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KXCV-KRNW


Local Sports

Dec. 6, 2017Game | Basketball

Northwest 74, Missouri Western 60

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Despite a sluggish first half that saw the Bearcats only leading by four at halftime, the number one team in NCAA Division II found a rhythm and put Missouri Western away for a 74-60 win at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph on Wednesday evening.


The win gives Northwest Missouri State (9-0, 3-0 MIAA) its 20th consecutive victory dating back to last February. Missouri Western falls to 3-7 overall, 1-2 MIAA.


The Griffons hung with the Bearcats through the first half by shooting 55.6-percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes. Northwest played a clean game without any turnovers in the half, but shot just 39-percent from the field.


Then the reigning national player of the year started to find his groove after halftime.


Justin Pitts shot just 2-8 in the first half, but scored 16 of his game-high 24 points in the second half as the 'Cats pulled away. Pitts also went 8-10 at the free throw line and dished four assists in the game.


Chris Ndow scored in double figures for the eight time in nine games this season as he finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds. That marked the eighth double-double of Ndow's career, and first this season.


Joey Witthus also added 11 points and four rebounds in the win.


Through three MIAA games, the Bearcats are allowing just 54.3 points per game.


Northwest's next matchup comes Sunday in Warrensburg as the 'Cats meet the team picked directly behind them in the conference's preseason poll, Central Missouri.


Tip off is scheduled for 3:30pm. Pregame on KXCV-KRNW will begin at 3:10pm.