A hounding Bearcat defense forced 25 turnovers as the Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team picked up a 93-50 win over Tabor College Tuesday night in a non-conference matchup at Bearcat Arena.

After struggling on the glass in the season opener the Bearcats were able to gain the rebounding edge on the Blue Jays Tuesday night, 38-30. Northwest (2-0) also got solid offensive production with four players in double figures and 10 different Bearcats entering the scoring column.

Both teams traded baskets through the first six minutes. The Northwest lead would extend when Meridee Scott made a pair of free throws and Ashleigh Nelson knocked down a three-pointer to extend the Bearcats lead to 21-13 with 12:31 left in the half.

From there Northwest would not look back going on an 18-5 run and stretching the lead to 34-18 with still 8:09 left in the half. A stingy defensive stand that saw two shot clock violations forced by the Bearcats gave them a 20 point advantage just under the five minute mark.

Northwest built a 47-29 lead at the break and extended the lead in the second half over Tabor knocking down nine three-pointers. The Bearcats also shot 54 percent from the field as the offense was almost as efficient as the defense in the win.

Annie Mathews and Nelson led all players with 14 points as Maggie Marnin chipped in 13. Marnin added six rebounds.

Northwest continues home action as the Bearcats host the Winstead Reeves Classic Friday and Saturday. The Bearcats open action with Southwest Minnesota State at 7 p.m. Friday. Northwest closes out the tournament at 6 p.m. Saturday against William Jewell.

— NWMSU Sports Information —