MARYVILLE, Mo. – DeShaun Cooper poured in 22 points to lead all players as Northwest Missouri State stayed undefeated with a 68-55 win over Bethel College in non-conference men's basketball action Saturday afternoon at Bearcat Arena.

Northwest improved to 5-0 on the year as Bethel fell to 0-5. The Bearcats open league play next week as they host a pair of MIAA powers with Emporia State on Wednesday followed by Washburn on Saturday.

Cooper led the way for the Bearcats as they overcame a hot shooting Bethel team in the second half.

The Threshers knocked down a three-pointer to take the early lead. It would only last a couple minutes as Kyle Haake followed a pair of Dillon Starzl free throws to give the Bearcats a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the game.

The Bearcats were able to limit their turnovers only committing nine while forcing 24 turnovers. A hot-shooting Bethel team was able to stay in the game in the second half, but Northwest again locked down on defense to preserve the win.

DeAngleo Hailey knocked down four three-pointers to also finish in double figures with 16. He was the second leading scorer in the game adding four rebounds.

Dillon Starzl also finished in double figures with 10 points and pulled down five points