KEARNEY, Neb. – The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team reached the century mark and picked up a 100-94 road victory Saturday over the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers.
 
Northwest moves to 9-6 overall and 2-2 in MIAA action. The Lopers dipped to 7-8 overall and remained winless in league play at 0-4.
 
Northwest put up 59 points in the second half and shot 59.3 percent from the floor in the final 20 minutes. Northwest sank 26-of-34 free throws, including 19-of-25 in the second stanza.
 
The Bearcats had five players in double-figure scoring led by a pair of 25-point games from Aiden Gair and Royce Williams. Gair went 5-of-10 from three-point range and Williams buried 4-of-6 from distance in the triumph.
 
Larenz Walters notched a career-high 19 points off the bench as he drained 12-of-13 free throws in the win. Matthew Mayes and Trey Moala each tallied 10 points. Williams grabbed a team-high nine rebounds and dished out seven assists as he flirted with a triple double.
 
It marks the first 100-point game of head coach Matt Keeley's Bearcat coaching career. It's the first 100-point game for the Bearcats against an MIAA foe since a 105-53 triumph over Nebraska-Kearney (Feb. 1, 2024).

Northwest opened the first half with an efficient start, quickly establishing a 4–0 lead with jumpers from Aiden Gair and Royce Williams. Despite Neb.-Kearney taking the lead briefly, the Bearcats responded with a series of strategic plays, including a fast break layup by Gair at 6:50 to cut the deficit to 28–24. The half featured significant contributions from Williams, who scored a crucial 3-pointer at the 1:22 mark to pull the Bearcats to within one at 37-36.

As the half neared its conclusion, Williams found the net with a 3-pointer at 0:56, reclaiming the lead for the Bearcats at 39–37. Williams capped the half with a jumper with eight seconds remaining, securing a 41–39 advantage for the Bearcats at the end of the first half.

Northwest pulled away with a crucial run midway through the second half, highlighted by Gair's three-pointer at 10:41, extending their lead to 75–68. Williams and Larenz Walters were pivotal during this stretch, contributing with key baskets and free throws. Despite Neb.-Kearney's attempts to close the gap, the Bearcats maintained their lead with efficient shooting and defensive stops. The half concluded with the Bearcats ahead 59–55, securing a final victory with a score of 100–94.

Northwest will be home Wednesday to take on the Central Missouri Mules. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. at Bearcat Arena following the women's matchup.