Press Release

Dec. 22, 2008

Five Score in Double Figures in Loss to Dixie State

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ST. GEORGE, Utah - Rickeya McElroy matched her season-high with 22 points and added five rebounds and a pair of steals off the bench as Northwest Missouri State (4-6) dropped a 90-77 non-conference decision to Dixie State (6-5) tonight in Burns Arena. It's the final non-conference game this season for the Bearcats, who return home for an MIAA game in a week against Fort Hays State.

Northwest trailed 27-12 with eight minutes remaining in the first half before a three-pointer from Amber Vandevender triggered a 20-2 Bearcat run and provide the first Northwest lead at 32-29 with 2:38 remaining. The Rebels would score 11 of the next 16 points to take a 40-37 halftime lead.

A layup from Jessica Burton on the first possession of the second half brought the Bearcats within one, but it would be the closest Northwest would be as Dixie State answered with six points and eventually built a 20-point lead to cruise to a 90-77 finish.

Five Bearcats scored in double figures for the second time this season led by McElroy. Meghan Brue scored 12 points to reach double-digit points for the ninth straight game and 50th time in her career, on top of a team-high nine rebounds. Micaela Uriell matched her season-high with 11 points and Burton added 10 points.

Shelly Martin made her first collegiate start and finished with 10 points a team-high four assists.

Northwest forced 24 Dixie State turnovers and score more than a third of their points - 26 - off of turnovers.

Up Next: Northwest returns home after a month away from Bearcat Arena in a return to MIAA play with Fort Hays State Dec. 29. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m.