KEARNEY, Neb. – The Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball team reached the century mark and picked up a 100-94 road victory Saturday over the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers.
Northwest moves to 9-6 overall and 2-2 in MIAA action. The Lopers dipped to 7-8 overall and remained winless in league play at 0-4.
Northwest put up 59 points in the second half and shot 59.3 percent from the floor in the final 20 minutes. Northwest sank 26-of-34 free throws, including 19-of-25 in the second stanza.
The Bearcats had five players in double-figure scoring led by a pair of 25-point games from Aiden Gair and Royce Williams. Gair went 5-of-10 from three-point range and Williams buried 4-of-6 from distance in the triumph.
Larenz Walters notched a career-high 19 points off the bench as he drained 12-of-13 free throws in the win. Matthew Mayes and Trey Moala each tallied 10 points. Williams grabbed a team-high nine rebounds and dished out seven assists as he flirted with a triple double.
It marks the first 100-point game of head coach Matt Keeley’s Bearcat coaching career. It’s the first 100-point game for the Bearcats against an MIAA foe since a 101-63 triumph over Missouri Western (Dec. 18, 2021). Northwest’s last 100-point game came in a 100-44 victory over Clarke on Dec. 30, 2023.
Northwest opened the first half with an efficient start, quickly establishing a 4–0 lead with jumpers from Aiden Gair and Royce Williams. Despite Neb.-Kearney taking the lead briefly, the Bearcats responded with a series of strategic plays, including a fast break layup by Gair at 6:50 to cut the deficit to 28–24. The half featured significant contributions from Williams, who scored a crucial 3-pointer at the 1:22 mark to pull the Bearcats to within one at 37-36.
As the half neared its conclusion, Williams found the net with a 3-pointer at 0:56, reclaiming the lead for the Bearcats at 39–37. Williams capped the half with a jumper with eight seconds remaining, securing a 41–39 advantage for the Bearcats at the end of the first half.
Northwest pulled away with a crucial run midway through the second half, highlighted by Gair’s three-pointer at 10:41, extending their lead to 75–68. Williams and Larenz Walters were pivotal during this stretch, contributing with key baskets and free throws. Despite Neb.-Kearney’s attempts to close the gap, the Bearcats maintained their lead with efficient shooting and defensive stops. The half concluded with the Bearcats ahead 59–55, securing a final victory with a score of 100–94.
Northwest will be home Wednesday to take on the Central Missouri Mules. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. at Bearcat Arena following the women’s matchup.
KEARNEY, Neb. — The University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers landed a 71-49 home victory over the Northwest Missouri State University women’s basketball team in Saturday MIAA action.
The Lopers improved to 9-6 overall and 2-2 in MIAA play. Northwest dropped its second straight game to make the Bearcats 9-5 overall and 2-2 in league action.
UNK, which held a five-point advantage at the break, outscored Northwest in the second half, 40-23. The Lopers forced the Bearcats into 22 turnovers and held Northwest 37.3% from the field (19-of-51).
Freshman Bailey Birmigham tallied a team-best 11 points as she buried a team-high three three-pointers. Sophomore Kirsten Hauck notched 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field, which included 2-of-3 from distance. Sophomore Sadie Maas narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and a team-high nine rebounds. Maas also corralled three steals and blocked four shots.
The game commenced with a strong start for the Bearcats as Sadie Maas connected on a 3-pointer, assisted by Bailey Birmingham, to open the scoring. Despite early defensive efforts, including four blocks and four steals, they faced challenges in maintaining the lead. Kirsten Hauck provided a critical boost with consecutive 3-pointers, narrowing the gap late in the quarter. A late jumper by Maas brought the Bearcats within one point, ending the first quarter with a score of 18-17 in favor of the Lopers.
Northwest initiated the second quarter with a brief lead, sparked by Hauck’s jumper at 8:22. Boston Wand extended the advantage with a layup assisted by Maggie Collins, bringing the score to 21-18. Andrea Lopreato contributed with two successful free throws at the 7:00 mark, maintaining a slight edge. However, Nebraska-Kearney responded with a scoring surge led by Tara Biocanin, who tied and eventually propelled the home team into the lead. Despite a late 3-pointer from Birmingham at 2:12 to temporarily regain the advantage, the Bearcats ended the quarter trailing 31-26.
The Bearcats opened the third quarter with a quick layup by Wand, assisted by Lopreato, narrowing the deficit to three points. Despite persistent efforts, including a 3-pointer by Birmingham at 5:51 and a fast-break jumper from Maas, the Bearcats struggled to close the gap as Nebraska-Kearney maintained their lead. They faced challenges with turnovers, totaling 12 in the quarter, which hindered their comeback attempts. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats trailing 53-41 as the Lopers closed with a fast-break 3-pointer in the final minute.
In the fourth quarter, the Bearcats initiated the scoring with a layup by Wand at 9:30, assisted by Ella Moody. Despite this early basket, they struggled to maintain momentum against Nebraska-Kearney, who responded with a series of successful plays, including a three-pointer by Gosia Byczkowska at 7:26, widening the gap. The Bearcats attempted to close the deficit with a three-pointer from Reese Pasternik at 7:50, but the Lopers continued to extend their lead with effective scoring.
The Bearcats faced challenges in breaking through Nebraska-Kearney’s defense, with a notable turnover at critical moments. Avery Yosten added a three-pointer at 2:03, but it was not enough to shift the tide. The quarter concluded with a 71–49 victory for Nebraska-Kearney, as the Bearcats’ efforts fell short in the closing minutes.
Northwest will return home to take on Central Missouri Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Bearcat Arena.
