JOPLIN, Mo. —The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team shot 58.2% from the floor and picked up its third road win of the season with an 81-74 victory over the Missouri Southern Lions at the Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
The Bearcats buried 32-of-55 field goals, which included 64.0% (16-of-25) in the second half to gain their sixth straight win in Joplin.
Royce Williams and
Aiden Gair led the way with a pair of 20-plus point nights. Williams put up 24 points and five assists, while Gair added 21 points and two steals.
Northwest has won 14 of the last 15 matchups with Missouri Southern. Northwest is 12-13 overall and 5-9 in MIAA play. MSSU is 13-9 overall and 7-6 in league action.
The matchup began with the Lions taking an early lead, but the Bearcats quickly responded.
Aiden Gair ignited the visiting team with a 3-pointer at 18:14, assisted by
Jack Ratigan, setting the tone for a strong opening half. The Bearcats maintained momentum with Gair's continued scoring, including a fastbreak layup at 0:44, contributing to their offensive edge. By the end of the first half, the Bearcats led 39-33, capitalizing on seven successful 3-pointers and a solid team effort on the boards, securing a narrow advantage going into the next half.
Presley Ibeh ignited the Bearcats in the second half with a key three-pointer and a subsequent dunk, extending their lead early on.
Royce Williams contributed significantly with consistent scoring, including a late three-pointer at the 38-second mark to solidify the lead. The Bearcats concluded the half with a slight edge, scoring 42 points to the Lions' 41, leading to a final score of 81–74. This win marks Northwest's sixth straight victory in Joplin, where they have not lost since Jan. 4, 2018.
Williams led the Bearcats with 24 points, adding five assists and six rebounds. Gair contributed significantly, scoring 21 points and making three 3-pointers while collecting two steals. Ibeh was efficient from the field, converting 5 of 7 shots for 13 points. Robert Garcia added nine points and secured seven rebounds, complementing his three assists.
The Bearcats will face Pittsburg State on Saturday, Feb. 14 in Pittsburg, Kan. The game is set to tip off at 3:30 p.m.
