The Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team dropped a close game Wednesday night to Central Missouri 78-67 at Bearcat Arena.

Northwest fell behind 17-2, then clawed their way back to be down 33-29 at the half. Kylie Coleman hit a three pointer to bring the game within three at 62-59 with 7:44 left in the game, Central then went on a 9-0 run and never looked back.

Kendey Eaton scored a career high 37 points, which is tied for third in Northwest history for points in a game. Mallory McConkey added 10. The Bearcats shot 50% from the floor and 37.5% from the three-point line. The Bearcats won the turnover margin 12-11.

The Jennies had all five starters score in double figures led by Morgan Fleming with 20 points, Fleming also led the team in rebounds with 9. Central outrebounded Northwest 35-22. They had 13 offensive rebounds.

Northwest plays again on Saturday against Southwest Baptist at 1:30 p.m. in Bearcat Arena.

— Northwest Athletics —