ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team hung a 14-point road win on the Missouri Western Griffons to begin MIAA play at the MWSU Fieldhouse, 62-48.

 The victory extended Northwest's win streak to five games in a row and snapped a seven-game losing skid against Missouri Western. Northwest dominated the glass with a 47-34 rebounding advantage.

Northwest out-scored Missouri Western in the fourth quarter, 20-7. The Bearcats began the final quarter with a slim 42-41 advantage. 

The game began with Northwest quickly getting on the scoreboard as Sadie Maas converted a layup assisted by Kirsten Hauck at 9:21. Maas continued to be a standout, eventually posting her second career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Andrea Lopreato contributed significantly with a layup at 3:45 and a jumper at 3:17, helping Northwest maintain a narrow lead for a portion of the quarter. Despite these efforts, the Griffons responded with a late push, securing an 11–8 advantage by the end of the first quarter.

Northwest gained momentum midway through the second quarter with a crucial 3-pointer by Hauck at 7:40, reducing their deficit. This sparked a comeback, culminating in a 3-pointer by Avery Yosten at 3:09, tying the game at 24. Yosten's performance was remarkable, as she scored a career-high 10 points in the game. Despite Mo West's brief lead, Boston Wand's free throw at 1:39 and Maas' jumper in the final seconds ensured the quarter ended in a tie at 27. Northwest outscored MWSU 19–16 in the quarter.

Northwest capitalized on key moments in the third quarter, pulling ahead with a strong showing from beyond the arc. Maas's defensive rebound at 9:06 set up Lopreato's layup, tying the score early on. Yosten and Brooklyn Stanley both hit crucial 3-pointers, with Stanley's shot at 1:53 giving Northwest a four-point advantage. Despite a late 3-pointer from the Griffons, Hauck sealed the quarter with a 3-pointer at 0:24, securing a narrow 42-41 lead as the third quarter concluded.

Northwest dominated the final quarter, opening with a critical defensive block by Maas at 9:28 that set the tone. Bailey Birmingham's 3-pointer at 8:12 extended their lead, while Lopreato contributed significantly with a layup and an assist to secure a 50–43 advantage at 6:59. 

The visitors maintained their momentum through effective interior play, as Lopreato and Yosten continued to convert in the paint, widening the gap to 54–46. Hauck's successful free throws at 4:28 pushed the lead further to double digits.

Wand's defensive efforts and another layup by Lopreato at 3:47 solidified the outcome, as Northwest held Mo West to just 7 points in the quarter. The game concluded with a decisive 62–48 victory for Northwest Missouri State.

Lopreato led the effort with 16 points, shooting 8-for-16 from the field, and added three steals. Maas recorded her second career double-double, finishing with 12 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while also blocking three shots. Hauck contributed eight points, including two 3-pointers, and made two free throws. Wand added eight rebounds, split evenly between offensive and defensive boards, and scored three points.

Northwest committed only three turnovers in the final three quarters.

In its next game, Northwest will face Emporia State on Thursday, Dec. 4. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in Maryville, Missouri.