Box Score

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The 18th-ranked Northwest Missouri State Bearcats picked up its sixth straight win to stay atop the MIAA standing with a 67-61 win over Missouri Western Saturday at Bearcat Arena.

Northwest improved to 19-3 on the year and 13-3 in league play completing a season sweep of the Griffons. The Griffons drop to 7-15 overall and 2-14 in the MIAA.

The Bearcats pulled away late as they hit nine free throws in the final 70 seconds of the game to seal the win. The MIAA's leading free throw shooter, DeShaun Cooper entered the game making his last 15 free throws and extended that streak to 18 before missing.

Cooper made his final four free throws on Saturday to help seal the win. The junior finished with 19 points going 7-of-9 from the line on the afternoon.

Despite erratic play from both teams the Bearcats showed their tough nature leading almost wire-to-wire. Cooper would hang in the air and knock down his first three-pointer to give the Bearcats a lead they would not relinquish at the 15:28 mark of the first half.

DeAngelo Hailey would provide the first half offense for the Bearcats with 11 points and knocking down three, three-pointers. Hailey finished with 13.

Senior Jake Reinders paced Northwest with a game-high 20 points. The Omaha native also pulled in five rebounds, but was also a part of the final free throws to propel the Bearcats in the end; Reinders finished 6-for-6 at the free throw line in the victory.

Lavonte Douglas led Missouri Western with 14 points as they placed three players in double figures.

Northwest returns to the hardwood on Wednesday as they travel to Truman for a 7:30 p.m. tip.