MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University women’s basketball rode the three-pointing shooting of Kirsten Hauck to a 75-66 home triumph over the Missouri Western Griffons Saturday at Bearcat Arena.
Hauck poured in a career-high 26 points and buried seven three-pointers to pace the Bearcat offense. Northwest moves to 11-10 overall and 4-7 in MIAA play. The Bearcat victory snapped a four-game losing skid. Missouri Western dropped to 6-14 overall and 2-9 in league action.
The game commenced with Northwest taking an early lead on a layup by Boston Wand, assisted by Brooklyn Stanley at 9:43. The Griffons responded quickly, establishing a back-and-forth dynamic before taking control with a series of successful plays in the paint. Kirsten Hauck kept the Bearcats competitive with two three-pointers, one at 8:04 and another at 5:12, narrowing the gap. Despite efforts from the home team, including a late fast-break basket by Stanley with 52 seconds left, the Griffons held a 19-15 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
A pivotal momentum shift occurred when Northwest closed the second quarter with a decisive stretch, including a key jumper by Hauck at 0:16, which helped them secure a lead. Earlier, Bailey Birmingham was instrumental, tying the score at 3:35 with a layup, and Maggie Collins’ shot at 2:57 gave them a brief lead. Missouri Western managed to keep the game close, but a critical turnover at 0:04, capitalized by Andrea Lopreato’s steal, prevented them from regaining control. The quarter concluded with Northwest leading 33–31 at the half.
Northwest extended their lead in the third quarter with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by a 9-for-16 shooting effort from the field. Hauck played a pivotal role, contributing a three-pointer and a converted three-point play early in the quarter to help build momentum. Missouri Western struggled with turnovers, committing five in the quarter, which the Bearcats capitalized on with 12 points in the paint. The quarter concluded with Northwest leading 54-46.
Northwest maintained their lead throughout the final quarter with strong defense and efficient free-throw shooting. Wand contributed a key jumper in the paint early on, helping to keep the home team’s momentum. Birmingham played a crucial role, converting five free throws in the last two minutes, which helped to fend off a late surge from the Griffons. Northwest secured the quarter with a 21-20 edge and finished the game with a 75-66 victory.
Hauck led with 26 points, converting seven of 15 attempts from beyond the arc. Stanley recorded a double-double, contributing 12 points and 11 rebounds, while also tallying three steals. Birmingham added 16 points, including five successful free throws. Sadie Maas posted nine rebounds and made three assists.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face off against Central Oklahoma on Thursday, Feb. 5. The game, set to tip off at 5:30 p.m. CT, will be played on their home court.
MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Missouri Western Griffons topped the Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball team Saturday at Bearcat Arena, 84-65.
Despite forcing eight steals, the Bearcats struggled with ball control, committing 20 turnovers in the game. The Griffons had a 48-26 scoring advantage in the paint as they improved to 14-8 overall and 6-5 in MIAA play. Northwest is 10-12 overall and 3-8 in league action.
Northwest Missouri State opened the first half with a quick defensive play as Royce Williams stole the ball, leading to Jack Ratigan’s layup. Despite this, the Griffons took an early lead, highlighted by Gavin Hershberger’s fast break 3-pointer at 16:09. The Bearcats responded with a series of plays, including Robert Garcia’s 3-pointer assisted by Larenz Walters at 9:02, closing the gap significantly. The half ended with Northwest Missouri State trailing slightly, 38–35.
The Bearcats struggled to contain Missouri Western’s offense in the second half, highlighted by a significant scoring run that widened the deficit. The Griffons’ efficient shooting and defensive pressure led to a 46-point half, while the Bearcats managed 30 points. Despite efforts from Walters, who contributed with a 3-pointer at 1:29 and again in the final seconds, Northwest Missouri State faced challenges in reducing turnovers and securing rebounds. The half ended with Missouri Western leading 84–65, concluding the game.
Walters scored 15 points, converting 5 of 10 field goals, and added five rebounds. Williams contributed a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while also tallying three 3-pointers and two steals. Garcia led with 16 points on 7 of 10 shooting, adding three steals to his performance. Presley Ibeh recorded nine points and two blocks, rounding out a strong defensive showing.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Central Oklahoma at home on Thursday, Feb. 5. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m.
