BOX SCORE (PDF)

MARYVILLE, Missouri - The No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team won a battle of MIAA unbeatens with an 83-75 triumph over the Washburn Ichabods in Bearcat Arena on Saturday.

Northwest ran the nation's longest win streak to 16 behind 26 points from Joey Witthus and 24 points from Trevor Hudgins. Washburn falls to 11-3 overall and 4-1 in MIAA action. Northwest is 6-0 in MIAA play.

Ryan Hawkins collected his seventh double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

The first half was a back-and-forth tussle with seven ties and five lead changes. Washburn led 26-24 with 5:36 for its final lead of the game. Northwest closed the half on an 11-3 run that included a Witthus three-pointer from half court that beat the halftime buzzer.

Washburn trimmed the Northwest lead to 36-33 on a layup by David Salach with 18:09 to play in the game. However, Northwest responded with 14-4 run that gave Northwest a commanding 50-37 lead with 14:56 to play. Washburn would get as close as seven points at 78-71 in the final minute before Northwest drained five of its last six free throws to take the 83-75.

Northwest will be in action next Saturday at Missouri Western. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. in St. Joseph, Missouri.

NOTES: Northwest has defeated Washburn seven straight times ... Hudgins dished out a game-high six assists ... Hudgins leads the MIAA in assists per game (6.2) ... Hawkins added three steals ... Hawkins leads the MIAA in steals (40).