The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team came back from a 19 point deficit to defeat Washburn, 83-76, on Saturday evening at Lee Arena in Topeka, Kan. Northwest moved to 10-5 on the year and 5-1 in MIAA play. Washburn falls to 11-3 on the year and 4-3 in conference action.

Conner Crooker had a team-high 19 points on 6-for-15 shooting. DeShaun Cooper shook off a rough start to finish with 16 points and six rebounds. Bryston Williams and Grant Cozad each had 10 points. Kyle Schlake had 10 rebounds for Northwest and added eight points.

Washburn pulled out to a 42-28 halftime lead after connecting on six three pointers. Down by double-digits throughout most of the second half, Northwest was able to pull it back to within nine, 63-54, with 7:11 remaining.

The Bearcats would score the next 12 points to take a 66-63 lead with 4:00 remaining in regulation. Washburn would pull it back to within one but Cooper answered with a three pointer, pushing the lead to 69-65.

With the game tied, 73-73, with 58 seconds remaining, Cooper hit another clutch layup and the Bearcats would hit seven free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Northwest will host Northeastern State on Monday, Jan. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Bearcat Arena. That contest was originally scheduled for Jan. 6 but was postponed due to weather.

— Northwest Sports Information —