Box Score

EMPORIA, Kan. – For the fourth time this season, the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats held its opponent under the 50 point mark for a decisive 71-45 win over Emporia State on Sunday inside White Auditorium.

Northwest improved to 14-3 on the year and 8-3 to remain in a tie atop the MIAA standings. The Hornets fall to 8-9 overall and 4-7 in league action as the Bearcats held Emporia State to its lowest point total of the year.

The Bearcats jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they led by as many as 28.

Both teams traded three-pointers as Alex Sullivan nailed his only points of the night putting Northwest up 22-12 with 3:56 left in the half. From there, the Bearcats lead would not dip below double digits.

The Bearcats' inside presence dominated the Hornets as they outscored ESU 26-16 in the paint. Northwest big man Dillon Starzl finished with a game high 15 points and six rebounds.

To start the game Northwest forced a shot clock violation for the home team and set the tone. Emporia State shot under 20 percent in the first half and only 26 percent for the game.

Senior Kyle Haake tallied 10 points as 13 different Bearcats scored in the game.

Northwest ends a three-game road trip on Wednesday as they travel to Washburn for a 7:30 p.m. tip.