MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team gained its fourth straight win with a 69-52 defeat of the Graceland Yellow Jackets Sunday at Bearcat Arena.

The Bearcats moved to 5-3 overall and won their sixth consecutive home win to tie for the longest active home winning streak in the MIAA. 

Northwest was dominant with 32 points scored in the paint. The Bearcats also capitalized on turnovers, converting 17 points from Graceland's 19 turnovers.

Northwest Missouri State opened the game with a strong defensive effort, blocking three shots and making three steals in the first quarter. Andrea Lopreato led the way offensively with a key layup at 7:22 and a jumper assisted by Maggie Collins at 4:22. Lopreato's performance was bolstered by her season-high six assists. After trailing early, a 3-pointer by Kirsten Hauck at 5:51 narrowed the gap, and a tip-in by Avery Yosten gave the Bearcats the lead. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats ahead 13–8.

The Bearcats pulled ahead with a crucial sequence midway through the quarter, highlighted by Reese Pasternik's 3-pointer at 6:05, extending their lead to 18–12. Bailey Birmingham further contributed with a 3-pointer at 1:33, assisted by Andrea Lopreato, which solidified their advantage. Birmingham's scoring prowess was evident as she went on to score a career-high 18 points. Despite Graceland cutting the deficit with free throws late in the quarter, the Bearcats maintained control, closing the quarter with a 28–21 lead.

Northwest Missouri State extended their lead in the third quarter with a strong opening sequence, highlighted by Boston Wand's layup at 9:32, assisted by Lopreato. Ella Moody added another layup shortly after, solidifying their momentum. Despite some turnovers, the Bearcats managed to maintain control, with Birmingham's 3-pointer at 5:05 contributing to their scoring efforts.

Graceland attempted to close the gap with a series of 3-pointers, but the Bearcats responded effectively. Lopreato's free throws at 1:49 and a layup by Wand at 1:14 helped keep Graceland at bay. The home team finished the quarter ahead, leading 46–36, and ultimately secured the period with an 18–15 advantage.

Northwest closed out the game strong, opening the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer by Birmingham at 9:33, assisted by Hauck. The team maintained momentum with Sadie Maas scoring a jumper and a fast-break layup, extending their control. Maas's contributions were significant, as she achieved a season-high nine points. Graceland attempted to respond, but the Bearcats consistently countered, highlighted by Lopreato's layup at 6:18 and Pasternik's 3-pointer at 3:22.

Birmingham and Collins each contributed key buckets as Northwest Mo. St. continued to outpace Graceland throughout the quarter. The home team efficiently combined scoring in the paint and perimeter shooting to maintain their lead. The Bearcats secured the victory with a final score of 69–52.

Lopreato scored 13 points and recorded six assists while adding five rebounds. Birmingham finished with 18 points, converting four 3-pointers and shooting 6-for-10 from the field. Maas posted three blocks and collected six rebounds. Brooklyn Stanley contributed with two steals in her defensive efforts.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will travel to face Missouri Western on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The game is set for 5:30 p.m. at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph, Mo.