MARYVILLE, Mo. — Rogers State women's basketball (9-14, 6-8 MIAA) fell to Northwest Missouri State  (13-10, 6-7 MIAA), 65-55, at Bearcat Arena after a tense battle that saw the teams tied seven times. 

The Hillcats led by as many as eight points in the third quarter, but a 23-point surge in the final quarter propelled the Bearcats to the win. RSU capitalized on 20 turnovers, converting them into 20 points, yet struggled with 25 turnovers of its own.

RSU set the tone with an effective presence in the paint, scoring eight points inside and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities with three points. The team kept pace with the Bearcats by matching their scoring efforts from turnovers with 5 points each. Ella Hafer contributed defensively with a steal early in the quarter, while Samantha Shanks and Bailey Layman each drained key 3-pointers, helping the Hillcats gain momentum.

Despite some turnovers, RSU maintained a narrow lead throughout the quarter, with solid bench contributions accounting for six points. The Cats out-rebounded the Bearcats 11 to 7, providing crucial extra possessions. The quarter concluded with a tight score, RSU leading 16-14, as the Bearcats closed the gap with a buzzer-beating jumper.

The second quarter saw the Hillcats open with a steady offensive push, bolstered by Destiny Jones' layup and a three-pointer from Kate Melton, extending the lead to 22–17. This momentum was maintained with another three-pointer by Melton, following an assist from Ataya Casaus, stretching the advantage further to 27–18. Despite a strong defensive presence, including two steals by Hafer, RSU faced resistance from the Bearcats, who rallied in the final minutes, narrowing the gap to 29–27 by the quarter's end. Both teams concluded the quarter with 13 points each, leaving the score balanced after the second quarter.

RSU opened the third quarter with a scoring drive, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Casaus at 8:55, assisted by Jaiana Wiggins. This basket helped regain momentum after the Bearcats tied the score at 29. RSU maintained pressure through consistent paint scoring, including a layup by Shanks at 8:14, which kept them ahead.

Despite turnovers, the Hillcats held their lead, with Casaus contributing significantly by completing a three-point play at 5:32, extending the advantage to 39-33. However, the Bearcats responded with a quick stretch, capped by a 3-pointer from Brooklyn Stanley at 1:50, to take a narrow lead.

In the closing moments, RSU capitalized on defensive stops and turnovers. A fast-break layup by Shanks, assisted by Melton with 43 seconds left, put the Hillcats back in front. RSU sealed the quarter with another fast-break layup by Shanks at the buzzer, closing the quarter ahead 45-42.

The fourth quarter saw RSU struggle with turnovers, committing 10 during the final stretch. Despite strong defensive rebounds led by Wiggins, RSU faced challenges converting opportunities, making only two field goals. Shanks provided a brief momentum shift with a fast-break layup, putting the Hillcats ahead at 48-47, but the Bearcats quickly responded with a series of successful shots, including key three-pointers from Bailey Birmingham, shifting the lead.

RSU managed to keep the score close with effective free-throw shooting, particularly during the latter part of the quarter. However, a scoring drive by the Bearcats extended their advantage, closing the game at 65-55. Despite closing the gap to four points at 59-55 with just over a minute remaining, RSU couldn't recover, as defensive stops by the Bearcats sealed the outcome.

Shanks led the team with 13 points and recorded four assists, making 5 of 8 shots from the field. Casaus finished with 12 points, shooting 4 of 6 from the field and adding three assists. Hafer collected six rebounds and tallied three steals. Melton added six points and made two steals in the game.

Birmingham led the Bearcats with 22 points, connecting on 6 of 13 field goals, including three from beyond the arc. She also tallied seven free throws and added two steals. Sadie Maas contributed significantly with 15 points, shooting 5 of 9 from the field, and secured nine rebounds, including three offensive boards.

RSU will return to action against Central Oklahoma next Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Edmond.