ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Wayne State edged Northwest Missouri State, 48-46, in a close matchup at St. Joseph Civic Arena.

The game began with the Bearcats taking an early lead through a layup by Sadie Maas, assisted by Andrea Lopreato. Despite shooting struggles, the home team managed to maintain momentum with key offensive rebounds and defensive stops, including three steals in the quarter. Kenzie Melcher contributed significantly by hitting two 3-pointers, which helped the Bearcats edge ahead.

Wayne State kept the pressure on, briefly tying the score multiple times, but a strong defensive block by Maas in the closing minute ensured the Bearcats held a narrow 10–9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Northwest Mo. St. experienced a crucial shift midway through the second quarter, sparked by Lopreato's layup at 6:51, assisted by Kirsten Hauck, leveling the score at 14. This momentum was briefly sustained by Maas's jumper, again assisted by Ella Moody, giving them a narrow lead. However, Wayne St. responded with a 3-pointer from Meg Rietz at 4:53, reclaiming the advantage. The quarter concluded with Bailey Birmingham's 3-pointer with 5 seconds left, narrowing the gap to 21-19 in favor of Wayne St. 

The Bearcats narrowed the gap in the third quarter with key contributions, notably a 3-pointer by Birmingham at 8:10, assisted by Lopreato, which helped close the deficit to 25–22. Despite a strong defensive effort that included Maas recording two blocks, Wayne State maintained a slight edge by leveraging their points in the paint. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats trailing 35–32 after Melcher hit a crucial 3-pointer with 55 seconds remaining.

Northwest Mo. St. opened the final quarter with a crucial 3-pointer by Melcher at 8:39, leveling the score at 35. Despite Wayne St. briefly reclaiming the lead, the Bearcats responded with another 3-pointer from Melcher at 7:36, assisted by Birmingham, to edge ahead 38–37.

In a tense conclusion, Avery Yosten's free throws at 2:27 cut the deficit to 45–42. Hauck's layup at 1:15 brought the Bearcats within two points. However, Northwest Mo. St. could not overcome the gap, and the game ended with a narrow 48–46 defeat.

Melcher scored 15 points, converting five of eight from beyond the arc. Maas recorded a double-double with 13 rebounds and three blocks. Lopreato added eight points, dished out three assists, and collected two steals. Moody contributed defensively with two steals and one block.

In their next matchup, the Bearcats will host Rockhurst on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. in Maryville, Missouri.