Looking to snap a three-game losing streak, the Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team dropped its most heartbreaking loss of the season Wednesday night falling to Fort Hays State 54-53 from Bearcat Arena.
Fighting to keep their postseason chances alive the Bearcats fell to 11-11 on the season and 5-9 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State improved to 17-5 overall and 9-5 in league play likely clinching a first round home game.
Junior Monique Stevens was fouled with 1.7 seconds left on a three-point attempt with the Bearcats trailing 54-51. Stevens drained the first two free-throws before missing the final attempt off the back of the rim.
Working with a decisive height advantage, Fort Hays State pulled in the rebound to seal the win. The Tigers outrebounded Northwest 42-36.
It was a poor shooting night for both teams as the Tigers edged the Bearcats shooting just 31 percent. Northwest was held to 30 percent on the night.
The Bearcats trailed most of the first half before a three-pointer from Meridee Scott cut the lead to 27-24 at the half. FHSU stormed out of the locker room to lead by as many as nine points before Northwest took its first lead of the second half with 15:11 left in the game.
Both teams continued to trade baskets until a 9-2 run gave the Bearcats a huge momentum boost paced by three free-throws from Stevens during the run. Stevens led the Bearcats with 12 points in the loss and finished 7-of-9 from the free-throw line.
FHSU regained a lead they would not relinquish with 1:53 on a Katelyn Edwards’ jumper. Northwest was able to cut the lead to one on a Maggie Marnin layup before being forced to foul with 7 seconds left.
The Tigers hit both free-throws taking a 51-54 lead and setting up Stevens’ final free-throws.
Kate Lehman finished with a double-double to lead all players with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Northwest returns to action Saturday as they host first place Washburn. The Lady Blues held off the Bearcats last Saturday for a 64-53 win and carry a seven game winning streak. Tipoff from Bearcat Arena is set for 1:30 p.m.
— NWMSU Sports Information —