MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team secured a commanding 71-47 victory over Missouri Valley on Monday night at Bearcat Arena. 

This win marked the first victory in Bearcat Arena for Northwest head coach Matt Keeley, and it also extended the Bearcats' winning streak to four games. Northwest Mo. St. capitalized on turnovers, scoring 26 points off 21 Missouri Valley turnovers.

Northwest moved to 4-1 on the year, while Missouri Valley dipped to 3-4 overall.

Northwest opened the first half assertively, with Aiden Gair hitting back-to-back 3-pointers within the first two minutes, setting an early tone against the Vikings. The home team capitalized on turnovers, with Gair and Trey Moala contributing crucial baskets to maintain the lead. Despite the Vikings' efforts to close the gap, Northwest held firm, ending the half with a 24–20 advantage.

Northwest took control in the second half with a series of decisive plays, opening with a dunk by Moala at 19:47, assisted by Gair. The team capitalized on the Vikings' turnovers, with Matthew Mayes contributing a fastbreak dunk at 18:19 following Royce Williams' assist. Jack Ratigan added a free throw at 17:35 after securing back-to-back offensive rebounds, extending their advantage.

Northwest maintained their momentum with a balanced attack, featuring a 3-pointer by Booker Scheierman at 12:37 and a layup by Osa Obasohan at 6:50. The team demonstrated defensive tenacity, forcing 10 turnovers in the half, while Gair and Mayes each contributed key steals leading to scoring opportunities. The Bearcats finished the half with a layup by Jack Webb at 1:12 and a 3-pointer by Mayes at 0:24, securing a 71–47 victory as the game concluded.

Gair scored 19 points, including four 3-pointers, and added four assists. Mayes tallied 12 points and recorded five steals. Scheierman contributed eight points while blocking two shots. Ratigan posted eight rebounds and matched Scheierman with two blocks.

Looking ahead, Northwest is set to face Northern State on Saturday, Nov. 22. The game will tip off at 2 p.m. in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.