Northwest Missouri State overcame a 15 point deficit in the second half to pull within four points late in the second half, but their rally fell short against William Jewell Friday night in a 77-64 loss in the opening round of the Winstead-Reeves Classic at Bearcat Arena.

The Bearcats fell to 0-3 on the year as their best effort of the season came without the services of Abby Henry much of the second half. William Jewell improved to 2-0 on the season after with-standing a feverish second half run by the Bearcats before pulling out the win.

Free throws by Tara Roach and Ashleigh Nelson pulled Northwest to 64-60, but the Cardinals would answer with a three-pointer that started a 10-0 run giving Jewell a 75-60 lead.

Northwest got solid efforts again in the post as Tara Roach led the Bearcats with 16 points. She was also one rebounds shy of a double-double finishing with nine boards.

Maggie Marnin also played well defensively for the Bearcats with a couple block shots down the stretch and pulling in nine rebounds.

Cassy Nicolay led all scorers with 25 as William Jewell had three players finish in double figures. The Cardinals also shot 46 percent from behind the three-point arc in the win.

The Bearcats look for their first win tomorrow night as they close out the Winstead-Reeves Classic hosting Missouri Valley. Tip from Bearcat Arena is 7:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —