The Missouri Western men’s basketball team got big free throws and stiff defensive play down the stretch of an 83-78 overtime win over Northeastern State Thursday night inside the MWSU Fieldhouse.

It was the first overtime game for the Griffons since defeating No. 15 Fort Hays State last December. MWSU is now 5-4 on the season and 1-1 in MIAA play.

Missouri Western was 5-6 from the foul line in the overtime period and 18-29 for the night. The Griffons claimed 10 steals on the night, perhaps none more than important than two by Cortrez Colbert in OT to stop Northeastern State scoring chances.

Colbert stepped up in the game, leading all scorers with 25 points, four rebounds, five assists and four steals. Wes Mitter added 12 points on 4-4 shooting from behind the three-point line.

For the second straight game, all Griffons in the game scored with nine players scoring at least four points. The Griffons shot 57 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 62 percent at the free throw line. They held a narrow, 39-34 rebounding advantage and held the RiverHawks to a 41 percent field goal percentage.

The brief home stand continues Saturday when Missouri Western hosts Central Oklahoma at 3:30.  The game will air on 680 KFEQ and here on StJosephPost.com.

— MWSU Sports Information —