The Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball team beat Lincoln University on Saturday afternoon in Bearcat Arena, 77-67.

The Bearcats improved to 17-5 on the year and 10-4 in MIAA play. Lincoln drops to 4-19 overall and 1-13 in conference action.

Conner Crooker had a game-high 21 points to lead Northwest.  Crooker hit 7-of-11 field goals including three three-pointers to net his fifth 20+ point performance of the season. He also grabbed a team-high six rebounds while playing all 40 minutes.

In his first game since Jan. 17, Justin Pitts seemed to pick up right where he left off, scoring 18 points on 5-of-7 shooting. He was a perfect 3-for-3 from long range and had a pair of assists, two rebounds and a steal.

Northwest shot 57.5 percent from the field (23-for-40) for the game to Lincoln’s 46.5 (20-for-43).

Lincoln committed 12 turnovers in the game but outrebounded the Bearcats, 24-23.

Northwest had 33 points off the bench to the Blue Tigers’ five. Despite giving up five offensive boards, the Bearcats did not allow any second chance points.

Northwest will host Missouri Southern on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Bearcat Arena.

— Northwest Sports Information —