KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The No. 4-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team captured the program's 12th all-time MIAA Tournament championship with a 78-65 victory over the Pittsburg State Gorillas at Municipal Auditorium.

Northwest extended its winning streak this season to 16 in a row. Northwest has won 24 consecutive MIAA Tournament games played at Municipal Auditorium. 

The Bearcats broke out to a 14-2 lead in the title game and never looked back. Northwest led by as many as 17 points in the first half and led 36-21 at the break.

Northwest enjoyed its largest lead of 19 in the second half at 60-41. Pittsburg State clawed back to within nine points on two occasions, but Northwest held off the Gorillas for the 13-point triumph.

Bennett Stirtz scored a game-high 25 points and he was joined in double-figures by Wes Dreamer (16), Daniel Abreu (14) and Byron Alexander (11).

MIAA All-Tournament Team
Deshaun English II - Pittsburg State
Mitch Mascari - Northwest Missouri State
Wes Dreamer - Northwest Missouri State
Jeramy Shaw - Pittsburg State
Daniel Abreu - Northwest Missouri State (Most Outstanding Player)