CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat women's basketball team fell 78-53 to the University of Northern Iowa Panthers in an exhibition game (for Northwest) in the McLeod Center. The Bearcats did a good job of overcoming adversity in the game, after falling behind by 19 with 4:25 left in the first quarter, the Bearcats played the Panthers to a six point game for the remaining 35:35.
The Bearcats were competing in their second exhibition competition against a Division-I opponent this year. (UMKC, Oct. 29)
The Panthers came into the game off a hot start, going 4-0 and taking down two power five schools, Missouri and Iowa, beating the Hawkeyes by 22.
The Panthers got off to a quick start in the game, starting on 14-0 run, ended by a Jaelyn Haggard step-back three-pointer. The Bearcats closed the quarter on a 7-0 run, to finish the quarter down 12-24. A strong defensive showing fueled the Bearcats in the second quarter holding the Panthers to 17 points on only five field goals. Fouls plagued the Bearcats in the first half. They committed 13 fouls and allowed the Panthers to attempt 18 free throws in the half.
The Bearcats turned the ball over 23 times in the game and were outrebounded 41-29. The Bearcats also committed 23 fouls and only drew 10, that allowed the Panthers to attempt 13 more FT's than the Bearcats.
Eaton shined in the second half scoring 17 points in the second half, to finish with 27 on the night. 27 is the most points UNI has allowed to any individual player this year. Haggard added 12 points for the Bearcats. Erika Schlosser and Paityn Rau led the Bearcats in rebounds with five. Schlosser played well defensively as well, having three steals and two blocks. Ellie Horn also had two blocks.
The Bearcats will be back in action Friday, Nov. 29 against Florida Southern in St. Joseph at the MWSU Thanksgiving Classic.