MARYVILLE, Mo. — Behind a career-high 22-point performance from freshman guard Bailey Birmingham, the Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball squad produced a 65-55 home victory over Rogers State University.

Northwest (13-10 overall, 6-7 MIAA) overcame an 11-point second-quarter deficit to earn its 11th home win of the season. Rogers State (9-14 overall, 6-8 MIAA) is 0-11 all-time vs. Northwest. The home team capitalized on 22 points off turnovers to secure the victory.

Northwest Missouri State opened the first quarter with a balanced attack, maintaining a back-and-forth pace against the Hillcats. Sadie Maas led early with a layup at 9:06, followed by a jumper at 6:32, showcasing strong involvement in the opening minutes. Kirsten Hauck briefly gave the Bearcats a lead with a 3-pointer at 4:01. However, Rogers State responded with critical scores, including a 3-pointer by Bailey Layman at 3:09, which contributed to their narrow lead. Boston Wand capped the quarter with a buzzer-beating jumper, closing the quarter at 16–14 in favor of Rogers State.

Northwest faced a challenging second quarter but managed to mount a comeback with a late surge. Bailey Birmingham's 3-pointer at 7:26 tied the game at 17, but the Hillcats responded quickly to reclaim the lead. Despite trailing by as much as 11 points, the Bearcats closed the gap with Avery Yosten's late contributions, including a key three-point play at 2:05 that brought the score to 29–23. The quarter ended with both teams scoring 13 points each, maintaining Rogers State's lead at 29–27.

Northwest gained momentum midway through the third quarter when Brooklyn Stanley's fast-break 3-pointer at 1:50 gave them a narrow lead. Despite consistent scoring from Ataya Casaus of Rogers State, including a layup and free throw sequence, the Bearcats kept the game tight with key steals and transitions. The quarter concluded with Northwest trailing slightly at 45–42.

Northwest surged ahead with a decisive run early in the fourth quarter. Birmingham's 3-pointer at 8:30 marked the beginning of a strong offensive stretch, helping the team gain a 47–45 advantage. Andrea Lopreato followed with a key 3-pointer at 6:34, boosting the lead to 50–48.

The home team capitalized on turnover opportunities, with Birmingham and Maas contributing critical points in the paint. Northwest maintained control, extending the lead with strong free-throw shooting in the final minute. The game concluded with a 65–55 victory, as the Bearcats outscored Rogers State 23–10 in the fourth quarter.

Birmingham scored a career-high 22 points, converting 6 of 13 shots and 3 of 6 from beyond the arc, while adding two steals. Maas contributed with 15 points and collected nine rebounds, making 5 of 9 baskets. Stanley recorded three steals and added seven points, alongside four rebounds.

Northwest will travel for its next matchup against Missouri Southern on Thursday, Feb. 12. The game is set to tip off at 5:30 p.m. in Joplin, Mo.