Bearcat women clipped by SBU

The Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team could not complete a second half comeback at Southwest Baptist Tuesday night, falling 76-74 at the Meyer Sports Center.

Shooting 64 percent in the second half, Northwest closed a 13-point deficit down to one or two multiple times, but never got the lead.

Northwest's final chance to tie or go in front was thwarted with 10 seconds left on a turnover by Maggie Marnin.

SBU's Brook Duncan made two free throws with eight seconds remaining to give SBU a 75-71 lead. The Bearcats got within one with three seconds left on a three-pointer by Ashleigh Nelson.

SBU safely inbounded the ball to Jacqui Zelenka who was fouled with one second left.

She made the first and missed the second, and Ashlee Pitts grabbed the offensive rebound to wrap it up.

Northwest, which was seeking its second straight road win, dropped to 10-6 overall and 4-4 in the MIAA.

Southwest Baptist improved to 7-9 overall, 2-6 in the MIAA and halted a five-game losing skid.

Both teams shot an identical 30-53 (.566) from the field.

SBU also made 9-18 three's, while Northwest was slightly worse at 6-17.

For the third straight game, Northwest had four players reach double-figures.

Nelson was the high scorer with 18 points and made 3-5 three's. Monique Stevens had a career-high 14 points, six assists and four steals.

Alexis Boeh came off the bench for 12 points on 6-7 shooting. Annie Mathews was a perfect 5-5 with 10 points.

Marnin and Meridee Scott each had eight.

SBU's Chasity Prince led all scorers with 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Zelenka totaled 17 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double.

Tanis Spani made 5-6 three's, accounting for all but one of her 16 points. Duncan scored 12 off the bench.