bearcat Single-Game Free Throws Attempted
1. Andrea Lopreato vs. Sioux Falls (11/14/25) - 21
2. Henry Abby vs Southwest Baptist (01/14/12) - 20
3. Amanda Winter vs. Truman (1/17/01) - 19
4. Ariel Easton vs. Missouri Southern (01/22/14) - 18
Molly Hartnett at Central Oklahoma (1/20/22) - 18
6. Sandi Ickes vs. Lincoln (2/8/95) - 17
Kelli Nelson vs. Truman (2/13/08) - 17
Abby Henry vs. Emporia State ( 1/22/11) - 17
9. Abby Henry at Central Missouri (1/13/10) - 16
Abby Henry vs. Pittsburg State (3/4/10) - 16