Northwest Missouri State used a huge second half Wednesday night as the Bearcats claimed a 68-50 win over Nebraska-Kearney in MIAA men’s basketball action.

The Bearcats improved to 18-8 overall and 11-6 in the MIAA moving closer to a first round bye in next week’s MIAA Tournament. The Lopers fell to 7-17 and 4-13 in league play as Northwest sweeps the season series.

Both teams struggled in the first half as UNK found a 26-24 lead at intermission. However, the Bearcats stormed out of the locker room to run away from the Lopers in the second half to the 18 point victory.

A 15-3 run by the Bearcats to start the second half helped Northwest open a 10 point lead that grew to as many 19.

One week removed from tying the Northwest record for three-pointers, Alex Sullivan was quite from behind the arc by the seniors’ standards. Sullivan finished 3-of-8 from behind the arc but Northwest hit nine three-pointers as a team to pick up the slack.

DeAngelo Hailey led Northwest with 15 points as the senior also knocked down three three-pointers. The senior added six rebounds in the win.

Northwest also took advantage of 15 UNK miscues with 25 points off turnovers compared to the Lopers four.

Tyler Shields of UNK led all players with 20 points and added seven rebounds.

The Bearcats can clinch a first round bye on Saturday with a win over Truman State. Northwest will also honor its two seniors Saturday with tip off scheduled for 3:30 p.m. from Bearcat Arena.

— NWMSU Sports Information —