Press Release

Nov. 8, 2008

Bearcats Face MVC Favorite Illinois State in Exhibition Today

Game Notes (.pdf)

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State women's basketball, picked to finish third in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll, travels to Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite Illinois State for a 4:05 p.m. exhibition contest at Redbird Arena today. It's the third straight exhibition game between the two programs.

Both teams were NCAA tournament participants a year ago after both won their respective conference tournaments. Northwest advanced to the second round off a buzzer-beater by Meghan Brue while the Redbirds were stopped in the first round by Oklahoma.

Northwest earned a vote in the preseason USA Today/ESPN WBCA Top 25 Division II Coaches' Poll released Nov. 5. The Bearcats were one of three MIAA schools mentioned in the preseason poll behind No. 3 Washburn and No. 15 Emporia State.

In last year's exhibition game, the Bearcats led through the first five minutes and Brue led Northwest with 17 points in an 83-63 loss. Mandi Schumacher also added 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Fans can follow today's contest with a free radio broadcast on NorthwestBearcats.com, with a tape delay beginning after today's football game on KXCV (Maryville - 90.5 FM) and KRNW (Chillicothe - 88.9 FM). Fans wishing to watch the game can register through Illinois State All-Access for $6.95.