Northwest Missouri State dropped the final game of the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic in St. Joseph 58-41 to No. 2 Texas Woman's University.
The Bearcats (1-1) were in a defensive slugfest through 10 minutes, trailing just 9-6 at the end of the first quarter. The Pioneers were able to open the game up in the second, outscoring the 'Cats 20-6. Northwest struggled with the length on the floor for Texas Woman's, the 2024 national runner-up, and shot just 3-14 in the quarter.
A 9-0 run early in the third quarter forced the Pioneers to call a timeout, but the Bearcats never got closer than 10 points the rest of the way.
Emree Zars put up eight points and six rebounds to lead Northwest.
Caely Kesten added seven points and five boards.
The Bearcats return to the Civic Arena in St. Joseph on Friday, November 8 for a matchup against MSU Moorhead in the Central Region Showcase hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission.