Northwest Missouri State led most of the night as they took a 74-43 win over Waldorf College in men’s non-conference basketball action Tuesday night at Bearcat Arena.

The Bearcats (2-0) jumped out to a 10-2 lead and never looked back as they also ended the game on a 9-0. Waldorf a NAIA opponent fell to 1-2 on the season while Northwest continues action this weekend at the Hillyard Classic hosted by Missouri Western.

The Warriors would rally in the early going to cut the Bearcat lead to 25-23 with over four minutes left in the half. Waldorf eventually took their only lead after a Dillon Starzl allowed WC to take the lead for only a moment.

Bryston Williams would knock down a deep three pointer on the wing giving Northwest back the lead, something they would not give up the rest of the night. Williams would finish with seven points.

Then back-to-back baskets from DeShaun Cooper extended the Bearcat led to five at the half. Cooper tied for a game high 15 points with Alex Sullivan. Sullivan finished 4 for 4 from the free throw line to help aid in his final total.

Northwest quickly built a double digit lead in the first five minutes of the half taking a 41-30 lead at the first media timeout. The Bearcats would cruise from there converting 20 points off 14 Waldorf turnovers. Northwest was solid at the guard positions only turning over the ball nine times.

The Bearcats open play Friday night at the Hillyard Classic against Rockhurst with a 5:30 p.m. tip. Saturday night’s start time against William Jewell has been pushed back to 6 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —