In front of a national TV audience the Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team controlled the pace for 60 minutes to pull off a 62-51 win over Pittsburg State Saturday afternoon at John Lance Arena.

After a grueling overtime win Thursday night, the Bearcats momentum carried over for their third straight win as they also stayed perfect in league play at 4-0. Northwest improved to 11-2 on the year as Pittsburg State fell to 10-2 overall and 3-1 in the MIAA.

The slow hard-nose pace, combined with an outstanding defensive effort, helped Northwest hold a slim 28-22 lead at the half.

Northwest jumped out to an 8-4 run to start the second half extending their lead to double digits, 38-27.

The Bearcats forced eight steals with DeAngelo Hailey adding three of his own. A steal and dunk by Hailey was followed by an Alex Sullivan three-pointer with 11:09 left in the game giving the Bearcats a 47-29 lead.

The Gorillas would fight back to pull within eight points on a JaVon McGee jumper making it 57-49 with 2:09 left in the game. However, the Bearcats were outstanding from the free throw line knocking down 16-of-22 to help seal the win.

Dillon Starzl led all players with 16 points while DeAngelo Hailey added 15 in the win.

Northwest returns to action next Saturday at MIAA rival Missouri Western where the Bearcats have won the last five meetings against the Gorillas. Tipoff from the MWSU Fieldhouse is set for 3:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —