JOPLIN, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team moved its winning streak to four in a row with a 65-60 victory over the Missouri Southern Lions Thursday at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.

Sophomore Sadie Maas notched career highs in rebounds (18) and points (17). Junior Andrea Lopreato knocked in 19 points off the bench, giving Northwest a 32-18 advantage in bench points. Northwest enjoyed a 47-31 edge in the rebounding battle.

Northwest is 14-10 overall and 7-7 in MIAA play. MSSU drops to 17-6 overall and 11-3 in league action. MSSU lost its first home game of the season after entering with a 7-0 home record.

Northwest initiated play with a balanced offensive approach, leading with an efficient 4-for-15 shooting performance in the first quarter. Brooklyn Stanley sparked the momentum with a 3-pointer at 7:12, assisted by Bailey Birmingham, leveling the score at 3-3. Birmingham further contributed with a 3-pointer at 3:58, edging the Bearcats ahead. Sadie Maas added a jumper with 1:55 remaining, extending the lead to 8-7. Maas, setting a career-high with 17 points, played a crucial role in maintaining the Bearcats' lead. Boston Wand then solidified the lead with a late jumper, closing the quarter at 10-7 in favor of the Bearcats.

The Bearcats established control in the second quarter with a strong presence in the paint, contributing 12 points inside. Andrea Lopreato led the scoring effort with a pivotal layup at 2:33, extending the lead to 19-13. Wand added a fastbreak layup in the final minutes, but the Lions responded with a quick 3-pointer, closing the gap. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats holding a slight edge, 24-22.

Northwest opened the third quarter with a strong presence in the paint, highlighted by Maas scoring a layup with assistance from Wand at 9:37. Despite facing a resilient Missouri Southern State, Maas continued to make significant contributions, including a defensive rebound and a block midway through the quarter. Her performance was notable for achieving a career-high of 18 rebounds, which tied for the ninth-most in a single game in Bearcat women's basketball history. The Bearcats maintained a narrow lead after a series of successful plays, including another layup by Maas, bringing the score to 38-33. The quarter concluded with both teams scoring 14 points each, keeping the Bearcats narrowly ahead.

The Bearcats extended their lead early in the fourth quarter with Maggie Collins sinking two free throws at 9:58, setting a competitive tone. A pivotal sequence occurred when Kenzie Melcher hit a 3-pointer at 8:09, assisted by Kirsten Hauck, pushing the score to 43–38.

Despite the Lions' attempts to narrow the gap, the Bearcats maintained control. Lopreato was instrumental in the final minutes, contributing key free throws that solidified the lead. The game concluded with the Bearcats securing a 65–60 victory. This win marked the Bearcats' fourth consecutive victory, as they have not lost a game since Jan. 23.

Lopreato led the scoring with 19 points, converting 11 of 13 free throws and adding five rebounds. Maas posted a double-double with 17 points and 18 rebounds, while also blocking three shots. Stanley contributed nine points and recorded one steal.

The Bearcats will face Pittsburg State on Saturday, Feb. 14. The matchup is set for 1:30 p.m. in Pittsburg, Kan.