Five weeks after downing Northwest in St. Joseph, the Missouri Western women fell 69-58 to the Bearcats Wednesday in front of a near-full house in Maryville.

The Bearcats used a 17-0 run early in the second half to break open a 39-39 tie and take command the rest of the way.

Sharniece Lewis and Lanicia Lawrence led the Griffons in scoring with 13 points each.

Alicia Bell and Heather Howard, who was plagued by foul trouble early, added 9 points.

Northwest’s Annie Mathews led all scorers with 21 points.

The Griffons forced 29 turnovers, but were unable to contain the Bearcats, who shot 46% (18-39) for the game.  The Griffons shot 35% from the floor.

Northwest also won the advantage at the free throw line, going 28-32 to MWSU’s 12-19.

The Griffons fall to 13-10 and 6-8 in the MIAA.  Northwest improves to 11-12 and 5-10 in the conference.

Missouri Western returns home Saturday, February 23rd to host Nebraska-Kearney, which will mark “Pink Out Night” and “Military Appreciation Night in the Fieldhouse.”  The game will also be broadcast live on the MIAA TV Network.  Tip-time is set for 5:00 p.m.

— MWSU Sports Information —