KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a high-scoring affair, the Missouri Southern Lions took down the Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team in the first round of the MIAA Tournament, 91-85.

The contest featured 15 ties but the Bearcats managed to make only one of their last six field goals the Lions tallied the six-point win. The Bearcats are Lions were deadlocked at 83-83 with 3:05 to play when the Lions finished the game on an 8-2 run.

Northwest Missouri State opened the first half with a strong start, highlighted by Robert Garcia's early 3-pointer. The team maintained pressure with strong contributions from Aiden Gair, who added crucial points, including a 3-pointer at 13:34 assisted by Garcia. The Lions opened up a 12-point bulge at 31-19, but the Bearcats battled back to take a 37-34 lead as the result of an 18-3 run. However, Missouri Southern State managed to keep the score tight, eventually leading 47–44 at the end of the half.

Northwest started the second half with a swift 3-pointer by Garcia at 19:10, assisted by Gair, bringing the score to 47–47. The team showed resilience throughout the half, with Presley Ibeh contributing a crucial 3-pointer at 15:46 to tie the game again at 52–52. Despite their efforts, they were unable to maintain a lead in the closing moments. The game concluded with Missouri Southern slightly ahead, leading 91–85.

Larenz Walters scored 21 points, converting 9 of 13 free throws. Gair added 16 points and recorded five assists while making four 3-pointers. Royce Williams finished with 13 points and collected nine rebounds. Garcia posted 13 points and added three 3-pointers.