Northwest Missouri State Athletics

MARSHALL, Minn. - The Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs recorded a 79-67 victory over the Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team Friday night in the MIAA/NSIC Crossover event.

The Mustangs had seven players score in double figures as they moved to 2-0 on the season. Northwest had four players reach double-figure scoring as the Bearcats dipped to 1-1 on the year.

SMSU buried 32-of-35 free throws, while Northwest made 12-of-14 at the line. Northwest made 26 field goals as SMSU secured 21 made field goals. The Bearcats were whistled for 30 fouls.

Avery Yosten scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting and collected four rebounds. Bailey Birmingham added 13 points with six made field goals. Sadie Maas posted 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Andrea Lopreato finished with six points and recorded three steals.

Northwest kept the first quarter tight with late answers, including one-point leads on baskets by Sadie Maas, Bailey Birmingham, Andrea Lopreato and Boston Wand in the final 3:42. Lopreato opened the scoring with a steal and fast-break layup and added another steal, a block and two late free throws, while the Bearcats finished with 12 paint points. SMSU answered Wand's basket with a layup and free throw at :45, and Northwest ended the quarter trailing 18-16.

The Bearcats used an 8-0 run early in the second quarter to move from an 18-16 deficit to a 24-18 lead, with Birmingham, Wand and Kirsten Hauck adding field goals after a Maas free throw. Northwest shot 7-for-13 in the quarter while holding SMSU to 3-for-15, and it outscored the home team 20-12 in the quarter. The Bearcats entered halftime ahead 36-30.

Northwest briefly moved back in front when Birmingham's layup made it 42-41 with 5:53 left in the third quarter, but SMSU controlled the rest of the segment. The Bearcats scored 15 points in the quarter and committed five turnovers, while the Mustangs scored 29 points in the third quarter. Maggie Collins added a late tip-in and Birmingham hit a 3-pointer off a Brooklyn Stanley assist, leaving Northwest trailing 59-51 entering the fourth.

Avery Yosten gave the Bearcats a late push, hitting a 3-pointer and adding a layup to bring the score to 72-63 with 2:17 left. SMSU kept Northwest from getting closer by going to the foul line, finishing the quarter 14-for-16 on free throws. The Bearcats were outscored 20-16 in the fourth quarter and fell 79-67.

Northwest will take on St. Cloud State Saturday at 1 p.m. in Marshall, Minn.