The Southwest Baptist women’s basketball team knocked off defending national champion, #20 Emporia State, in Bolivar, 75-67.

The Bearcats had five women in double figures, including Whitney Malone, who had a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Ashleigh Gallio was the Bearcats leading scorer with 15 points on 4 of 6 shooting from the field, and 8 of 10 shooting from the stripe. Gallio also had 5 assists, and 1 block to go along with her excellent shooting night. Jaquavia Couch had a great game, scoring 12 points, and pulling down 7 rebounds. Courtney Heady and Chasity Prince both scored 11 in the win.

“I believe this team can do a lot of things” head coach J.C. Carter stated after the victory, “they were really excited, and need to be excited. This team works hard.”