MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball rode the three-pointing shooting of
Kirsten Hauck to a 75-66 home triumph over the Missouri Western Griffons Saturday at Bearcat Arena.
Hauck poured in a career-high 26 points and buried seven three-pointers to pace the Bearcat offense. Northwest moves to 11-10 overall and 4-7 in MIAA play. The Bearcat victory snapped a four-game losing skid. Missouri Western dropped to 6-14 overall and 2-9 in league action. Northwest is 11-2 when scoring 60 or more points this season. Northwest is 9-3 in Bearcat Arena.
The game commenced with Northwest taking an early lead on a layup by
Boston Wand, assisted by
Brooklyn Stanley at 9:43. The Griffons responded quickly, establishing a back-and-forth dynamic before taking control with a series of successful plays in the paint.
Kirsten Hauck kept the Bearcats competitive with two three-pointers, one at 8:04 and another at 5:12, narrowing the gap. Despite efforts from the home team, including a late fast-break basket by Stanley with 52 seconds left, the Griffons held a 19-15 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
A pivotal momentum shift occurred when Northwest closed the second quarter with a decisive stretch, including a key jumper by Hauck at 0:16, which helped them secure a lead. Earlier,
Bailey Birmingham was instrumental, tying the score at 3:35 with a layup, and
Maggie Collins' shot at 2:57 gave them a brief lead. Missouri Western managed to keep the game close, but a critical turnover at 0:04, capitalized by
Andrea Lopreato's steal, prevented them from regaining control. The quarter concluded with Northwest leading 33–31 at the half.
Northwest extended their lead in the third quarter with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by a 9-for-16 shooting effort from the field. Hauck played a pivotal role, contributing a three-pointer and a converted three-point play early in the quarter to help build momentum. Missouri Western struggled with turnovers, committing five in the quarter, which the Bearcats capitalized on with 12 points in the paint. The quarter concluded with Northwest leading 54-46.
Northwest maintained their lead throughout the final quarter with strong defense and efficient free-throw shooting. Wand contributed a key jumper in the paint early on, helping to keep the home team's momentum. Birmingham played a crucial role, converting five free throws in the last two minutes, which helped to fend off a late surge from the Griffons. Northwest secured the quarter with a 21-20 edge and finished the game with a 75-66 victory.
Hauck led with 26 points, converting seven of 15 attempts from beyond the arc. Stanley recorded her first career double-double, contributing 12 points and 11 rebounds, while also tallying three steals. Stanley had career-highs in points, rebounds and steals against the Griffons. Birmingham added 16 points, including five successful free throws.
Sadie Maas posted nine rebounds and made three assists.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face off against Central Oklahoma on Thursday, Feb. 5. The game, set to tip off at 5:30 p.m. CT, will be played on their home court.
