By David Boyce – Northwest Athletics
MARYVILLE, Mo. – A three-pointer by freshman point guard Jaelyn Haggard gave a clear signal that Northwest Missouri State’s women’s basketball team put its last game behind them and was ready to battle Pittsburg State for four quarters.
“Tonight was such a big night,” said Haggard, referring to the Pink Out game to fight breast cancer. “We had a big crowd. It gave everybody the extra drive to come out and try to get a win.”
Northwest played well despite losing 73-62 Thursday night at Bearcat Arena. Senior Tanya Meyer, playing in her next-to-last game at home, turned in a splendid performance, scoring 31 and grabbing seven rebounds.
“I am going in every game trying to help our team be successful,” Meyer said. “Tonight was way more than us. Being the Pink Out game, competing for those survivors and knowing they have battled a much worse battle than we ever have gone through.”
Pittsburg State entered the contest in second place in the MIAA. The Gorillas showed plenty of signs in the first half that they are indeed the second-best team in conference. They recovered from a 19-15 deficit late in the first quarter and built a 24-19 lead.
“I think a lot of it was the added effort that we had compared to some previous games,” Northwest coach Buck Scheel said. “To hold that team to six offensive rebounds compared to what we have done before against teams was good.
“The tough thing was some of those offensive rebounds came at crucial times when we really needed a stop. With a team like that, second chance opportunities, they are going to make you pay. There is a reason why they have only lost five games and three in the league.”
Undaunted by the 9-0 run by Pittsburg State, the Bearcats fought back. A three-pointer by freshman guard Kylie Coleman pulled Northwest within two. The Gorillas scored the next seven points for a 31-22.
Northwest battled back once again. When Meyer drilled a three-pointer and followed with a layup, the Bearcats found themselves behind only 33-30. The Bearcats stayed close the rest of the second quarter and trailed 38-35 at halftime.
Meyer kept the Bearcats in striking distance. A three-pointer by her early in the third quarter narrowed the gap to 41-39. After the Gorillas responded with a three-pointer, Meyer answered with a two-point field goal.
“My teammates did a really good job of getting me the ball when I was open,” Meyer said. “Props to them. I know I don’t open my mouth a lot. I know if they see me open, they will give me the ball.”
Pittsburg State went into the fourth quarter with a 52-45 lead. Behind the scoring of Meyer, Northwest stayed close most of the fourth quarter, but was unable to come up with a run that would tie or give the Bearcats the lead.
— Northwest Athletics —