WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team extended its win streak to five in a row with a 73-65 victory over Northern State at  Just A Game Fieldhouse.

The Bearcats are 5-1 on the season, while the Wolves dipped to 0-4 overall. The Bearcats capitalized on their interior play, scoring 34 points in the paint.

Northwest Missouri State opened the game with a strong performance in the paint, scoring 18 points from inside, which set the tone early. They gained an advantage midway through the half with Larenz Walters converting two free throws at 10:10 to give the Bearcats a 19-17 lead. Later, a 3-pointer by Booker Scheierman at 6:21 restored their lead at 26-25.

In the closing minutes, Northwest Missouri State extended their lead as Matthew Mayes hit a crucial 3-pointer with 1:01 left, bringing the score to 38-32. Royce Williams sealed the half with a jumper at the buzzer, concluding the first half with Northwest Missouri State leading 40-33.

Northwest Mo. St. capitalized early in the second half with Williams scoring a fast-break layup at 19:13, assisted by Aiden Gair, to push their lead to 42-33. Gair further extended the advantage with two consecutive three-pointers, prompting a timeout from Northern St. Despite attempts from the Wolves to claw back, the Bearcats maintained their lead through consistent scoring, including a fast-break dunk by Mayes, as they finished the half ahead 72-63.

Williams led the team with 21 points and collected nine rebounds. Mayes contributed 17 points while shooting 6-for-9 from the field. Gair added 12 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded three assists. Walters made an impact with two steals and added six points.

In their next game, Northwest Missouri State will face Northern Michigan on Sunday, Nov. 23. The matchup is set to tip off at 2 p.m., taking place in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.