Kyler Erickson scored a career-high 17 points Saturday night but Northwest Missouri State couldn’t overcome No. 17 Washburn falling 80-67 in MIAA men’s basketball action.

The Bearcats fall to 15-7 on the season and 8-5 in the MIAA dropping their third straight road game. The Ichabod’s improve to 15-5 overall and 8-4 in league play to move into the top four of the conference standings.

Entering Saturday’s game the Bearcats and Ichabods ranked as the top two teams defensively in the MIAA. After the dust settled it was Washburn who had held the Bearcats to just 36 percent from the field.

In addition to the solid defense from the Ichabods, their 80 points were the most given up by the Bearcats this season. Washburn was equally impressive on the offensive end of the floor shooting 57 percent and led by Martin Mitchell with 20 points.

Along with Mitchell, four Washburn players scored in double figures but it was the senior guard knocking down four of the Ichabods five three-pointers.

Despite a solid effort from the free-throw line, Northwest struggled from long range going 5-of-18 (27%) in the loss.

Northwest gets a second shot at the Ichabods as they host both Fort Hays State and Washburn next week. A Wednesday matchup vs. the Tigers followed by a Saturday matinee with Washburn starts a three-game home swing. Tipoff from Bearcat Arena on Wednesday is set for 7:30 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —