The Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team dropped an exhibition game against division I opponent Illinois State Sunday 55-50.

With four lead changes in the first half, the Bearcats showed up ready to play for their final tune up before the regular season begins Nov. 9.

Meridee Scott led Northwest in scoring for the first half with seven points while Ariel Easton pulled down five rebounds and added four points of her own.

The Bearcats held a slim 9-8 lead in the middle of the first half before the Redbird’s went on a 9-0 run to pull ahead. ISU led at the half 30-23.

The second half was a hard fought battle that came down to the final few minutes of the contest.

Shelby Mustain had a huge block on defense which turned into a layup by Ashleigh Nelson to tie the game at 46-46 with 4:29 left to play in regulation.

The Redbird’s outscored the Bearcats in the final three minutes of the game 10-4 as Northwest fell 55-50.

Nelson led all players in scoring with 17 points as she added two assists and four rebounds to her totals.

Mustain made her presence felt on the boards as she grabbed eight rebounds while blocking two shots in the paint.

Northwest tips off the regular season Nov. 9 as they take on Quincy University in Quincy, Ill with the game to set to start at 6 p.m.

— Northwest Sports Information —