Desperately needing a win the Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team was able to rally for a 63-61 win over 25th-ranked Washburn in front of 2,047 fans at Bearcat Arena.
The win helps keep the Bearcats in the race for a first round bye as they move to 16-8 overall and 9-6 in the league standings. Northwest was not only able to avenge a loss last Saturday to Washburn, but snap a three-game skid as the Ichabods fell to 16-6 on the season and 9-5 in the MIAA with the loss.
A huge bench effort saw three Bearcats come off the bench to score at least 11 points helping Northwest hold off the Ichabods. DeAngelo Hailey knocked down six free-throws in the final 1:24 of the game to help the Bearcats in the win as Hailey led Northwest with 19 points and finished 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.
After a pair of one-point victories two weeks ago, the Bearcats were able to close another tight game on Saturday. The Bearcats got solid free-throw shooting as a Washburn three-pointer fell in with just 11 seconds left cutting the Northwest lead to 61-60.
Washburn was forced to foul as Hailey hit both free-throws to push the Bearcat lead to 63-60. Northwest elected to foul with a three-point lead on the inbounds, as Will McNeil made the first and intentionally missed the second.
The Ichabods corralled the rebound, but the last second jumper from Joseph Smith fell off the mark and the Bearcats saw their three-game losing streak come to an end.
Northwest was able to attack the basket getting to the free-throw line 17 more times than Washburn. Despite less than ideal percentages at the free-throw line, Northwest finished 18-of-27 while the Ichabods finished just 7-of-10.
Conner Crooker finished with 16 points as Grant Cozad added 11 to aid in the Northwest scoring off the bench.
Washburn’s McNeil led all players with 23 points and six rebounds.
The Bearcats close out their home stand hosting Missouri Western Wednesday. Northwest will try again to avenge a January loss to the Griffons and clinch a berth in the MIAA Tournament. Tipoff from Bearcat Arena is set for 7:30 p.m.
— NWMSU Sports Information —