KEARNEY, Nebraska – The No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball team moved to 18-0 on the season with a 85-57 road victory over the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers on Thursday.

Freshman Diego Bernard stuffed the stat sheet with a pair of career highs in points (21) and rebounds (8). Bernard also added two assists and two steals as Northwest won its ninth consecutive road game.

Senior Joey Witthus tallied a game-high 23 points on 7-of-9 field goals. Witthus also went 7-of-8 from the free throw line.

The Bearcats shot 57.1 percent from the floor. Northwest drained 19-of-30 shots in the opening half and cooled off by making only 13-of-26 field goals in the second half.

Northwest will travel to Fort Hays State on Saturday. Tip is set for 4 p.m. in Hays, Kansas.

NOTES: Northwest won its ninth straight road game … Northwest is 8-0 in MIAA play and has won 13 consecutive league games dating back to last season … Northwest is 70-7 in its last 77 MIAA contests … junior Tyler Dougherty tied a season-high with eight points.

— Northwest Athletics —