The Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team topped Kansas Wesleyan Friday, 88-55, as head coach Michael Smith earns his first win at the helm of the Bearcats.

It was a tightly contested game early  in the first half. Wesleyan led 26-23 with under seven minutes to play before the Bearcats went on a scoring spree.

Northwest went on to score 21 unanswered points to end the half as they took a commanding 44-26 lead.

The Bearcats shot 65 percent from the floor in the first half and were led by Ashleigh Nelson who posted 12 points and two assists.

Northwest opened the second half with an 8-2 run and didn’t look back as they rolled to an 88-55 victory.

“It’s a great feeling to get that first win,” said Coach Smith. “Our team has put in a lot of practice hours and to know their hard work is paying off is nice.”

The Bearcats had five players finish with double-digit point totals. Ariel Easton finished with 23 points, three assists and one steal.

Annie Mathews earned her first double-double of the season with 11 rebounds and 10 points.

Northwest will hit the road and take on Pittsburg State Sunday for a nonconference contest. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.

— Northwest Sports Information —