A career high 20 points from Monique Stevens helped the Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team knock off Northeastern State 67-64 Thursday night at Bearcat Arena.

The Bearcats improved to 11-7 on the season and 5-5 in the MIAA while the RiverHawks fell to 13-6 overall and 8-3 in league play. It was the first ever win over Northeastern State for the Bearcats snapping a five-game winning streak for NSU.

The first half was a battle for rebounds. The RiverHawks out rebounded the Bearcats 16-14. Northwest went 6 for 11 from behind the arch to keep the game close before taking the lead with 7:47 left in the half.

Meridee Scott and Ashley Thayer hit back to back threes during an 11-3 run to give the Bearcats their first lead of the game at 17-15. Tember Schechinger hit a deep three then turned around to block the final shot of the first half giving Northwest a 34-23 lead into halftime.

Junior Monique Stevens took over in the second half putting the dagger in the RiverHawks. Stevens went 4 for 6 from behind the three point line in the second half along with three assists and a rebound. The junior finished with 20 points and knocked down six three-pointers and added four rebounds and five assist to her final tally.

The win keeps the Bearcats in the MIAA tournament hunt as they enter a pivotal stretch with five games against teams all in the top eight of the league standings. The quick turnover for Northwest puts them back in action Saturday against Emporia State. Tipoff from Bearcat Arena is set for 1:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —