Northwest Missouri State turned up the heat on Nova Southeastern in the second half, but it wasn't enough to comeback from a large deficit in Friday's 73-57 loss.
The Bearcats (7-5) enter the holiday break on a four-game losing streak after dropping both matchups in the NSU Holiday Invitational at Fort Lauderdale, FL.
A strong shooting effort by the Sharks, especially off the bench, combined with the Bearcats' 1-8 three-point shooting in the first two quarters anchored NSU to a 38-19 halftime lead.
Northwest improved the defensive intensity in the third quarter as Molly Hartnett began to go to work. The 'Cats went on a 13-4 to begin the frame and trim the deficit to ten. A layup and a couple free throws from Hartnett late in the third made it a nine-point game. The NSU lead was trimmed to nine again in the fourth quarter, but an 11-2 run for the Sharks put the game out of reach.
Hartnett posted her best offensive game of the season with 18 points hitting four of eight shot attempts, and 10 of 13 from the free throw line. The Overland Park, KS native also finished with five assists and three steals.
Caely Kesten and Kelsey Fields each finished with nine points apiece.
The Bearcats are off until January 2 when they host Fort Hays State at 5:30pm. Pregame on KXCV 90.5 and KRNW 88.9 begins at 5pm.