Northwest Missouri State needed a win to clinch at least a share of a MIAA regular season title, however the Bearcats were dealt a 91-77 setback Tuesday from Southwest Baptist in MIAA action.

Northwest falls to 20-5 on the year and 14-5 in the conference as they now share first-place with Missouri Southern. SBU improved to 17-10 overall and 10-8 as they handed Northwest back-to-back losses for the first time all season.

After leading most of the first half SBU overtook Northwest at the 2:57 mark and took a 32-28 lead into intermission.

With 18 second half points from DeAngelo Hailey the Bearcats were not able to overcome a hot shooting SBU squad.

The purple Bearcats went 9-of-13 from behind the three-point line and were also outstanding from the free throw line. SBU made 30-of-36 from the free throw line including a 9-of-10 effort from Jake Dougherty who shared game high honors with Hailey adding 24 points of his own.

DeShaun Cooper also scored 20 points for Northwest while Jake Reinders added 14 in his 100th game as a Bearcat.

Northwest can still win the MIAA regular season championship on Saturday, but will have to do so as they host defending champion Missouri Southern. Game time from Bearcat Arena is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —