Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team played much better offensively in the second half.
The Bearcats limited their turnovers, passed the ball better and attacked the basket with a purpose.
Unfortunately for Northwest, it had no answer for the inside play of Missouri Southern 6-foot-2 center Shonte Clay and 6-1 center Dominique Mosley. The two players combined for 26, second-half points, leading the Lions to an 80-74 victory over Northwest Wednesday evening at Bearcat Arena.
The loss dropped Northwest to 5-12 overall and 2-8 in the MIAA. Southern improved to 13-3 and 7-2.
Northwest coach Michael Smith was disappointed in what he saw from the Bearcats Wednesday evening.
“It started before tonight,” he said. “Unfortunately, our first 10 minutes of this game was our two hour practice (Tuesday) night. It was one of those things we didn’t have the energy we needed.
“Obviously, our focus wasn’t there. We were running plays I have never seen before in the first half. It was a shame because I have been bragging on them a lot lately because of how we’ve been playing.”
Northwest is now in must-win mode if it wants to reach the MIAA Tournament. The Bearcats have a week of practice ahead of them before they return to action Jan. 30 at Lindenwood.
“I really hope so and believe so,” Northwest guard Ariel Easton said about playing with a sense of urgency the rest of the way. “I have said from the beginning that I believe in our team. I know we all have to come together this weekend and put some things together.
“This gives us a chance to regroup and get some new things going. I really think we will come out strong.”
Southern started the second half well, breaking a halftime tie and quickly building a 40-34 lead.
Northwest fought back and actually took a 42-41 lead with 14:42 left on a three-pointer by sophomore Tember Schechinger. The Lions went back in front on an inside basket by Mosley.
Schechinger answered again with a three-pointer that put the Bearcats back in front 45-43 with 14:12 left. It was that last lead for the Bearcats. A three-point play by Southern guard Sharese Jones gave the Lions the lead for good at 46-45.
Northwest stayed within one over the next 5 minutes until the deficit grew to six at 64-58. The Bearcats never got closer than four points the rest of the way.
“Both teams played pretty poorly in the first half,” Easton said. “We came out pretty sluggish and couldn’t create or finish plays.
“The second half we came out and tried to put some more energy into it. It took us awhile to get going.”
Northwest made only six baskets and shot 29 percent from the field but went into halftime tied 29-29.
The Bearcats came up with their best offensive play in the first half in the closing seconds. Ashleigh Nelson drove to the basket and kicked it out to Monique Stevens who made a three-pointer with 1 second left, tying the game.
The rest of the first half was a struggle for the Bearcats. Shots refused to go in. A few traveling calls took away possessions.
Despite the miscues, Northwest managed to stay close because of strong defense and solid free throw shooting.
The only time it appeared the game was slipping away from the Bearcats occurred midway through the first half when they fell behind 17-11.
Northwest slowly clawed its way back and closed to 21-20. It stayed close the rest of the first half. But close is no longer good enough.
“I am absolutely frustrated,” Smith said. “This was the most disappointing loss of our 12 losses just because I felt we had turned the corner both offensively and defensively and that did not show tonight.
“We didn’t play as a team and we didn’t communicate as a team. I think it is time for a little shake up. Next practice we are going to try some new things and go from there.”
— Northwest Sports Information —