The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats could not handle the inside presence of the 17th-ranked Pittsburg State Gorillas Saturday, falling 76-47 in a nationally televised women’s basketball game from John Lance Arena.

The Bearcats fell to 8-4 overall and saw their league record even to 2-2 as the Gorillas improved to 9-3 on the year and 3-1 in the MIAA. Pittsburg State entered the season ranked No. 3 and replaced the Bearcats as the South Central Champion last year advancing to the Elite Eight.

On Saturday it was all Gorillas as Northwest struggled from the field shooting just 32 percent. The Gorillas also controlled the glass, holding a 46-30 rebounding edge and were led by Lauren Brown who finished with 22 rebounds, setting a PSU school record.

Northwest found offense from freshman Tember Schechinger who helped keep the Bearcats close in the first half. Schechinger finished with a team-high 13 points and three steals in the loss.

The Gorillas tightened their defense in the second half holding the Bearcats to only 29 percent shooting from the field. PSU also got a lift offensively from Alexa Bordewick who knocked down four three-pointers and ended with a game-high 20 points.

For the Bearcats Maggie Marnin narrowly missed her second double-double of the year finishing with 10 points and nine rebounds.

The Bearcats return to the hardwood next Saturday when they travel to MIAA rival Missouri Western. Last year the Bearcats and Griffons split the season series with the home team winning both games. Tipoff from the MWSU Fieldhouse is set for 1:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —