PITTSBURG – The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team built a 12-point lead early in the third quarter then held off No. 20 Pittsburg State University down the stretch for a 65-59 victory Saturday (Feb. 14) at John Lance Arena.
Ja'Miya Brown provided a team-leading 12 points and eight rebounds to pace the Gorillas (18-6, 11-4 MIAA) but it wasn't enough for Pitt State to recover from a disastrous second period that saw the Bearcats (15-10, 8-7 MIAA) outscore the Gorillas, 23-11, to manufacture a nine-point halftime advantage (34-25).
Brooklyn Stanley (15) and Bailey Birmingham (14) combined for 29 points to send NWMSU to its fifth straight win. Sadie Maas added 12 points and nine rebounds.
Harper Schreiner finished with 11 points and five rebounds for the Gorillas, who shot just 34.5 percent (20-58) from the floor in the game.
Marin Adams and
Karolina Kiraga added eight points apiece while
Marie Wembadjonga chipped in with four points and seven rebounds.
The Gorillas, in the midst of a four-game home stand, will play host to the University of Nebraska-Kearney next Thursday (Feb. 19) at 5:30 p.m. (CST).