Northwest Missouri State Women's Basketball Extends Win Streak to 7 Games

Men's team falls short against Arkansas-Fort Smith Lions

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team extended its winning streak to seven games with a 62-54 victory over the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Lions. The men's team, however, fell short against the Lions with a final score of 73-68.

Why it matters

The women's team's impressive win streak showcases their strong performance this season, while the men's team's close loss highlights the competitive nature of the MIAA conference. Both teams' results will impact their standings and playoff positioning as the season progresses.

The details

The women's team took control early, establishing a 17-9 lead in the first quarter. They maintained their advantage throughout the game, with key contributions from Ella Moody, Kirsten Hauck, and Bailey Birmingham, who scored a career-high 25 points. The men's team kept pace with Arkansas-Fort Smith in the first half, but the Lions pulled away in the second half despite a late comeback attempt by the Bearcats.

  • The women's team celebrated its senior day on February 21, 2026.
  • The men's and women's teams will face Newman University on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Ella Moody

A senior on the women's basketball team who contributed early with a tip-in and a jumper in the paint.

Kirsten Hauck

A player on the women's basketball team who hit a key 3-pointer in the second quarter to extend the Bearcats' lead.

Bailey Birmingham

The leading scorer for the women's team, setting a career-high with 25 points, including six 3-pointers.

Royce Williams

A player on the men's basketball team who secured a steal at the start of the game and hit a 3-pointer to give the Bearcats an early lead.

Aiden Gair

A member of the men's basketball team who scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Bearcats men's and women's teams will both face Newman University on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The women's game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT, while the men's game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. CT.

The takeaway

The Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team has shown resilience and determination in extending their winning streak to seven games, while the men's team's close loss highlights the competitive nature of the MIAA conference. Both teams will look to build on their recent performances as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against Newman University.