Bearcats win final exhibition game 91-72

The Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team finished its exhibition schedule Saturday with a 91-72 win over Peru State at Bearcat Arena.

Facing only one deficit on the night, Northwest built an 18-point halftime lead and kept it at nine or above throughout the second half.

Two nights after being held to 33 points and shooting barely over 20 percent against Iowa State, the Bearcats scored more than 40 points in each half and shot 54.8 percent from the field.

Five Northwest players reached double-figures and seven scored at least eight points. Maryville native Meridee Scott came off the bench to score a team-high 16 points on 7-10 shooting.

Sophomore center Maggie Marnin tallied a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Ashleigh Nelson hit four, first half three's on her way to a 13 point night.

Point guard Monique Stevens finished with 11 points on 4-7 shooting. Annie Mathews connected on 3-4 shots and all four free throws to finish with 10 points.

Peru State's Courtney Ward led all scorers with 18 points. The Bobcats shot 41.4 percent and were just 1-9 on three's.

While out-rebounded 41-34, the Bearcats finished with a 38-18 edge in points in the paint.

The Bearcats open their season Friday against Quincy University at 6 p.m. from Bearcat Arena.