MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State University women’s basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a 67-42 victory over the Lincoln Blue Tigers at Bearcat Arena.
Northwest led 20-5 after the first period and built as much as a 30-point lead in the contest against former MIAA foe Lincoln.
Bailey Birmingham scored 16 points, going 5 of 8 from the field, 2 of 3 from 3-point range and 4 of 4 at the line, and added three assists. Sadie Maas finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and three steals while making 7-of-11 shots. Boston Wand collected nine rebounds, including eight defensive boards, and added two steals and a block. Avery Yosten went 6-of-6 at the free-throw line and added six rebounds.
Nodaway Valley Alum Izzy Eisbach played 9 minutes off the bench and scored 4 points on 1-4 shooting plus 2-2 from the free throw line and added 2 blocks and 1 steal.
The Bearcats controlled the first quarter with a 10-0 run that turned a 2-1 lead into a 12-1 advantage, with Bailey Birmingham scoring seven points during the stretch. Northwest forced seven turnovers, blocked three shots and did not commit a turnover while holding the Blue Tigers to 1-of-11 shooting. The Bearcats finished the quarter ahead 20-5.
Northwest controlled the second quarter defensively, holding the Blue Tigers to 3-of-15 shooting while posting a 17-8 rebounding edge. Sadie Maas scored three baskets in the quarter, and Kirsten Hauck added a 3-pointer and a jumper as the Bearcats outscored the Blue Tigers 17-9. Northwest went into halftime ahead 37-14.
The Bearcats kept control of the third quarter by scoring 12 of their 17 points in the paint and holding the Blue Tigers to 4-of-14 shooting. Maas scored twice inside, while Birmingham added a 3-pointer and later assisted Boston Wand’s fast-break layup after a steal as Northwest moved the score to 50-20 midway through the quarter. The Bearcats finished the quarter ahead 54-28, with Avery Yosten’s two free throws providing their final points of the segment.
Northwest protected its advantage in the fourth quarter with defense, recording six steals and two Izzy Eisbach blocks while forcing eight Blue Tigers turnovers. Maas opened the Bearcats’ scoring in the quarter with a tip-in, and Brooklyn Stanley, Maggie Collins and Eisbach added baskets before Avery Yosten’s two free throws made it 67-40 with 2:17 left. The Blue Tigers scored once more, and Northwest closed out a 67-42 win.
Northwest will travel this weekend to Marshall, Minn., to take on Southwest Minnesota State and St. Cloud State.
