By MATT PIKE
The Northwest Missouri State men and women saw split results wrapping up a short road trip in Kearney, Nebraska, the men passing the century mark in a win, and the women falling to the Nebraska Kearney Lopers on Saturday at Health and Sports Center.
The Lopers landed a 71-49 home victory over the Northwest women Saturday. With the win, UNK improved to 9-6 overall, 2-2 MIAA, Northwest dropped its second straight game to move to 9-5 overall, 2-2 MIAA.
It was a strong start for Northwest, with Sadie Maas connecting on a three pointer to open the scoring. Despite early defensive efforts, including four blocks and four steals, the Bearcats faced challenges in maintaining the lead. Kirsten Hauck provided a critical boost with consecutive three pointers, narrowing the gap late in the quarter, and a late jumper by Maas brought the Bearcats within one point, ending the first quarter trailing by one 18-17.
Northwest began the second quarter holding a brief lead, sparked by Hauck’s jumper at 8:22. Boston Wand extended the advantage with a layup bringing the score to 21-18. Andrea Lopreato contributed with two successful free throws at the 7:00 mark to maintain a slight edge. However, The Lopers responded with a scoring surge led by Tara Biocanin, who tied and eventually propelled the home team into the lead. Despite a late three pointer from Bailey Birmingham at 2:12 to temporarily regain the advantage, the Bearcats ended the quarter trailing 31-26.
A quick layup by Wand opened the third quarter for Northwest narrowing the deficit to three points. Despite persistent efforts, including a three pointer by Birmingham at 5:51 and a fast-break jumper from Maas, the Bearcats struggled to close the gap as UNK maintained their lead. The Bearcats faced challenges with turnovers, totaling 12 in the quarter, which hindered their comeback attempts. The quarter concluded with the Northwest trailing 53-41 as the Lopers closed with a fast-break three pointer in the final minute.
In the final quarter the Bearcats once again began the scoring with a layup by Wand at 9:30. Despite this early basket, they continued to struggle to maintain momentum against UNK, who responded with a series of successful plays, including a three-pointer by Gosia Byczkowska at 7:26, widening the gap. The Bearcats attempted to close the deficit with a three-pointer from Reese Pasternik at 7:50, but the Lopers continued to extend their lead with effective scoring. Northwest faced challenges in breaking through Nebraska Kearney’s defense, with a notable turnover at critical moments. Avery Yosten added a three-pointer at 2:03, but it was not enough to shift the tide.
Nebraska Kearney outscored the Bearcats in the second half, 40-23, forcing 22 turnovers and holding Northwest to a low 37.3% from the field. Birmigham tallied a team-best 11 points while Hauck notched 10 points to round out the double digit scoring. Maas narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and a team-high nine rebounds.
The Northwest men reached the century mark and picked up a 100-94 victory Saturday at Health and Sports Center. With the win, Northwest moves to 9-6 overall, 2-2 MIAA, while the Lopers dip to 7-8 overall and remain winless in league play at 0-4.
The win marks the first 100-point game of head coach Matt Keeley’s Bearcat coaching career. It’s the first 100-point game for the Bearcats since a 105-53 win over Nebraska Kearney on February 1st, 2024.
Northwest opened the first half with an efficient start, quickly establishing a 4–0 lead with jumpers from Aiden Gair and Royce Williams. Despite the Lopers taking the lead briefly, the Bearcats responded with a series of plays, including a fast break layup by Gair at 6:50 to cut the deficit to 28–24. The half featured significant contributions from Williams as well, who scored a crucial three pointer at the 1:22 mark to pull the Bearcats to within one. As the half neared its conclusion, Williams found the net again with a three pointer with 56 seconds remaining, reclaiming the lead for the Bearcats, then capped the half with a jumper with eight seconds left, securing a 41–39 advantage at the end of the first half.
Northwest pulled away with a crucial run midway through the second half, highlighted by Gair’s three-pointer at 10:41, extending their lead to 75–68. Williams and Larenz Walters were pivotal during the stretch, contributing with key baskets and free throws. Despite UNK’s attempts to close the gap, the Bearcats maintained their lead with efficient shooting and defensive stops as Northwest outscored the Lopers 59-55 in the half, shooting 59.3% from the floor in the final 20 minutes. The Bearcats also sank 26-of-34 free throws, including 19-of-25 throughout the second half of action.
Five players scored in double-figure for Northwest, led by a pair of 25-point games from Gair and Williams. Williams was also just shy of a triple-double, pulling down nine rebounds and dishing nine assists. Walters notched a career-high 19 points off the bench draining 12-of-13 free throws. Matthew Mayes and Trey Moala each tallied 10 points to round out the double digit scoring.
Northwest will return home to begin a four game homestand, first taking on Central Missouri Wednesday, The women will tipoff at 5:30 pm, with the men following at 7:30pm.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.
