PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team secured a 65-59 road win over No. 20-ranked Pittsburg State University to run the Bearcat win streak to five in a row.

Northwest (15-10 overall, 8-7 MIAA) held Pittsburg State (18-6 overall, 11-4 MIAA) to a season-low 59 points. It also marked Northwest's first win at Pitt State since Dec. 8, 2010. It is the fifth win for head coach Austin Meyer against a ranked opponent. 

Brooklyn Stanley scored a career-high 15 points and collected six rebounds. Bailey Birmingham added 14 points, recorded a career-high tying nine rebounds, and made two steals. Sadie Maas posted 12 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and three steals, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. Boston Wand finished with seven rebounds and one steal.

Northwest opened play with a steady offensive start, highlighted by Bailey Birmingham's 3-pointer at the 6:41 mark, bringing the score to 5–0. Sadie Maas contributed with a strong defensive effort, recording both a block and an assist. However, the Gorillas managed to rally and took the lead with a late layup, closing the quarter at 13–11.

The Bearcats gained momentum in the second quarter with a strong 9–0 run, highlighted by Kenzie Melcher's three-pointer at 6:37, tying the game at 17. Brooklyn Stanley's layup and subsequent free throw at 5:22 helped the home team edge ahead, setting the stage for a dominant stretch. Stanley's performance was a standout, as she scored a career-high 15 points. Kirsten Hauck extended the lead with a three-pointer at 1:39, pushing Northwest Missouri State's advantage to five. They outscored the Gorillas 23–12 in the quarter and led 34–25 at halftime.

Northwest began the third quarter with a quick 3-pointer from Birmingham, assisted by Maas, at 9:49 to extend its lead. Despite the Gorillas' efforts to close the gap with key three-pointers, the Bearcats maintained their edge through effective paint scoring, highlighted by Maas's pivotal tip-in with 19 seconds remaining. The quarter ended with the Gorillas leading 20-12 in the quarter, but the Bearcats held a narrow overall lead of 46-45.

The Bearcats seized control early in the fourth quarter with a crucial layup by Melcher at 8:16, tying the score at 48. They then surged ahead with consecutive free throws by Birmingham and a fast-break layup by Stanley, pushing the lead to 52–49. Pittsburg State attempted to respond but was hampered by turnovers and missed opportunities.

Northwest maintained their advantage, extending the lead further with a key layup by Maas and a jumper by Birmingham. Despite Pittsburg State's efforts to close the gap, the Bearcats secured the win with steady free-throw shooting in the final minute.

Northwest's next game is set for Thursday, Feb. 19 at home against Northeastern State University. Tip will be at 5:30 p.m. in Bearcat Arena.