A battle of the league’s top two men’s basketball teams saw Northwest Missouri State fall in a hard fought battle 60-50 to Central Missouri Saturday at the UCM Multipurpose Building.

The Bearcats, who had won two straight road games, fell to 13-5 on the season and 6-3 in the MIAA. Central Missouri improved to 14-3 and 8-1 in the conference to hold onto first place in the league and win its eighth straight over Northwest.

Both teams struggled offensively as it was nearly a five minute drought to close the game that eventually did the Bearcats in. Northwest lost junior post Dillon Starzl to injury just two minutes into the game as the offensive woes continued.

The Bearcats shot just 33 percent from the field, their lowest mark of the season, and were out rebounded 39-28. The woes hurt Northwest on the defensive glass too as the Mules converted on 20 second-chance points compared to the Bearcats’ nine.

Grant Cozad and DeAngelo Hailey each finished with 10 points to pace Northwest, as Cozad pulled in a team-high six rebounds.

Dominique Long had a game-high 13 points for UCM, while Matt Webb tallied a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Northwest returns to Bearcat Arena Thursday to host MIAA newcomer Northeastern State (Okla.), as the RiverHawks stand half a game ahead of the Bearcats in second place. Tipoff from Maryville is set for 7:30 p.m. against Northeastern State.

— NWMSU Sports Information —