Maryville, Mo. - The SBU women's basketball team played a hard fought battle against the #18 Bearcats of Northwest Missouri, but came up short in the end 54-67.  "We executed and stayed disciplined on defense," head coach J.C. Carter stated after the game.

Junior forward LaKendra Smith had an excellent game once again.  Smith was 1 rebound away from having her 3rd consecutive double-double, finishing the game with 11 points and 9 rebounds.  Freshman forward Jacqui Zelenka scored 10 points in the loss, giving the Bearcats a strong presence down low.  "Kendra and Jacqui have been giving us great minutes," coach Carter stated after the game.  "They have been doing a phenomenal job and playing they are playing their best basketball of the season right now."  Senior guard Ashleigh Gallio contributed 9 assists in the loss.

"Tonight was one of our best defensive efforts all season," coach Carter stated about his team.  "All seven players played hard and gave it everything."  SBU was able to hold Northwest Missouri to is second lowest point total of the regular season, allowing only 67 points.

As a team, SBU shot 34.0% from the field, 29.6% from beyond the arc, and 76.9% from the stripe.  The SBU bench was able to outscore Northwest's bench 19-6.

Next up SBU will return home for senior night when they face Missouri Western on Saturday February 26, 2011.  Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.