The Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team continued their winning ways Saturday as they defeated Nebraska-Kearney 67-56 to open up 2-0 in MIAA play.

The Bearcats kicked off the start of the game with an 11-0 run. The Northwest defense looked great in the first half scoring 11 points off turnovers.

UNK would come within 10 points of the Bearcats in the second half but that would be as close as they would get. Northwest shot 50 percent from the floor and out rebounded UNK 19-13.

Annie Mathews posted her third double-double of the season with 11 rebounds and 13 points. Mathews added two steals and an assist.

Ashleigh Nelson led all Bearcats in scoring with 17. Nelson was also very active on defense recording four steals and two rebounds.

The Bearcats improve their record to 7-2 overall and 2-0 in league play as the win gives Northwest more wins than they had during the 2011-12 season.

Northwest will return to action after finals week to host Midland Lutheran in nonconference action Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. The next MIAA game for the Bearcats will be Jan. 3 as the Bearcats travel to Missouri Southern before a nationally televised game on CBS College Sports Jan. 5 at Pittsburg State.

— NWMSU Sports Information —