Twenty-six turnovers by the Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team were too much to overcome as No. 6 Washburn defeated the Bearcats 61-54 Saturday at Bearcat Arena.

Northwest came out ready to play in the first half as the defense did not allow Washburn to score during the first 5:30 of the game. The Bearcats got out to a 7-0 lead before the Lady Blues made it a game.

Coach Kellogg’s team shot 47.4 percent from the floor in the first half including 60 percent from behind the three point line.

Washburn took the lead toward the end of the first half on the back of Laura Kinderknecht who had 12 points and pulled down one rebound. Kinderknecht would finish with 14.

Northwest came within four points of the Lady Blues with 9:19 left in the second half before Washburn pulled away.

Annie Mathews finished one rebound shy of a double-double as she had nine boards and posted 12 points. Monique Stevens also had 12 points while leading the team with 6 assists.

The Bearcats shot 83.3 percent from the free throw line Saturday. It marked the seventh time this season Northwest shot over 80 percent from the line and the second time it was in a losing effort.

The Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team will continue in their annual tribute to breast cancer awareness when they host Missouri Western Wednesday for their Pink Zone Game. Tip-off between the Bearcats and the Griffons is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —