Press Release

February 9, 2005

Northwest Women Slip By Truman, 62-59

KIRKSVILLE, Mo . --The Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team slipped by Truman State in the last minute after being ahead by 17 points in the first half then falling behind with 3:43 left in the game. The Bearcats had a comfortable 13-point advantage at the break but a 20-5 run by the Bulldogs pushed Truman ahead by two. The 'Cats battled back with three key jumpers and defeated the Bulldogs, 62-59.

Northwest improved its record to 12-12 overall and 5-8 in the MIAA. Truman fell to 9-13 and 2-11 in conference play.

The Bearcats made half of their 34 shots in the first half including three of nine from three-point range. The Bulldogs made 8-31, seven of which were treys. Northwest made use of a 23-6 run to extend its lead to 33-17 with less than 7 minutes left. Truman scored six of the last eight points to close out the half with Northwest leading 39-26.

All but one Northwest player scored tonight as the 'Cats went 26-71 (36.6 percent) but only four of 16 from behind the arc. Truman out-rebounded Northwest 45-40 but turned the ball over 24 times compared to Northwest with only 13. The Bearcats turned those Bulldog turnovers into 25 points.

Truman made 33.3 percent (20-60), 11-24 (45.8 percent) from three-point land and eight of 11 free throws.

Northwest had three starters in double-digits. Ashely Poptanycz, Meghan Blay, and Meghan Brue had 12 points each. Poptanycz also pulled down nine rebounds. Katie Fowler scored 15 for the Bulldogs made up of five three-pointers.

The 'Cats have won three of their last four games and are making their way to earning a spot at the MIAA tournament.

Northwest will travel to Pittsburg State on Sat., Feb. 12 for a 1:30 p.m. tip-off. The 'Cats lost to the Gorillas earlier this season (Jan. 15), 54-52.