EMPORIA, Kan. - The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team blasted the Emporia State Hornets in their MIAA regular season finale Saturday at White Auditorium, 81-56. 

Northwest (15-15 overall, 8-11 MIAA) secured the No. 10 seed for the MIAA Tournament by getting hot from three-point land against Emporia State (9-19 overall, 5-14 MIAA). Northwest buried 11-of-19 three-pointers in the first half and finished by sinking 14 triples in the game.

Northwest Missouri State opened the game with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by Aiden Gair's proficiency from beyond the arc. Gair contributed significantly, connecting on multiple 3-pointers, including a fast-break shot at 9:24, helping his team establish an early lead. Royce Williams also added momentum with key plays, including a layup at 15:42, as Northwest Missouri State capitalized on Emporia State's turnovers by converting them into points. The visiting team closed the half with a commanding 47–26 lead.

Northwest Missouri State maintained its momentum in the second half, opening with a decisive dunk from Presley Ibeh at 19:19. The team extended its lead with a 3-pointer by Ibeh at 16:30, assisted by Gair, pushing the score to 54-30. A strong defensive effort, including seven steals, and efficient fast-break points contributed to their advantage. Northwest Missouri State concluded the half ahead, 83-56, setting the stage for a commanding victory.

Gair scored 24 points, converting six of nine attempts from beyond the arc. Larenz Walters recorded six assists and added four steals. Williams contributed 13 points, hitting three 3-pointers and collecting six rebounds. Mikhail Abdul-Hamid was perfect from long range, making four 3-pointers for a total of 12 points.