MARYVILLE, Mo. - The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team moved its win streak to six with a 68-56 win over the visiting Northeastern State University RiverHawks Thursday night in Bearcat Arena.
Northwest improved to 16-10 overall and 9-7 in the MIAA. NSU fell to 16-9 overall and 8-8 in league play. The RiverHawks have lost six straight games.
Northwest is 15-2 when scoring 60 or more points.
Northwest Missouri State opened the game with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by
Sadie Maas's early block.
Bailey Birmingham connected on a 3-pointer to give the home team an initial edge. Despite this, the Bearcats struggled with shooting, converting only 3 of 16 field goal attempts in the quarter. The RiverHawks capitalized on free throws and second-chance opportunities, leading 15–12 at the end of the first quarter.
Northwest Mo. St. surged ahead in the second quarter with strong perimeter shooting, led by Birmingham's three 3-pointers, including one at 5:02 that helped extend the lead.
Kirsten Hauck also contributed significantly, sinking two 3-pointers, with the second coming at 6:02, keeping the momentum in favor of the home team. Defensively, the Bearcats capitalized on a late steal by
Brooklyn Stanley, who followed up with a jumper at 0:41, closing the quarter with a 35–26 advantage.
Northwest Mo. St. dominated the third quarter, establishing control with a strong presence in the paint. Hauck opened the scoring with a jumper, and
Boston Wand added to the momentum with a series of field goals, including a jumper off an assist from Stanley. The home team excelled defensively, recording three blocks and three steals, with Maas and
Avery Yosten each making significant contributions. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats leading 51–34.
The Bearcats maintained their lead throughout the fourth quarter, starting with Stanley's tip-in at 9:37, pushing the score to 53-34. Hauck contributed a crucial three-pointer at 7:02, extending the advantage to 60-40. Despite a late push from the RiverHawks, including a three-pointer by Annaston Brown with 37 seconds remaining, the Bearcats finished with a 68-56 victory. The game concluded with this score, marking a decisive win for the home team.
Stanley scored 12 points and recorded five steals, showcasing strong defensive play. Birmingham contributed 14 points, including four 3-pointers, to the team's offensive efforts. Hauck added 16 points and three assists, efficiently converting three of five attempts from beyond the arc. Maas collected 10 rebounds and blocked four shots, anchoring the defense.
In their next matchup, the Bearcats will host Arkansas Fort Smith on Saturday, Feb. 21. The game will tip off at 1:30 p.m. CT.
