KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The SBU Lady Bearcats were defeated by Northwest Missouri, 58-82, in the championship game of the MIAA Tournament.

SBU took an early lead in the opening minutes, but was cold from the field early. The Lady ‘Cats were held to 4 points until 8 minutes had elapsed in the game.

SBU’s Erika Souza, who was named to the MIAA All-Tournament Team, was the Lady Bearcats’ leading scorer today with 22 points. Souza was 8 of 16 from the field and 2 of 6 from the three-point line. Cortney Shewmaker added 13 points.

SBU shot 38.6% from the field, and 28.6% from long range. The Lady ‘Cats were out-rebounded by Northwest, 26-45. The Northwest bench contributed 44 points to the score. SBU’s bench scored 7.

“Rebounding was the key,” said head coach Jim Middleton after the game. “It was a huge factor. And their bench was able to score, and ours wasn’t. But we believe we have more basketball to play, and that we’re going to represent SBU well in the national tournament.”

SBU’s record now stands at 21-9, as they learn tonight their position in the Division II Tournament.

Final Stats

Photos