MARYVILLE, Mo. — The No. 6-ranked Fort Hays State Tigers won their ninth consecutive game with a 60-46 triumph over the Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team Saturday at Bearcat Arena.
The Tigers moved to 16-1 overall and 7-1 in MIAA action. Northwest dipped to 10-8 overall and 3-5 in league play.
Northwest opened the game with a strong presence inside, scoring six points in the paint.
Kirsten Hauck and
Sadie Maas helped keep the game close early, with Hauck hitting a jumper and Maas contributing a layup.
Bailey Birmingham added a crucial three-pointer and a layup, but Fort Hays State maintained a lead through efficient shooting, including three 3-pointers. The first quarter concluded with the Bearcats trailing 19–13.
The Bearcats made an early push in the second quarter with Hauck's three-pointer at 9:17, assisted by
Ella Moody, narrowing the gap to three points. Moody followed with another three-pointer at 8:26, assisted by
Boston Wand, bringing the score to 21-19, but the Tigers responded efficiently, extending their lead with a 10-2 run. Wand's layup at 4:47 briefly interrupted the momentum, yet the Bearcats struggled to maintain consistency, allowing the Tigers to close the quarter with a 19-12 advantage. At the end of the first half, Fort Hays State led 38-25.
The Bearcats utilized key three-point shooting to shift momentum in the third quarter, highlighted by Moody's three-pointer at 8:34 that narrowed the gap. Hauck added another crucial three-pointer at 6:29, assisted by Birmingham, to keep the team within striking distance. Despite a strong effort, the Bearcats were outscored slightly in the paint and faced defensive challenges, concluding the quarter trailing 50-38.
In the final quarter, the Bearcats aimed to close the gap with the Tigers but struggled to find a consistent rhythm offensively. Hauck's early jumper at 9:34 brought the home team within 10 points, and Moody added two free throws at 6:54. However, the Tigers maintained their lead with key baskets, including a three-pointer by Kaitlin Schumann at 3:38, keeping the Bearcats at bay. Maas contributed with a tip-in at 3:00, but the Bearcats could not overcome the deficit. The game concluded with Fort Hays State securing a 60-46 victory, with Northwest outscored 10-8 in the fourth quarter.
Moody scored 10 points and recorded two assists, contributing with three rebounds. Birmingham added 12 points, collected six rebounds, and tallied two steals. Hauck also scored 12 points, including two 3-pointers. Maas posted three blocks and grabbed six rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Washburn on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 5:30 p.m. in Topeka, Kan.
