MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University women’s basketball team celebrated its team senior day by extending its win streak to seven by defeating the University of Arkansas Fort-Smith Lions, 62-54.
Northwest improved to 17-10 overall and 10-7 in the MIAA. UAFS fell to 4-21 overall and 3-13 in league play.
Northwest Missouri State began the game strongly, establishing a lead with a combination of inside and outside scoring. Ella Moody, celebrated as part of the senior day festivities, contributed early with a tip-in and a jumper in the paint, while Kirsten Hauck and Bailey Birmingham both hit 3-pointers, with Brooklyn Stanley assisting on key plays. The team controlled the boards, securing 11 rebounds, which limited second chances for Arkansas-Fort Smith. The Bearcats ended the first quarter ahead, 17–9.
Northwest Missouri State gained momentum early in the second quarter with a 3-pointer by Kirsten Hauck at 9:22, extending its lead. Birmingham further solidified the advantage by scoring seven consecutive points, including two 3-pointers and a free throw, to push the lead to 29-16 by 7:34. Despite a resilient effort from Arkansas-Fort Smith, which narrowed the gap with key shots and managed to keep the scoring close for the remainder of the quarter, the Bearcats maintained their lead. The quarter concluded with the home team ahead 38-29.
Northwest Missouri State extended its lead in the third quarter with a solid defensive effort, highlighted by Stanley’s steal and fast-break layup at 9:13. Sadie Maas contributed significantly with a block and defensive rebound followed by a jumper at 8:13, helping to maintain momentum. Birmingham’s three-pointer at 5:09 further increased the lead. Northwest Missouri State closed the quarter ahead 51-38, setting the stage for the final quarter.
The Bearcats secured a decisive stretch in the fourth quarter with pivotal contributions from Stanley and Birmingham. Stanley broke a scoring drought with a jumper at 4:32, followed by a three-pointer from Birmingham at 3:45, extending the lead. Despite Ark.-Fort Smith’s attempts to close the gap, including a three-pointer by Jordan Gregory at 1:36, the Bearcats maintained control. The home team concluded the quarter and the game with a solid defensive performance, culminating in a 62–54 victory.
Birmingham led the scoring effort with a career-high 25 points, converting six 3-pointers on eight attempts. Stanley contributed significantly with seven assists and collected nine rebounds. Maas made an impact on defense with two blocks and added nine rebounds. Moody scored six points, shooting 3-for-5 from the field.
The next challenge for Northwest Missouri State comes Thursday, Feb. 26, as it travels to face Newman. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. CT.
MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball team dropped a close contest to the Ark.-Fort Smith Lions with a final score of 73-68.
Despite a balanced scoring effort and an attempt at a second half comeback, the Bearcats (13-15 overall, 6-11 MIAA) could not overcome the Lions (20-6 overall, 11-6 MIAA) in the final minutes of the game.
Northwest opened the game with a defensive play, as Royce Williams secured a steal immediately at the start. The team kept pace with Arkansas-Fort Smith through a series of strategic plays, including a three-pointer by Williams at 18:00, assisted by Aiden Gair, which gave the home team an early lead at 3-2. Despite trailing at various points, Northwest Missouri State remained competitive with key contributions from players like Osa Obasohan, who scored a layup at 11:42 to put the home team ahead 16-13. However, Arkansas-Fort Smith concluded the half with a scoring surge, leading 39-30 at the end of the first half.
Northwest narrowed the gap in the second half with a series of key plays. Jack Ratigan’s dunk and subsequent free throw at 17:41 cut the deficit to six, sparking a momentum shift. Williams contributed with critical assists, including one leading to Gair’s three-pointer at 18:39, and another to Robert Garcia’s layup at 14:58, bringing Northwest Mo. St. within two points. Despite effortful play, Ark.-Fort Smith maintained a slight edge, and the half ended with Northwest Mo. St. trailing 73–68.
Gair scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. Williams added 15 points, dished out seven assists, and collected seven rebounds. Garcia tallied 15 points while converting three 3-pointers. Ratigan contributed with three blocks and two steals, adding six rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Newman on the road on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball team dropped a close contest to the Ark.-Fort Smith Lions with a final score of 73-68.
Northwest opened the game with a defensive play, as Royce Williams secured a steal immediately at the start. The team kept pace with Arkansas-Fort Smith through a series of strategic plays, including a three-pointer by Williams at 18:00, assisted by Aiden Gair, which gave the home team an early lead at 3-2. Despite trailing at various points, Northwest Missouri State remained competitive with key contributions from players like Osa Obasohan, who scored a layup at 11:42 to put the home team ahead 16-13. However, Arkansas-Fort Smith concluded the half with a scoring surge, leading 39-30 at the end of the first half.
Northwest narrowed the gap in the second half with a series of key plays. Jack Ratigan’s dunk and subsequent free throw at 17:41 cut the deficit to six, sparking a momentum shift. Williams contributed with critical assists, including one leading to Gair’s three-pointer at 18:39, and another to Robert Garcia’s layup at 14:58, bringing Northwest Mo. St. within two points. Despite effortful play, Ark.-Fort Smith maintained a slight edge, and the half ended with Northwest Mo. St. trailing 73–68.
Gair scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. Williams added 15 points, dished out seven assists, and collected seven rebounds. Garcia tallied 15 points while converting three 3-pointers. Ratigan contributed with three blocks and two steals, adding six rebounds.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Newman on the road on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
