WARRENSBURG, Mo. — The Central Missouri Jennies capitalized on 50.9% field goal shooting to record a 77-59 victory over the Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team Friday at the Hughes Athletics Center.
Central Missouri improved to 14-5 overall and 8-2 in MIAA play. It marked the third time this season UCM shot 50 percent or better from the field. Northwest dropped to 10-10 overall and 3-7 in MIAA action. The Bearcats put up 38 points in the paint but made only a trio of three-pointers. It is the fourth time this season Northwest has surrendered 70 or more points.
Northwest Missouri State opened the quarter with a strong inside presence, as
Boston Wand scored early with a layup assisted by
Kirsten Hauck at 9:11. Despite their efforts in the paint, tying Central Missouri in points inside, the Bearcats faced scoring challenges from beyond the arc, missing their lone attempt. The visitors briefly held the lead, but the Jennies countered with a late scoring surge, capitalizing on turnovers and second-chance points to finish the quarter ahead 24–14.
Northwest began the second quarter with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Hauck's fast-break 3-pointer at 8:54, which narrowed the deficit.
Bailey Birmingham, the MIAA's top three-point field-goal shooter, contributed a jumper shortly after, keeping the team's momentum alive with a single triple against the Jennies. As the quarter continued, the Bearcats maintained pressure in the paint, with
Maggie Collins and
Sadie Maas both scoring critical layups to keep the game within reach. Despite Central Missouri's late 3-pointer, the Bearcats outscored the home team 13–12 in the quarter, concluding the half trailing 36–27.
Northwest started the third quarter with a solid defensive effort, highlighted by Maas's block at 9:04. This block was one of two by Maas in the game, bringing her season total to 42, which ranks as the 10th-best single-season total in Bearcat history. Despite this, the Jennies maintained their offensive momentum, increasing their lead with efficient shooting. The Bearcats responded with a series of successful plays in the paint, including layups from
Ella Moody and Hauck, but struggled to close the gap as the Mules continued to capitalize on their opportunities. The quarter ended with Central Mo. leading 65–47.
In the fourth quarter, Northwest Mo. St. maintained pressure with Birmingham leading a defensive charge, recording two steals and converting them into layups, including a fast-break at 6:37. Maas added to the momentum with an early tip-in following an offensive rebound at 9:29. Despite this effort, the Bearcats were unable to close the gap significantly as the Jennies held a steady advantage throughout. The quarter ended with both teams scoring 12 points each, and Central Mo. secured the victory with a final score of 77–59.
Birmingham led the team with 13 points, converting six of her 12 field goal attempts and adding two steals. Maas contributed a solid performance with 10 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Hauck added 11 points, making four of eight shots and securing one steal. Collins finished with six points, connecting on three of her four field goal attempts.
Northwest Missouri State is set to play host to Missouri Western Saturday, Jan. 31. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Bearcat Arena.
