MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University women’s basketball team collected its eighth consecutive victory in a 90-63 triumph over the Buena Vista Beavers Wednesday in Bearcat Arena.
Northwest moved to 9-3 overall and improved its home-court winning streak to nine in a row. Northwest recorded 15 steals and turned those BVU miscues into 29 points off turnovers.
Northwest Missouri State opened the game with a strong offensive display, highlighted by Bailey Birmingham’s back-to-back 3-pointers, pushing the lead to 21–15 at 4:27. The home team maintained momentum through efficient shooting, connecting on 14 of 18 shots and 6 of 7 from beyond the arc. Avery Yosten added a layup and a 3-pointer in succession, extending the lead, while the defense forced five turnovers from the visitors. The Bearcats led 36–24 at the end of the first quarter.
Northwest Missouri State took control in the second quarter with effective scoring in the paint, putting up 10 points from close range. Andrea Lopreato contributed significantly with key free throws and a layup, while Sadie Maas added to the lead with successive free throws and a jumper. Despite Buena Vista’s attempts to close the gap, including a 3-pointer by Mary Walker, the home team maintained its edge. The Bearcats ended the quarter leading 52–35, outscoring Buena Vista 16–11 in the frame.
The Bearcats capitalized early in the third quarter with a series of fast-break opportunities, highlighted by Lopreato’s layups off turnovers at 9:44 and 8:28, extending the lead decisively. Despite a brief surge from Buena Vista, which included a 3-pointer by Maddy Raveling at 7:56, the Bearcats maintained control through effective defense, generating six steals in the quarter. Birmingham secured the quarter with a 3-pointer at 0:27, concluding with the Bearcats trailing only slightly in the quarter, 19–16, while holding a substantial overall lead. The game concluded with the Bearcats achieving a final score of 68–54.
Northwest Missouri State took control in the final quarter, opening with a 3-pointer by Birmingham at 9:51 to extend their lead. Defensively, they capitalized on turnovers, with Lopreato recording a crucial steal at 8:47, soon followed by a jumper from Maas. Their defensive efforts were highlighted by two blocks and six steals, limiting Buena Vista’s scoring opportunities.
As the quarter progressed, the Bearcats continued to dominate the paint, adding 16 points from close range. Yosten and Brooklyn Stanley contributed key baskets, with Stanley’s layup at 0:56 pushing the score to 88. The game concluded with a fast-break layup by Maggie Collins, sealing a 90–63 victory for the Bearcats.
Lopreato scored 17 points and recorded six steals. Birmingham finished with 19 points, hitting five 3-pointers and adding four assists. Yosten contributed 16 points while making seven baskets to give her four consecutive double-figure scoring games. Maas tallied nine rebounds and added 10 points.
In their next matchup, Northwest Missouri State will travel to face Fort Hays State on Thursday, Jan. 1. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in Hays, Kan.
MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball walloped the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes in Bearcat Arena, 96-58.
The Bearcats (8-4 overall) dominated the first half and led 55-21 at the break. The Bearcats shot 58.3% from the field and knocked in 17-of-20 free throws to score the decisive home victory.
Northwest Missouri State started strong with Trey Moala’s layup at 19:39, setting the tone for a dominant first half. Matthew Mayes and Jack Ratigan contributed early with scoring and assists, helping to build an early lead. Northwest Missouri State capitalized on their defensive efforts, forcing turnovers and converting them into points through fast breaks, with Aiden Gair and Booker Scheierman adding to the momentum.
The home team maintained their offensive efficiency, with Mayes finishing the half on a high note with a last-second dunk assisted by Royce Williams. Northwest Missouri State controlled the boards with 23 total rebounds and showcased a balanced attack with 11 points off turnovers and 30 points in the paint. The half ended with Northwest Missouri State leading 55–21.
Northwest Mo. St. gained a decisive edge early in the second half with a quick series of successful plays, including a 3-pointer by Gair at 17:27. This stretch was facilitated by strong defensive efforts, highlighted by steals from Mayes and Gair. Northwest Mo. St. maintained their momentum with effective shooting from beyond the arc, complemented by key assists from Williams, extending their lead further.
Despite the Coyotes’ attempts to close the gap with consistent scoring, including a late 3-point play by Jason Juiye, Northwest secured a 96–58 victory.
Mayes led the team with 22 points, converting 7 of 9 field goal attempts, including three 3-pointers. Gair contributed 17 points and recorded two steals, further adding three assists to his performance. Williams dished out six assists and collected six rebounds while also recording two steals. Robby Garcia added 13 points, making three 3-pointers and securing four rebounds.
Looking ahead, Northwest Missouri State will travel to Liberty, Mo., to face William Jewell on Saturday, Dec. 20. The game will tip off at 1 p.m. at the Mabee Center.
