Opening day of the Bearcats Classic brought a win for the Northwest Missouri State men over Upper Iowa 59-52.

The Bearcats jumped out to a 10-3 lead early and continued to fight off several Upper Iowa rallies. Seven points would be the biggest lead Northwest would have in the first half.

Alex Sullivan came away from the first half looking good going 3-for-3 from the field and totaling eight points and four rebounds.

Upper Iowa came back within four points of the Bearcats, but Northwest never gave up the lead.

The Bearcats pulled away in the final minutes of the game to clinch their fourth victory of the season.

DeAngelo Hailey led the way with 13 points and four rebounds and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

Dillon Starzl also finished with double digits points with 12 and led the Bearcats with six rebounds.

Northwest will put their perfect record up against Southwest Minnesota State (2-3) to cap off the Bearcat Classic Sunday with a 3 p.m. tip-off.

— NWMSU Sports Information —