Press Release

Nov. 16, 2007

Northwest Holds on in Late Seconds

Box Score

MARYVILLE -- The Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team pulled out a 57-55 win against Evangel University to open its 2007-08 season. Two missed shots by Evangel in the last five seconds ensured the Bearcats victory.

The Bearcats move to 1-0 while Evangel drops to 0-2.

Both teams struggled to make a basket early on as the game was scoreless for nearly the first four minutes. Evangel dented the scoreboard first on lay-up with 16:37 left in the half, but Northwest would counter with a 13-2 run. The Bearcats led by as much as 10 points going into the locker room with a 31-23 lead.

In the second half, Evangel battled within three points on five different occasions. With 9:15 left, Evangel's Caitlin Russell dropped in a 3-pointer to get the Lady Crusaders within two point, 43-41. Meghan Brue fired back with a 3-point play and 3-point basket to give Northwest a more comfortable lead at 49-41.

The Lady Crusaders would not go away quietly. A 9-2 run by Evangel got them within one point, 51-50, but Northwest would not relinquish the lead. A lay-up by Meghan Brue and a couple free-throws were enough for the Bearcats down the stretch.

Newcomer Andrea Dill led all scorers with 14 points. Meghan Brue was the only other Northwest player in double-digits chipping in 12. Evangel's Caitlin Russell was the only Lady Crusader to break into double-digits finishing with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting.

Northwest will take on Avila tomorrow, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m.

TEAM NOTES

• Northwest is now 31-6 all-time in season openers.
• The Bearcats are 5-0 in the Winstead-Reeves Classic.
• Both teams combined for 50 fouls.
• Northwest won despite being out shot 35 to 31 percent from the floor.
  
  INDIVIDUAL NOTES
• Kelli Nelson moved into third on the made 3-point field goals career list with two makes tonight. She now has 126 in her four-year career. She also moved into fourth all-time on the career steals list. Nelson has swiped opponents 206 times.
• Nelson made her 43rd consecutive start and Lauren Williams her 31st.
• Its the 26th time Meghan Brue has scored in double-digits in her career.