Abby Henry scored 18 points but it wasn’t enough as Northwest Missouri State was defeated by No. 16 Washburn 71-53 Saturday night inside Bearcat Arena.

Annie Matthews had 12 points and seven rebounds for the Bearcats (2-6, 0-2 MIAA) while Shelly Martin chipped in with eight points.

Washburn (8-2, 1-0 MIAA) used their size to their advantage as they out-rebounded the Bearcats 46-32 in the win.

The Bearcats jumped out to an early 4-0 lead but that would be the only lead of the game for Northwest as the No. 16 Lady Blues charged back to take a 16-7 lead at the 13:52 mark.  Washburn ended the first half on an 11-to-2 run.

The No. 16 Lady Blues stayed in control of the game throughout the second half.  The closest Northwest would get was within 12 points of Washburn.

Washburn was led by Cassie Lambardino who scored 18 points while Stevi Schultz and Ebonie Williams chipped in 13 and 15 points respectively.

As a team, Northwest shot 32.1 percent from the field while the Lady Blues shot 44.3 percent.  The Bearcats converted on 9 of 16 free throws for the game and shot 47.1 from three-point range.

Up Next:  Northwest continues MIAA action Wednesday, Dec. 7 when they host the Pisstburg State Gorillas.  Tip-off from Bearcat Arena is scheduled for 5:35 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —