MARYVILLE, Mo. —  The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team prevailed at home Thursday over the Central Oklahoma Bronchos, 72-65.

The Bearcats moved to 11-12 overall and 4-8 in MIAA play behind a trio of double-figure scorers in Aiden Gair (18), Presley Ibeh (15) and Royce Williams (14). Williams secured his second consecutive double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. The Bearcats owned the glass against the Bronchos, 44-33.

Northwest overcame a 33-30 halftime deficit and out-scored Central Oklahoma in the second half, 42-32. The Bronchos led by as many as eight points in the second half before the Bearcats roared back to gain the seven-point victory.

Northwest opened the game with a quick jumper by Presley Ibeh, assisted by Aiden Gair, setting an early tone. They maintained pressure with a series of strategic plays, including a notable three-pointer from Royce Williams at 15:40, which gave them a slight edge. Despite their efforts, the Bronchos matched their intensity, resulting in four ties and five lead changes throughout the first half. Notably, the Bearcats capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 11 points in that category. However, the half concluded with Central Oklahoma leading 33–30.

Northwest Missouri State gained momentum in the second half, overcoming an eight-point deficit early on at 45-37. Williams led the charge with a three-pointer and a series of defensive rebounds, helping the team close the gap. Gair's three-pointer at 10:29 gave Northwest Missouri State a 50-49 lead. Ibeh and Jack Ratigan further expanded the advantage with crucial points in the paint and from the free-throw line.

A Gair three-pointer with 6:28 left gave the Bearcats a seven-point cushion at 58-51. Ibeh drained another three-pointer with 5:44 left to push the lead to 10 at 61-51. Ratigan added a conventional three-point play with 4:45 to play that gave the Bearcats a 64-54 edge. Despite a late push by the Bronchos, the home team secured a 72-65 victory, outscoring the visitors 42-32 in the half.

Gair scored 18 points and recorded six assists. Williams collected 13 rebounds and added 14 points, while also making three 3-pointers. Ibeh tallied 15 points and posted two blocks and two steals. Ratigan contributed with eight rebounds and blocked two shots.

In their next game, Northwest Mo. St. will play host to Rogers State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Bearcat Arena.