This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Listen Live
Donate
MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


Local Sports

Nov. 2, 2024Game | Basketball

Northwest 57, Ashland 49


(File photo, courtesy Northwest Athletics)

Download .mp3

Northwest Missouri State opened the 2024-25 campaign with its first win over a team ranked in the top five nationally since 2009.

The Bearcats (1-0) knocked off No. 5 Ashland 57-49 to begin the season with a bang.

Northwest trailed by two at halftime, but pushed in front thanks to a strong defensive effort in the third quarter. The Eagles were outscored 18-10 and shot just 3-12 from the field in the frame.

The Bearcats opened a nine-point advantage with 6:18 to play after a bucket by Kelsey Fields. Then the Eagles began to chip away.

A 9-2 run brought Ashland back within two of Northwest. After a stop in the final minute, Caely Kesten ran the floor and dumped a pass off to Fields who finished at the rim to push the Bearcats ahead by four.

Another defensive stand and rebound led to free throws from Molly Hartnett to put Northwest on top 53-47 with 31 seconds left.

Kesten paced Northwest with 14 points and five rebounds. Fields added her 11th double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Bearcat newcomers Emree Zars and Aaliyah Riley made their presence felt in the opener. Zars scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds. Riley played 30 minutes in her first collegiate game, recording eight points and three boards.

Northwest is back in action Sunday at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph against No. 2 Texas Woman's University.