WICHITA, Kan. — The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team narrowly fell to Newman University, 57-54, at Fugate Gymnasium. 
 
Northwest fell to 17-11 overall and 10-8 in the MIAA, with Newman rising to 8-9 overall and 2-16 in league play. The Bearcats held a 37-38 rebounding margin but could not capitalize in the tight contest. This loss marked the end of a seven-game winning streak for the Bearcats.
 
Northwest Missouri State opened the game with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Kenzie Melcher's impactful three-point shooting. Melcher drained three 3-pointers, including a fast-break shot that helped the team gain momentum. Boston Wand contributed with a layup and a crucial steal in the final minute, providing an assist to Andrea Lopreato's free throw. The Bearcats led the Jets 16-12 at the end of the first quarter.
 
Northwest gained momentum in the second quarter with back-to-back layups by Lopreato, extending its lead to 22–15. Despite a brief scoring surge from the Jets, the Bearcats maintained their advantage with a layup by Sadie Maas at 3:28, pushing the lead to 26–21. The quarter concluded with Northwest leading 26–23 despite being outscored by Newman 11–10 in the frame.
 
The Bearcats opened the third quarter with a strong drive, as Wand's layup at 9:45 set the tone. Maas contributed significantly with a pair of free throws at 7:54, followed by a layup assisted by Bailey Birmingham at 7:29, pushing the lead. Despite Newman's attempts to close the gap with consecutive 3-pointers, Northwest maintained its momentum. In the latter half of the quarter, the Bearcats capitalized on defensive plays, including a steal and fast-break layup by Birmingham at 5:20. Although Newman narrowed the margin towards the end, Northwest retained a narrow lead, ending the quarter ahead 44-43.
 
The Bearcats started the fourth quarter with a strong layup by Kirsten Hauck to take a 46–43 lead. After a steal by Brooklyn Stanley, Birmingham extended the lead to 48–43 with two free throws. However, Newman quickly responded, regaining the lead at 49–48 with consecutive layups by Paige Craft. In a back-and-forth quarter, Lopreato's layup tied the game at 51, but the Jets edged ahead again. With 13 seconds remaining, Birmingham sank two crucial free throws to bring Northwest within one point at 55–54. Despite the late effort, Newman secured the victory with free throws by Alexis Martin, and the game ended 57–54 in favor of the Jets.
 
Stanley recorded four steals and five rebounds, contributing defensively. Lopreato scored 13 points, converting five of 10 shots from the field. Birmingham tallied nine points, making seven of eight free throws and collecting five rebounds. Melcher added nine points, draining three 3-pointers in her effort.
 
Northwest will face Emporia State University on Saturday, Feb. 28 to finish out the regular season. The game is set for a 1:30 p.m. tip-off in Emporia, Kan.