MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team won its seventh consecutive game with a 73-36 win over the Baker Wildcats in non-conference action Monday night at Bearcat Arena.
Northwest moved its home winning streak to eight in a row with the triumph. Northwest led by as many as 37 points and put on a rebounding display with a 62-32 advantage on the boards. Northwest grabbed 29 offensive rebounds, including a team-best nine from
Maggie Collins. The 62 rebounds are the third-highest single-game total by an MIAA team this season.
The Bearcats produced a 24-2 advantage in second-chance points in improving to 8-3. Baker dropped to 2-10 overall.
The Bearcats opened the game with solid defensive rebounding, securing 10 defensive boards, which helped neutralize the Wildcats' early scoring attempts.
Andrea Lopreato drained a 3-pointer at 8:55, assisted by
Sadie Maas, initiating the scoring for the home team. They briefly trailed but regained momentum with
Brooklyn Stanley's 3-pointer at 5:37, narrowing the gap to 9–6.
Avery Yosten contributed significantly, hitting a pair of free throws to tie the game at 11–11 and later adding a layup to cap a fast-break sequence, pushing the lead to 13–11. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats leading 18–13.
In the second quarter, the home team seized control, opening with a 3-pointer by
Kirsten Hauck, assisted by
Bailey Birmingham, at 9:20 to extend their lead. Northwest dominated the paint with a 10–4 advantage and capitalized on the Wildcats' turnovers, converting nine points off turnovers. They also excelled on the boards, collecting 13 rebounds to Baker's 8, including seven offensive rebounds. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats leading 36–18, having outscored the Wildcats 18–5 in the period.
The Bearcats dominated the third quarter, extending their advantage with a strong performance in the paint.
Boston Wand's defensive presence was highlighted by a blocked shot at 8:43, setting the tone for the home team's defensive efforts. The team secured 20 rebounds and scored 12 points in the paint, maintaining offensive pressure on Baker.
Reese Pasternik contributed a crucial 3-pointer at 4:19, further widening the gap. By the end of the quarter, Northwest led 54–26, securing a commanding position heading into the final stretch.
In the fourth quarter, the Bearcats continued their dominance, opening with a layup from Wand at 9:23, sparking a strong offensive push. Hauck extended the lead with a 3-pointer at 8:11, part of a 12-point contribution from turnovers. Lopreato's two fast-break free throws at 7:24 further widened the gap. The home team maintained control with consistent defensive pressure, forcing eight turnovers from Baker. Yosten capitalized on offensive rebounds, adding a tip-in at 6:03 and securing free throws in the final minute. Northwest closed the game with a commanding 73-36 victory.
Wand scored 16 points on 8 of 12 shooting and recorded two blocks. Yosten added 16 points, converting 6 of 8 free throws and collected eight rebounds with two blocked shots. Lopreato finished with 12 points and five assists, also recording two steals. Collins contributed with 11 rebounds, including nine on the offensive end.
Sadie Maas snatched 10 boards and blocked a shot.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Buena Vista on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 5:30 p.m. in Maryville, Missouri.
