MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team dropped a close contest to the Ark.-Fort Smith Lions with a final score of 73-68.

Despite a balanced scoring effort and an attempt at a second half comeback, the Bearcats (13-15 overall, 6-11 MIAA) could not overcome the Lions (20-6 overall, 11-6 MIAA) in the final minutes of the game.
 
Northwest opened the game with a defensive play, as Royce Williams secured a steal immediately at the start. The team kept pace with Arkansas-Fort Smith through a series of strategic plays, including a three-pointer by Williams at 18:00, assisted by Aiden Gair, which gave the home team an early lead at 3-2. Despite trailing at various points, Northwest Missouri State remained competitive with key contributions from players like Osa Obasohan, who scored a layup at 11:42 to put the home team ahead 16-13. However, Arkansas-Fort Smith concluded the half with a scoring surge, leading 39-30 at the end of the first half.
 
Northwest narrowed the gap in the second half with a series of key plays. Jack Ratigan's dunk and subsequent free throw at 17:41 cut the deficit to six, sparking a momentum shift. Williams contributed with critical assists, including one leading to Gair's three-pointer at 18:39, and another to Robert Garcia's layup at 14:58, bringing Northwest Mo. St. within two points. Despite effortful play, Ark.-Fort Smith maintained a slight edge, and the half ended with Northwest Mo. St. trailing 73–68.
 
Gair scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. Williams added 15 points, dished out seven assists, and collected seven rebounds. Garcia tallied 15 points while converting three 3-pointers. Ratigan contributed with three blocks and two steals, adding six rebounds.
 
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Newman on the road on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. 
MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team dropped a close contest to the Ark.-Fort Smith Lions with a final score of 73-68.
 
Northwest opened the game with a defensive play, as Royce Williams secured a steal immediately at the start. The team kept pace with Arkansas-Fort Smith through a series of strategic plays, including a three-pointer by Williams at 18:00, assisted by Aiden Gair, which gave the home team an early lead at 3-2. Despite trailing at various points, Northwest Missouri State remained competitive with key contributions from players like Osa Obasohan, who scored a layup at 11:42 to put the home team ahead 16-13. However, Arkansas-Fort Smith concluded the half with a scoring surge, leading 39-30 at the end of the first half.
 
Northwest narrowed the gap in the second half with a series of key plays. Jack Ratigan's dunk and subsequent free throw at 17:41 cut the deficit to six, sparking a momentum shift. Williams contributed with critical assists, including one leading to Gair's three-pointer at 18:39, and another to Robert Garcia's layup at 14:58, bringing Northwest Mo. St. within two points. Despite effortful play, Ark.-Fort Smith maintained a slight edge, and the half ended with Northwest Mo. St. trailing 73–68.
 
Gair scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. Williams added 15 points, dished out seven assists, and collected seven rebounds. Garcia tallied 15 points while converting three 3-pointers. Ratigan contributed with three blocks and two steals, adding six rebounds.
 
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Newman on the road on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.