MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team picked up its 19th consecutive victory against Northeastern State and moved up a slot in the MIAA standings as the league regular season slate winds down.

Northwest (13-14 overall, 6-10 MIAA) connected on 13-of-22 three-pointers and tallied an 87-80 victory over Northeastern State (12-13 overall, 5-11 MIAA). Northwest went 18-of-19 at the free throw line. Northwest is 10-1 when scoring 80 or more points under head coach Matt Keeley, and they are 8-1 this season when reaching that mark.

Royce Williams led with 25 points, converting 8-of-8 free throws and securing 10 rebounds, earning his third career double-double. Aiden Gair contributed 18 points, making four 3-pointers and recording two steals. Robby Garcia added a career-high 24 points, hitting five 3-pointers and collecting six rebounds. Jack Ratigan contributed defensively with two blocks and two steals, while also adding seven rebounds.

Northwest opened the first half with a balanced offensive attack, trading early baskets with Northeastern State before finding their rhythm. After trailing 8–0, Gair's 3-pointer began a 9–0 run to seize the lead at 9–8. The home team capitalized on its shooting efficiency, converting 7 of 12 from beyond the arc and maintaining a slight rebounding edge. Despite multiple ties and lead changes, the Bearcats closed the half with a strong surge, highlighted by Garcia's late 3-pointer, finishing the half ahead 43–35.

Northwest gained momentum midway through the second half with a sequence of crucial plays. Garcia sparked a pivotal run with a 3-pointer at 12:48, assisted by Jack Ratigan, giving the home team a narrow lead. Gair followed with a string of three 3-pointers, each assisted by Royce Williams, to open a slight gap on the scoreboard. 

With the score tied at 54-54, NSU head coach Ja Havens was whistled for a technical foul and Williams drained both free throws to give the Bearcats a 56-54 edge with 10:36 left in the game.

Gair caught fire and drained three consecutive three-pointers to turn a 60-59 deficit into a 68-65 advantage with 6:24 to play. 

Despite Northeastern State's efforts to keep pace, the Bearcats maintained their edge, closing the half with steady free-throw shooting by Williams.

In their next contest, the Bearcats will host Arkansas Fort Smith on Saturday, Feb. 21. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. CT. Northwest will honor seven players on Senior Day against the Lions.