JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State Bearcat women's basketball team defeated the Lincoln Blue Tigers, 56-32. It's Northwest's first win in an MIAA opener since 2012-13 and the first road-opening win for the Bearcats since the 2007-08 season. After starting the first quarter slow and falling behind 8-5, the Bearcats used a dominant second quarter, that began with a 16-2 run, to take a 32-16 halftime lead. The Bearcats then leaned on their stellar defense in the second half, allowing only 16 points over the final 20 minutes. The 32 points allowed in the game ties a Northwest record for fewest amount of points allowed in an MIAA game (vs Nebraska-Kearney, Jan. 21, 2016). Jaelyn Haggard led the Bearcats with 13 points and was followed by Kendey Eaton with 12. Haggard hit 3-of-6 from behind the arc and went 5-for-8 from the field. Erika Schlosser led the Bearcats with four assists. Jayna Green set a career high with 12 rebounds and Paityn Rau added eight boards. Rau and Ellie Horn had two blocks each and played excellent post defense all game.&nbsp; The Bearcats will be back in action on Saturday, in Warrensburg, Mo., against the University of Central Missouri at 1 p.m. --- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest women set program record in 56-32 win at Lincoln