

ST. JOSEPH -&nbsp;Trey Vaval,&nbsp;Sam Webb&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hayden Eatinger&nbsp;earned more offseason awards for Griffon Football this week. The trio collected five accolades for the Griffons with the Don Hansen All-Super Region Three Team and D2Football.com All-America teams.

Vaval earned three special recognitions for his efforts during the 2019 season. The Blue Springs native earned D2Football.com second team All-America as an all-purpose athlete as well as first team Don Hansen All-Super Region Three team as a return specialist. The Agent Barry Live United Bowl MVP also was recognized as co-freshman of the year alongside Gei'Vonni Washington of Ashland.

Sam Webb&nbsp;also received recognition from the Super Region. The junior was also first team Don Hansen All-Region team as a cornerback.&nbsp;Hayden Eatinger&nbsp;received All-Region third team recognition for his contributions at center.

The Don Hansen team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. The first team and second team All-Region selections advance to a national ballot from which the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America team will be selected.

The D2Football.com All-America Team was selected by the staff of D2Football.com with input from coaches and sports information directors from around the country.

ST. JOSEPH -&nbsp;Trey Vaval,&nbsp;Sam Webb&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hayden Eatinger&nbsp;earned more offseason awards for Griffon Football this week. The trio collected five accolades for the Griffons with the Don Hansen All-Super Region Three Team and D2Football.com All-America teams.Vaval earned three special recognitions for his efforts during the 2019 season. The Blue Springs native earned D2Football.com second team All-America as an all-purpose athlete as well as first team Don Hansen All-Super Region Three team as a return specialist. The Agent Barry Live United Bowl MVP also was recognized as co-freshman of the year alongside Gei'Vonni Washington of Ashland.Sam Webb&nbsp;also received recognition from the Super Region. The junior was also first team Don Hansen All-Region team as a cornerback.&nbsp;Hayden Eatinger&nbsp;received All-Region third team recognition for his contributions at center.The Don Hansen team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. The first team and second team All-Region selections advance to a national ballot from which the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America team will be selected.The D2Football.com All-America Team was selected by the staff of D2Football.com with input from coaches and sports information directors from around the country.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Three Griffons earn more postseason football honors



BROOKFIELD, Ill. —&nbsp;The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football team had seven players selected to the&nbsp;2019&nbsp;Don Hansen&nbsp;NCAA Division II All-Super Region Three squad.

The&nbsp;Don Hansen&nbsp;team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Ill., started and published&nbsp;Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette&nbsp;for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.&nbsp; Don Hansen's Football Gazette began selecting Division II All-Region squads in 2003.

The first-team and second-team All-Region selections advance to a national ballot from which the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America team will be selected.

The squads are selected by the Don Hansen Football Committee.

Northwest Missouri State's Don Hansen Super Region Three Selections:

Tanner Owen, OT - First Team Spencer Phillips, DL - First Team Parker Sampson, PK - Second Team Blake Bayer, S - Second Team Marqus&nbsp;Andrews, TE - Third Team Sam Roberts, DL - Third Team Zach Howard, DL - Third Team

BROOKFIELD, Ill. —&nbsp;The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football team had seven players selected to the&nbsp;2019&nbsp;Don Hansen&nbsp;NCAA Division II All-Super Region Three squad.The&nbsp;Don Hansen&nbsp;team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Ill., started and published&nbsp;Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette&nbsp;for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.&nbsp; Don Hansen's Football Gazette began selecting Division II All-Region squads in 2003.The first-team and second-team All-Region selections advance to a national ballot from which the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America team will be selected.The squads are selected by the Don Hansen Football Committee.Northwest Missouri State's Don Hansen Super Region Three Selections:Tanner Owen, OT - First Team Spencer Phillips, DL - First Team Parker Sampson, PK - Second Team Blake Bayer, S - Second Team Marqus&nbsp;Andrews, TE - Third Team Sam Roberts, DL - Third Team Zach Howard, DL - Third Team--- Northwest Athletics ---

Seven Bearcats named to Don Hansen's All-Super Region Three squads

BOYS Truman 59 Central 46 (4-6, 0-1 Suburban) Pattonsburg 60 St. Joseph Christian 55 (7-3, 2-1 GRC) GIRLS Bishop LeBlond 50 (7-5) Mid-Buchanan 31 Pattonsburg 58 St. Joseph Christian 31 (3-7, 0-3 GRC)

BOYS Truman 59 Central 46 (4-6, 0-1 Suburban) Pattonsburg 60 St. Joseph Christian 55 (7-3, 2-1 GRC) GIRLS Bishop LeBlond 50 (7-5) Mid-Buchanan 31 Pattonsburg 58 St. Joseph Christian 31 (3-7, 0-3 GRC)

City High School Basketball Scores - Tuesday, January 7

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- In the second game of his college basketball career, Tennessee's Santiago Vascovi was barely noticeable for the first 34 minutes. He then scored 12 points to lead the Volunteers to a 69-59 victory over Missouri.

"I really didn't feel the pressure," said Vascovi, a midseason enrollee who arrived at Tennessee on Dec. 28. "Back in Uruguay, all the stands are crazy. It's almost like a soccer game. They're all chanting all the game. It's another environment. Once I got here, it doesn't affect me."

Mizzou Arena was about half-full Tuesday, but the home crowd was riled up with the score tied at 53 in the final six minutes. That's when Vascovi, a 6-foot-3 freshman guard who had yet to score, went on a personal 8-0 run. He made two 3-pointers, then stole an in-bounds pass and converted a layup.

"I was still feeling confident," said Vascovi, a native of Uruguay who scored 18 points in his college debut against LSU on Saturday. "The 3 that I made really helped me get back in the game. That was a crucial part of the game."

Six players scored in double figures for Tennessee (9-5, 1-1 Southeastern Conference). Jordan Bowden scored 13, and Josiah-Jordan James, John Fulkerson, Yves Pons and Jalen Johnson each scored 11. It was a career high for Johnson.

Tennessee entered the game ranked 13th in the SEC in shooting percentage (.426, while Missouri was the league leader in field-goal percentage defense (.365). The Volunteers weren't bothered in the least, shooting 53.5% overall and 45.8% from 3-point range. That made up for some sloppy ball-handling. Vescovi had five turnovers.

"Twenty-one turnovers are hard to live with, but that shows you we have the ability," Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. "I do think we have a good shooting team, especially when we move the ball."

Tray Jackson scored a career-high 11 and Mitchell Smith added 10 points for the Tigers (8-6, 0-2 SEC).

The teams combined for eight traveling violations in the first half, but Tennessee cleaned up its act in the final minutes and scored the last six points to take a 32-28 halftime lead. Johnson, who entered the game averaging 2.4 points, scored 11 first-half points on 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range.

In the second half, the Volunteers opened an early 10-point lead. Smith helped the Tigers fight back, and his two free throws gave Missouri a 53-50 advantage. Then James answered with a tying 3-pointer before Vescovi took over.

"He has a slower jump shot, but if he gets it off, it's going in," James said. "He's so methodical. He measures it before he shoots it, but I know it's going in every time he shoots it."

Jackson, a freshman forward, didn't even play in the Tigers' loss at Kentucky on Saturday. But Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin is unpredictable in his substitution patterns, and he called on Jackson for nine very productive minutes against Tennessee.

Jackson made 3 of 5 field goals and 4 of 4 free throws.

"I was happy to see the way Tray played," Martin said. "He played great. He was a little winded, but he played great. He has the mentality to score the ball."

Missouri: Junior forward Jeremiah Tilmon sat out with a stress fracture in his left foot. Tilmon, who was on crutches Tuesday, is out indefinitely. A preseason second-team All-SEC pick, Tilmon has struggled to stay on the court this season because of frequent foul trouble and recently the sore foot. He is averaging 9.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game.

Tennessee: The Volunteers did what few teams have against Missouri: made shots. The Tigers had held five straight opponents to five or fewer made 3-pointers. Tennessee made 11 of 24 from beyond the arc.

"They're really hard to score on the first side," Barnes said. "You have to move the ball against them. They're not going to give you anything easy. We felt like we could get the ball going from side to side and get some things. Josiah is getting more and more comfortable. It normally takes our point guard a year and a half to understand our transition game, and it's not what it's been in the past, but we'll keep working on it."

Missouri: The Tigers face Florida on Saturday at home.

Tennessee: The Volunteers play South Carolina on Saturday at home.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- In the second game of his college basketball career, Tennessee's Santiago Vascovi was barely noticeable for the first 34 minutes. He then scored 12 points to lead the Volunteers to a 69-59 victory over Missouri."I really didn't feel the pressure," said Vascovi, a midseason enrollee who arrived at Tennessee on Dec. 28. "Back in Uruguay, all the stands are crazy. It's almost like a soccer game. They're all chanting all the game. It's another environment. Once I got here, it doesn't affect me."Mizzou Arena was about half-full Tuesday, but the home crowd was riled up with the score tied at 53 in the final six minutes. That's when Vascovi, a 6-foot-3 freshman guard who had yet to score, went on a personal 8-0 run. He made two 3-pointers, then stole an in-bounds pass and converted a layup."I was still feeling confident," said Vascovi, a native of Uruguay who scored 18 points in his college debut against LSU on Saturday. "The 3 that I made really helped me get back in the game. That was a crucial part of the game."Six players scored in double figures for Tennessee (9-5, 1-1 Southeastern Conference). Jordan Bowden scored 13, and Josiah-Jordan James, John Fulkerson, Yves Pons and Jalen Johnson each scored 11. It was a career high for Johnson.Tennessee entered the game ranked 13th in the SEC in shooting percentage (.426, while Missouri was the league leader in field-goal percentage defense (.365). The Volunteers weren't bothered in the least, shooting 53.5% overall and 45.8% from 3-point range. That made up for some sloppy ball-handling. Vescovi had five turnovers."Twenty-one turnovers are hard to live with, but that shows you we have the ability," Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. "I do think we have a good shooting team, especially when we move the ball."Tray Jackson scored a career-high 11 and Mitchell Smith added 10 points for the Tigers (8-6, 0-2 SEC).The teams combined for eight traveling violations in the first half, but Tennessee cleaned up its act in the final minutes and scored the last six points to take a 32-28 halftime lead. Johnson, who entered the game averaging 2.4 points, scored 11 first-half points on 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range.In the second half, the Volunteers opened an early 10-point lead. Smith helped the Tigers fight back, and his two free throws gave Missouri a 53-50 advantage. Then James answered with a tying 3-pointer before Vescovi took over."He has a slower jump shot, but if he gets it off, it's going in," James said. "He's so methodical. He measures it before he shoots it, but I know it's going in every time he shoots it."FRESHMAN IS A BRIGHT SPOTJackson, a freshman forward, didn't even play in the Tigers' loss at Kentucky on Saturday. But Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin is unpredictable in his substitution patterns, and he called on Jackson for nine very productive minutes against Tennessee.Jackson made 3 of 5 field goals and 4 of 4 free throws."I was happy to see the way Tray played," Martin said. "He played great. He was a little winded, but he played great. He has the mentality to score the ball."BIG PICTUREMissouri: Junior forward Jeremiah Tilmon sat out with a stress fracture in his left foot. Tilmon, who was on crutches Tuesday, is out indefinitely. A preseason second-team All-SEC pick, Tilmon has struggled to stay on the court this season because of frequent foul trouble and recently the sore foot. He is averaging 9.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game.Tennessee: The Volunteers did what few teams have against Missouri: made shots. The Tigers had held five straight opponents to five or fewer made 3-pointers. Tennessee made 11 of 24 from beyond the arc."They're really hard to score on the first side," Barnes said. "You have to move the ball against them. They're not going to give you anything easy. We felt like we could get the ball going from side to side and get some things. Josiah is getting more and more comfortable. It normally takes our point guard a year and a half to understand our transition game, and it's not what it's been in the past, but we'll keep working on it."UP NEXTMissouri: The Tigers face Florida on Saturday at home.Tennessee: The Volunteers play South Carolina on Saturday at home.--- Associated Press ---

Mizzou falls at home to Tennessee 69-59

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kevin Samuel and TCU had been bludgeoning Kansas State on the offensive glass all night.

Made perfect sense that's where the Horned Frogs would ultimately beat the Wildcats.

Their bruising sophomore center deftly tipped in RJ Nembhard's errant floater with 1.7 seconds remaining Tuesday night, moments after the Wildcats had hit a 3-pointer at the other end to tie the game, and that allowed the Horned Frogs to escape from a stunned Bramlage Coliseum with an ugly 59-57 victory.

"Big thing for us -- and it's always been -- offensive rebounding is a big part of everywhere I've been," said TCU coach Jamie Dixon, whose team pulled down a whopping 15 offensive rebounds. "I mean, Kevin was terrific and has been. Defensively, he does so many things for us and 15 rebounds says a lot."

The last one was the biggest one. It came after the Wildcats had tied the game on David Sloan's 3-pointer with 13 seconds left, and Nembhard had driven left on Mike McGuirl and hoisted up his shot. Samuel's tip-in found the bottom of the net with so little time left that all Sloan could do was throw up a heavily guarded, off-balance 3 at the buzzer.

"That's what Samuel does. He's a monster," TCU's Desmond Bane said. "I tell him that every day. He's gotten a lot better since last year, his motor is a lot better, is tough. Around the rim is a lot better. These are the types of games he's going to have throughout the season."

Samuel finished with 10 points to go with the 15 boards and lead four players in double-figures scoring, helping the Horned Frogs (11-3) start 2-0 in the Big 12 for the first time since joining the league. Bane contributed 16 points, Nembhard added 15 and Jaire Grayer finished with 10 in a total team effort.

Xavier Sneed led Kansas State (7-7, 0-2) with 19 points, though he was just 5 of 14 from the field. His biggest help came at the foul line, where he was 8 of 10 and the rest of the team was just 3 of 9.

"We need to get where we're getting consistent production out of guys every game and so far that hasn't happened," Kansas State coach Bruce Weber said. "It's typical of our season that we've had to deal with one thing after another."

The Horned Frogs allowed Kansas State to hang around as long as they were clanking 3-pointers

That started to change late in the first half.

Nembhard's deep shot from the wing broke a 23-all tie, then the Wildcats came up empty on their next two possessions, and Bane and Edric Dennis Jr. added back-to-back 3s that helped TCU take its largest lead of the game.

Makol Mawien scored just before halftime for Kansas State, but he left enough time for the Horned Frogs to race up the floor. The ball got loose but wound up in the hands of Grayer, and his buzzer-beating 3 gave his team a 35-25 lead at the break.

The Horned Frogs started 1 of 10 from beyond the arc. They proceeded to hit eight of their next 12.

Another lull hit TCU midway through the second half, but the Wildcats struggled to take advantage of it. They trailed 40-29 when the Horned Frogs went more than six minutes without a field goal, but when Bane ended the drought with a 3-pointer with 10:45 to go, the visitors from Fort Worth still maintained a 44-40 advantage.

Kansas State kept up the defensive pressure, though, and Sneed took it upon himself to carry the Wildcats on the other end. He buried a 3-pointer from the wing to pull within 51-49 with 3:50 left, then was fouled driving to the basket moments later and made the second of two free throws to make it 53-50 after the final media timeout.

That set the stage for the frantic final couple of minutes.

"Coaches are on me for being on the court too much. Maybe I need to jump on it and get a technical (foul) to wake our guys up a little bit," Weber said. "They made the big plays."

TCU had lapses in poise that could be attributed in part to playing its first true road game -- even though there may have been more empty seats than full ones. The Horned Frogs' only other games away from the Dallas metro this season came against Clemson and Wyoming in late November at the MGM Resorts Main Event in Las Vegas.

Kansas State has struggled to score all season, so it made was somewhat poetic that the Wildcats would lose another game on a missed shot at the buzzer. Six of their seven losses have been by single digits.

TCU returns home to face Oklahoma State on Saturday.

Kansas State heads to Texas on Saturday night.

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kevin Samuel and TCU had been bludgeoning Kansas State on the offensive glass all night.Made perfect sense that's where the Horned Frogs would ultimately beat the Wildcats.Their bruising sophomore center deftly tipped in RJ Nembhard's errant floater with 1.7 seconds remaining Tuesday night, moments after the Wildcats had hit a 3-pointer at the other end to tie the game, and that allowed the Horned Frogs to escape from a stunned Bramlage Coliseum with an ugly 59-57 victory."Big thing for us -- and it's always been -- offensive rebounding is a big part of everywhere I've been," said TCU coach Jamie Dixon, whose team pulled down a whopping 15 offensive rebounds. "I mean, Kevin was terrific and has been. Defensively, he does so many things for us and 15 rebounds says a lot."The last one was the biggest one. It came after the Wildcats had tied the game on David Sloan's 3-pointer with 13 seconds left, and Nembhard had driven left on Mike McGuirl and hoisted up his shot. Samuel's tip-in found the bottom of the net with so little time left that all Sloan could do was throw up a heavily guarded, off-balance 3 at the buzzer."That's what Samuel does. He's a monster," TCU's Desmond Bane said. "I tell him that every day. He's gotten a lot better since last year, his motor is a lot better, is tough. Around the rim is a lot better. These are the types of games he's going to have throughout the season."Samuel finished with 10 points to go with the 15 boards and lead four players in double-figures scoring, helping the Horned Frogs (11-3) start 2-0 in the Big 12 for the first time since joining the league. Bane contributed 16 points, Nembhard added 15 and Jaire Grayer finished with 10 in a total team effort.Xavier Sneed led Kansas State (7-7, 0-2) with 19 points, though he was just 5 of 14 from the field. His biggest help came at the foul line, where he was 8 of 10 and the rest of the team was just 3 of 9."We need to get where we're getting consistent production out of guys every game and so far that hasn't happened," Kansas State coach Bruce Weber said. "It's typical of our season that we've had to deal with one thing after another."The Horned Frogs allowed Kansas State to hang around as long as they were clanking 3-pointersThat started to change late in the first half.Nembhard's deep shot from the wing broke a 23-all tie, then the Wildcats came up empty on their next two possessions, and Bane and Edric Dennis Jr. added back-to-back 3s that helped TCU take its largest lead of the game.Makol Mawien scored just before halftime for Kansas State, but he left enough time for the Horned Frogs to race up the floor. The ball got loose but wound up in the hands of Grayer, and his buzzer-beating 3 gave his team a 35-25 lead at the break.The Horned Frogs started 1 of 10 from beyond the arc. They proceeded to hit eight of their next 12.Another lull hit TCU midway through the second half, but the Wildcats struggled to take advantage of it. They trailed 40-29 when the Horned Frogs went more than six minutes without a field goal, but when Bane ended the drought with a 3-pointer with 10:45 to go, the visitors from Fort Worth still maintained a 44-40 advantage.Kansas State kept up the defensive pressure, though, and Sneed took it upon himself to carry the Wildcats on the other end. He buried a 3-pointer from the wing to pull within 51-49 with 3:50 left, then was fouled driving to the basket moments later and made the second of two free throws to make it 53-50 after the final media timeout.That set the stage for the frantic final couple of minutes."Coaches are on me for being on the court too much. Maybe I need to jump on it and get a technical (foul) to wake our guys up a little bit," Weber said. "They made the big plays."BIG PICTURETCU had lapses in poise that could be attributed in part to playing its first true road game -- even though there may have been more empty seats than full ones. The Horned Frogs' only other games away from the Dallas metro this season came against Clemson and Wyoming in late November at the MGM Resorts Main Event in Las Vegas.Kansas State has struggled to score all season, so it made was somewhat poetic that the Wildcats would lose another game on a missed shot at the buzzer. Six of their seven losses have been by single digits.UP NEXTTCU returns home to face Oklahoma State on Saturday.Kansas State heads to Texas on Saturday night.--- Associated Press ---

K-State loses on a late tip-in to TCU 59-57



Northwest Missouri State University sophomore guard Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;has been named the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Co-Athlete of the Week for men's basketball.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;shares this week's award with Missouri Southern's Cam Martin.

Hudgins&nbsp;(Manhattan, Kansas) averaged 22.7 points per game, while shooting 63.6% from the field - including 70% (14-of-20) from three-point range and 12-of-12 at the free throw line as Northwest went 3-0 since the beginning of January.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;also dished out 5.0 assists per game, grabbed 12 rebounds and tallied seven steals for the No. 2-ranked Bearcats in wins over Simpson, Northeastern State and Rogers State.

Hudgins&nbsp;went 7-of-10 from the field and was 2-of-3 from distance in scoring 22 points against Simpson.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;had five assists and two steals against the Storm. He was a perfect 6-of-6 at the foul line vs. Simpson.

Hudgins&nbsp;scored 20 points and was 7-of-11 from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range in a 76-65 victory over Northeastern State.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;handed out seven assists, grabbed five rebounds and had two steals against the&nbsp;RiverHawks.

Hudgins&nbsp;poured in 26 points and was 7-of-12 from the field, including 6-of-9 from distance in a 74-55 triumph over Rogers State.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;grabbed three rebounds, handed out three assists and snared three steals while draining all six of his free throw attempts vs. the&nbsp;Hillcats.

The Bearcats will be in&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;road action this week with games at Emporia State (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.) and at Washburn (Saturday, 3 p.m.).



Northwest Missouri State University sophomore guard Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;has been named the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Co-Athlete of the Week for men's basketball.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;shares this week's award with Missouri Southern's Cam Martin.Hudgins&nbsp;(Manhattan, Kansas) averaged 22.7 points per game, while shooting 63.6% from the field - including 70% (14-of-20) from three-point range and 12-of-12 at the free throw line as Northwest went 3-0 since the beginning of January.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;also dished out 5.0 assists per game, grabbed 12 rebounds and tallied seven steals for the No. 2-ranked Bearcats in wins over Simpson, Northeastern State and Rogers State.Hudgins&nbsp;went 7-of-10 from the field and was 2-of-3 from distance in scoring 22 points against Simpson.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;had five assists and two steals against the Storm. He was a perfect 6-of-6 at the foul line vs. Simpson.Hudgins&nbsp;scored 20 points and was 7-of-11 from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range in a 76-65 victory over Northeastern State.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;handed out seven assists, grabbed five rebounds and had two steals against the&nbsp;RiverHawks.Hudgins&nbsp;poured in 26 points and was 7-of-12 from the field, including 6-of-9 from distance in a 74-55 triumph over Rogers State.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;grabbed three rebounds, handed out three assists and snared three steals while draining all six of his free throw attempts vs. the&nbsp;Hillcats.The Bearcats will be in&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;road action this week with games at Emporia State (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.) and at Washburn (Saturday, 3 p.m.).

--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest's Hudgins earns weekly MIAA men's basketball honor

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Thorir Thorbjarnarson scored 17 points and Nebraska turned back a second-half Iowa comeback to down the Hawkeyes 76-70 on Tuesday night.

Nebraska (7-8, 2-2 Big Ten) led by seven at the half, but saw Iowa (10-5, 1-3) come back to take its only lead of the game on Joe Weiskamp's 3-pointer that made the score 51-50 with 12:40 remaining.

The Huskers pushed the lead back to five on Kevin Cross' dunk with 7:22 left, only to see Iowa tie the score at 59 on another Weiskamp 3-pointer at the 5:19 mark..

Thorbjarnson hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 10-3 Nebraska spurt that put the Huskers up 69-62 on Cam Mack's layup with 1:47 left. The Hawkeyes got no closer than four down the stretch.

Nebraska opened up a 12 point first half lead on Haanif Cheatam's free throws with 8:04 left as the Huskers swarming defense frustrated Luka Garza, Iowa's 6-11 center and leading scorer, who didn't notch a point in the game's first 12 minutes.

Garza put up 9 points in the last 7:39 of the half and Iowa cut the Nebraska lead to three. But a late Husker flurry built the lead back to double digits and saw Nebraska up 38-31 at half.

Iowa lost the game at the 3-point and free throw lines. The Hawkeyes hit just 4 of 33 3-point attempts and made just 2 of 5 free throws.

Nebraska made 10 of 26 3-pointers and hit 14 of 26 from the free throw line.

Mack had 17 points for Nebraska. Cheatam had 14 points, Dachon Burke finished with 13 and Cross had 11 points.

Weiskamp led Iowa with 21 points. Garza finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds and Joe Toussaint had 14 points.

Iowa -- Tuesday's game ended a stretch dating back to Nov. 28 in which Iowa played eight of 10 games away from home. Iowa will have traveled more than 8,000 miles in six weeks when it gets back to Iowa City Tuesday night.

Nebraska -- Nebraska has struggled shooting 3-pointers this season, hitting just 33 percent of their 3-point attempts The Huskers warmed up from 3 in the first half, hitting 7 of 16 shots. Nebraska returned to form in the second half, hitting just 3 of 10 3-pointers.

Nebraska travels to Northwestern Saturday.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Thorir Thorbjarnarson scored 17 points and Nebraska turned back a second-half Iowa comeback to down the Hawkeyes 76-70 on Tuesday night.Nebraska (7-8, 2-2 Big Ten) led by seven at the half, but saw Iowa (10-5, 1-3) come back to take its only lead of the game on Joe Weiskamp's 3-pointer that made the score 51-50 with 12:40 remaining.The Huskers pushed the lead back to five on Kevin Cross' dunk with 7:22 left, only to see Iowa tie the score at 59 on another Weiskamp 3-pointer at the 5:19 mark..Thorbjarnson hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 10-3 Nebraska spurt that put the Huskers up 69-62 on Cam Mack's layup with 1:47 left. The Hawkeyes got no closer than four down the stretch.Nebraska opened up a 12 point first half lead on Haanif Cheatam's free throws with 8:04 left as the Huskers swarming defense frustrated Luka Garza, Iowa's 6-11 center and leading scorer, who didn't notch a point in the game's first 12 minutes.Garza put up 9 points in the last 7:39 of the half and Iowa cut the Nebraska lead to three. But a late Husker flurry built the lead back to double digits and saw Nebraska up 38-31 at half.Iowa lost the game at the 3-point and free throw lines. The Hawkeyes hit just 4 of 33 3-point attempts and made just 2 of 5 free throws.Nebraska made 10 of 26 3-pointers and hit 14 of 26 from the free throw line.Mack had 17 points for Nebraska. Cheatam had 14 points, Dachon Burke finished with 13 and Cross had 11 points.Weiskamp led Iowa with 21 points. Garza finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds and Joe Toussaint had 14 points.The Big PictureIowa -- Tuesday's game ended a stretch dating back to Nov. 28 in which Iowa played eight of 10 games away from home. Iowa will have traveled more than 8,000 miles in six weeks when it gets back to Iowa City Tuesday night.Nebraska -- Nebraska has struggled shooting 3-pointers this season, hitting just 33 percent of their 3-point attempts The Huskers warmed up from 3 in the first half, hitting 7 of 16 shots. Nebraska returned to form in the second half, hitting just 3 of 10 3-pointers.Up NextIowa hosts No. 12 Maryland FridayNebraska travels to Northwestern Saturday.--- Associated Press ---

Nebraska holds off Iowa 76-70

NORMAL, Ill. -- Keandre Cook had 22 points as Missouri State narrowly beat Illinois State 67-63 on Tuesday night.

Missouri State led throughout most of the second half, including a 10-point lead with 11:50 remaining. At that point, Illinois State went on a 19-8 run to take a 56-55 lead with 3:54 to go. After a series of ties and lead changes Missouri State took the lead for good on back-to-back 3-pointers by Cook, the second for a 63-58 lead with 1:20 remaining.

Illinois State kept it close and a 3-pointer by Ricky Torres drew the Redbirds within 65-63 with 14 seconds to go. The Redbirds fouled Missouri State's Lamont West with 3 seconds remaining and he made both ends of the bonus to seal the win.

Gaige Prim had 12 points for Missouri State (8-8, 2-1 Missouri Valley Conference, which ended its five-game road losing streak. Isiaih Mosley added 11 points and eight rebounds. Tulio Da Silva had 11 points for the Bears.

Antonio Reeves had 16 points for the Redbirds (6-9, 1-2). Zach Copeland added 15 points. Ricky Torres had 12 points and seven assists.

Missouri State plays Northern Iowa at home on Saturday. Illinois State plays Indiana State on the road on Saturday.

NORMAL, Ill. -- Keandre Cook had 22 points as Missouri State narrowly beat Illinois State 67-63 on Tuesday night.Missouri State led throughout most of the second half, including a 10-point lead with 11:50 remaining. At that point, Illinois State went on a 19-8 run to take a 56-55 lead with 3:54 to go. After a series of ties and lead changes Missouri State took the lead for good on back-to-back 3-pointers by Cook, the second for a 63-58 lead with 1:20 remaining.Illinois State kept it close and a 3-pointer by Ricky Torres drew the Redbirds within 65-63 with 14 seconds to go. The Redbirds fouled Missouri State's Lamont West with 3 seconds remaining and he made both ends of the bonus to seal the win.Gaige Prim had 12 points for Missouri State (8-8, 2-1 Missouri Valley Conference, which ended its five-game road losing streak. Isiaih Mosley added 11 points and eight rebounds. Tulio Da Silva had 11 points for the Bears.Antonio Reeves had 16 points for the Redbirds (6-9, 1-2). Zach Copeland added 15 points. Ricky Torres had 12 points and seven assists.Missouri State plays Northern Iowa at home on Saturday. Illinois State plays Indiana State on the road on Saturday.--- Associated Press ---

Missouri State wins at Illinois State 67-63

ST. JOSEPH – Freshman Reese Glover hit one shot all night and it was likely the biggest for the Missouri Western men's basketball team. The Griffons (7-8) are now 3-1 in the MIAA and 5-0 in the MWSU Fieldhouse after a 76-71 overtime win over Northeastern State (9-5, 2-3) Monday night.

Glover's 3-pointer with six seconds left in regulation sent the game to overtime. The guard was 0 for 6 from the field when he knocked down the game-tying shot. Missouri Western took over in OT, scoring 14 points and limiting the RiverHawks to nine. The Griffons scored nine of their overtime points at the free throw line, missing just one shot in the extra period after going 7 for 13 through the first two halves.

Up by one at the half, the Griffons quickly found themselves trailing in the second after a hot start by Northeastern State. A dramatic final nine minutes saw the teams trade the lead back and forth before Glover's clutch shot. Northeastern State led by eight with 15 minutes to go in regulation, but MWSU chipped away, taking its first lead since halftime on a Will Eames and-1 with 8:34 to go.

MWSU jumped ahead in overtime before Caleb Smith knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the game at 66 with 3:20 to go in the extra period. Tyrell Carroll answered to put the Griffs up for good with 1:46 to go, 69-66.

- MWSU is off to its best conference start since the 2009-10 season when the Griffons started MIAA play 4-1.

- The win left the Griffons tied for second in the MIAA standings with Northwest Missouri State.

- The Griffons are 5-0 at home after winning two home games last year and four the previous season. It's the best home start for the program since the 2014-15 season when the team also started 5-0. The five home wins are the most for the program since the 2015-16 season (10-5).

- The game featured seven lead changes and was tied eight different times.

- Northeastern State led for close to 24 minutes with the Griffons leading for a little more than 14 minutes. Neither team ever led by more than eight points.

- The Griffons shot 90% at the free throw line in overtime after shooting 54% in regulation.

- Caleb Smith (24) and Kendrick Thomas (20) took 44 of Northeastern State's 67 shots and scored 52 of the RiverHawks' points.

- Tyrell Carroll led MWSU with 23 points on 50% shooting from the field. Carroll also led MWSU with nine assists.

- Will Eames posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. He scored six of his points at the free throw line on nine attempts.

- Tyree Martin pulled down a career-high 14 rebounds, seven on the offensive glass while scoring nine points and blocking two shots.

- Tyus Millhollin went 4 of 7 from 3-point range and scored 14 points.

Missouri Western begins a three-game road swing with a trip to Washburn (7-5, 2-1, Thursday night.

ST. JOSEPH – Freshman Reese Glover hit one shot all night and it was likely the biggest for the Missouri Western men's basketball team. The Griffons (7-8) are now 3-1 in the MIAA and 5-0 in the MWSU Fieldhouse after a 76-71 overtime win over Northeastern State (9-5, 2-3) Monday night.Glover's 3-pointer with six seconds left in regulation sent the game to overtime. The guard was 0 for 6 from the field when he knocked down the game-tying shot. Missouri Western took over in OT, scoring 14 points and limiting the RiverHawks to nine. The Griffons scored nine of their overtime points at the free throw line, missing just one shot in the extra period after going 7 for 13 through the first two halves.Up by one at the half, the Griffons quickly found themselves trailing in the second after a hot start by Northeastern State. A dramatic final nine minutes saw the teams trade the lead back and forth before Glover's clutch shot. Northeastern State led by eight with 15 minutes to go in regulation, but MWSU chipped away, taking its first lead since halftime on a Will Eames and-1 with 8:34 to go.MWSU jumped ahead in overtime before Caleb Smith knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the game at 66 with 3:20 to go in the extra period. Tyrell Carroll answered to put the Griffs up for good with 1:46 to go, 69-66.NOTABLES- MWSU is off to its best conference start since the 2009-10 season when the Griffons started MIAA play 4-1.- The win left the Griffons tied for second in the MIAA standings with Northwest Missouri State.- The Griffons are 5-0 at home after winning two home games last year and four the previous season. It's the best home start for the program since the 2014-15 season when the team also started 5-0. The five home wins are the most for the program since the 2015-16 season (10-5).- The game featured seven lead changes and was tied eight different times.- Northeastern State led for close to 24 minutes with the Griffons leading for a little more than 14 minutes. Neither team ever led by more than eight points.- The Griffons shot 90% at the free throw line in overtime after shooting 54% in regulation.- Caleb Smith (24) and Kendrick Thomas (20) took 44 of Northeastern State's 67 shots and scored 52 of the RiverHawks' points.- Tyrell Carroll led MWSU with 23 points on 50% shooting from the field. Carroll also led MWSU with nine assists.- Will Eames posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. He scored six of his points at the free throw line on nine attempts.- Tyree Martin pulled down a career-high 14 rebounds, seven on the offensive glass while scoring nine points and blocking two shots.- Tyus Millhollin went 4 of 7 from 3-point range and scored 14 points.UP NEXTMissouri Western begins a three-game road swing with a trip to Washburn (7-5, 2-1, Thursday night.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons rally to win OT thriller against Northeastern State 76-71

MARYVILLE, Missouri - A 16-0 second-half run help lift the No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State Bearcat men's basketball team to a 74-55 victory over Rogers State in Bearcat Arena.

Northwest moves to 13-1 overall and 3-1 in MIAA play, while Rogers State falls to 11-3 overall and 2-2 in league action.

The Bearcats had to rely on the sharp-shooting and scoring efforts of junior Ryan Hawkins and sophomore Trevor Hudgins. Hawkins scored a game-high 28 points and was 6-of-7 from three-point range. Hudgins hit for 26 and was 6-of-9 from deep as he surpassed the 20-point mark for the fourth consecutive game.

Hawkins became the 24th Bearcat to reach 1,000 career points when he buried a free throw with 7:58 to play in the opening half. Hawkins is also the 13th Bearcat to record 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.

Senior Ryan Welty took an elbow to the head six minutes into the contest and did not return. Welty picked up a foul on the play and did not record another statistic.

Hudgins picked up his third foul of the first half with 3:24 to play and he sat the rest of the half. The Bearcats led 32-21 after a Hawkins three-pointer with 2:33 to play before half. However, Rogers State knocked in a pair of three-pointers in the final 17 seconds of the half to cut the Bearcat lead to 32-27 at the break.

Following a Tavian Davis bucket with 10:59 to play in the game, Northwest held a 45-42 lead.

That's when the Bearcats hit the Hillcats with a 16-0 run turned the tied for the home squad. Hawkins began the run with a tip-in and Hudgins buried a triple to make it 50-42. Hawkins knocked in a three-pointer and Luke Waters scored a basket to push the lead to 55-42. Back-to-back threes from Hudgins and Hawkins put the finishing touches on the 16-0 spurt and gave Northwest a 61-42 bulge with 6:06 to play in the game.

Hawkins would pick up his fourth foul with 5:09 left to give the Hillcats some hope. The Hillcats scored on two straight possessions only to see Hudgins bury a three and Hawkins sink another one from long range to give Northwest a 67-49 lead with 2:39 left. Hudgins made a pair of free throws and Hawkins threw down a dunk to give Northwest a 71-49 lead with 1:23 to play.

Northwest will travel to Emporia State on Thursday and Washburn on Saturday.

NOTES: In his last four games, Hudgins is averaging 22.5 points and shooting 74.1% from three-point range (20-of-27) ... Northwest has won 25 consecutive home games, which ranks as the second-longest active streak in NCAA Division II men's basketball ... Northwest is 8-0 at home this season ... Northwest is 117-9 at home since the start of the 2011-12 season ... Northwest shot 52.2% from the field, including 12-of-23 (52.2%) from three-point range against Rogers State ... Waters added eight points off the bench ... Diego Bernard grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with seven points, five assists and three steals.

MARYVILLE, Missouri - A 16-0 second-half run help lift the No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State Bearcat men's basketball team to a 74-55 victory over Rogers State in Bearcat Arena.Northwest moves to 13-1 overall and 3-1 in MIAA play, while Rogers State falls to 11-3 overall and 2-2 in league action.The Bearcats had to rely on the sharp-shooting and scoring efforts of junior Ryan Hawkins and sophomore Trevor Hudgins. Hawkins scored a game-high 28 points and was 6-of-7 from three-point range. Hudgins hit for 26 and was 6-of-9 from deep as he surpassed the 20-point mark for the fourth consecutive game.Hawkins became the 24th Bearcat to reach 1,000 career points when he buried a free throw with 7:58 to play in the opening half. Hawkins is also the 13th Bearcat to record 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.Senior Ryan Welty took an elbow to the head six minutes into the contest and did not return. Welty picked up a foul on the play and did not record another statistic.Hudgins picked up his third foul of the first half with 3:24 to play and he sat the rest of the half. The Bearcats led 32-21 after a Hawkins three-pointer with 2:33 to play before half. However, Rogers State knocked in a pair of three-pointers in the final 17 seconds of the half to cut the Bearcat lead to 32-27 at the break.Following a Tavian Davis bucket with 10:59 to play in the game, Northwest held a 45-42 lead.That's when the Bearcats hit the Hillcats with a 16-0 run turned the tied for the home squad. Hawkins began the run with a tip-in and Hudgins buried a triple to make it 50-42. Hawkins knocked in a three-pointer and Luke Waters scored a basket to push the lead to 55-42. Back-to-back threes from Hudgins and Hawkins put the finishing touches on the 16-0 spurt and gave Northwest a 61-42 bulge with 6:06 to play in the game.Hawkins would pick up his fourth foul with 5:09 left to give the Hillcats some hope. The Hillcats scored on two straight possessions only to see Hudgins bury a three and Hawkins sink another one from long range to give Northwest a 67-49 lead with 2:39 left. Hudgins made a pair of free throws and Hawkins threw down a dunk to give Northwest a 71-49 lead with 1:23 to play.Northwest will travel to Emporia State on Thursday and Washburn on Saturday.NOTES: In his last four games, Hudgins is averaging 22.5 points and shooting 74.1% from three-point range (20-of-27) ... Northwest has won 25 consecutive home games, which ranks as the second-longest active streak in NCAA Division II men's basketball ... Northwest is 8-0 at home this season ... Northwest is 117-9 at home since the start of the 2011-12 season ... Northwest shot 52.2% from the field, including 12-of-23 (52.2%) from three-point range against Rogers State ... Waters added eight points off the bench ... Diego Bernard grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with seven points, five assists and three steals.--- Northwest Athletics ---

No. 2 Bearcats use big second half run to pull away from Rogers State

ST. JOSEPH - The season win streak hit six and the home win streak hit eight as the Missouri Western Women's Basketball (11-2, 3-1) team took care of Northeastern State (4-8, 2-3) 86-63 Monday night in the MWSU Fieldhouse.

The Griffons moved three wins away from matching last season's win total by once again jumping out to a big first quarter lead and maintaining throughout. Missouri Western never trailed and led by as many as 31 points with five different Griffons scoring double figures. They did all that despite Katrina Roenfeldt playing just 16 minutes due to foul trouble.

- The Griffons held Northeastern State to seven first quarter points and are now allowing just 11.2 points per first quarter. It was the sixth straight game MWSU held its opponent to single digit scoring in the first quarter.

- MWSU started the second half with a 9-0 run that capped a 17-5 run going back to the end of the first half.

- Kylee Williams scored nine of the 17 points during the mid-game run, going 3 for 4 from behind the arc during the stretch.

- MWSU shot 58% in the first quarter, 61% in the third quarter and 49% for the game.

- 13 Griffon steals aided in MWSU scoring 22 fast break points to Northeastern State's four.

- Chris Wilson led the Griffons with 16 points and was +34, with the Griffs outscoring the RiverHawks by 34 points while Wilson was in the game.

- Simone Walker had a team-high eight rebounds.

- Simone Rodney dished out a team-high five assists.

- Anastacia Johnson recorded five steals and scored 11 points.

- Mychaell Gray scored 12 points on 5 of 6 shooting.

The Griffons hit the road, playing at Washburn (7-5, 1-2) Thursday night.

ST. JOSEPH - The season win streak hit six and the home win streak hit eight as the Missouri Western Women's Basketball (11-2, 3-1) team took care of Northeastern State (4-8, 2-3) 86-63 Monday night in the MWSU Fieldhouse.The Griffons moved three wins away from matching last season's win total by once again jumping out to a big first quarter lead and maintaining throughout. Missouri Western never trailed and led by as many as 31 points with five different Griffons scoring double figures. They did all that despite Katrina Roenfeldt playing just 16 minutes due to foul trouble.NOTABLES- The Griffons held Northeastern State to seven first quarter points and are now allowing just 11.2 points per first quarter. It was the sixth straight game MWSU held its opponent to single digit scoring in the first quarter.- MWSU started the second half with a 9-0 run that capped a 17-5 run going back to the end of the first half.- Kylee Williams scored nine of the 17 points during the mid-game run, going 3 for 4 from behind the arc during the stretch.- MWSU shot 58% in the first quarter, 61% in the third quarter and 49% for the game.- 13 Griffon steals aided in MWSU scoring 22 fast break points to Northeastern State's four.- Chris Wilson led the Griffons with 16 points and was +34, with the Griffs outscoring the RiverHawks by 34 points while Wilson was in the game.- Simone Walker had a team-high eight rebounds.- Simone Rodney dished out a team-high five assists.- Anastacia Johnson recorded five steals and scored 11 points.- Mychaell Gray scored 12 points on 5 of 6 shooting.UP NEXTThe Griffons hit the road, playing at Washburn (7-5, 1-2) Thursday night.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Missouri Western women dominate Northeastern State 86-63

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team defeated the Rogers State Hillcats 63-48 in their fourth MIAA game this season. The Bearcats are now 3-1 in the MIAA, which is tied for fourth in the conference. This is the second straight conference game that the Bearcats held their opponent under 50 points, the last time they achieved this feat since February 2014. The Bearcats had 11 blocks on the game, including Jayna Greenswatting five shots, which is tied for seventh in Northwest history. 

The Bearcats were led in scoring by Kendey Eaton with 15, followed by Paityn Rau with 12 and Mallory McConkey and Kylie Coleman with 10 each. Mia Stillman led the Bearcats with seven rebounds and Erika Schlosser led the team with 4 assists. The Bearcats shot only 39% from the field, but were an impressive 16-17 from the free-throw line. Northwest outrebounded Rogers State 35-25. 

The Hillcats were led by Alicia Brown and Julie Luna with 12 points each. Bailey Kliewer, Vanessa Gadjosova, and Darian Jackson each had 5 rebounds. The Bearcats held the Hillcats to six assists in the matchup. 

Northwest will be back in action Thursday Jan. 9, on the road against Emporia State beginning at 5:30 p.m.

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team defeated the Rogers State Hillcats 63-48 in their fourth MIAA game this season. The Bearcats are now 3-1 in the MIAA, which is tied for fourth in the conference. This is the second straight conference game that the Bearcats held their opponent under 50 points, the last time they achieved this feat since February 2014. The Bearcats had 11 blocks on the game, including Jayna Greenswatting five shots, which is tied for seventh in Northwest history. The Bearcats were led in scoring by Kendey Eaton with 15, followed by Paityn Rau with 12 and Mallory McConkey and Kylie Coleman with 10 each. Mia Stillman led the Bearcats with seven rebounds and Erika Schlosser led the team with 4 assists. The Bearcats shot only 39% from the field, but were an impressive 16-17 from the free-throw line. Northwest outrebounded Rogers State 35-25. The Hillcats were led by Alicia Brown and Julie Luna with 12 points each. Bailey Kliewer, Vanessa Gadjosova, and Darian Jackson each had 5 rebounds. The Bearcats held the Hillcats to six assists in the matchup. Northwest will be back in action Thursday Jan. 9, on the road against Emporia State beginning at 5:30 p.m.--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest Missouri State women take down Hillcats 63-48

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western vice president of intercollegiate athletics Dr. Josh Looney announced the hiring of Rachel Benzing as the first-ever head women's lacrosse coach in MWSU history. Benzing brings experience in the region as a student-athlete and coach in addition to experience starting Division II women's lacrosse programs in the midwest region.

"Rachel quickly became our top target to launch Griffon Lacrosse," Looney said. "Her experiences with two different startup Division II programs, coupled with an elite collegiate playing career in Missouri, make her an ideal fit to lead and grow women's lacrosse in our community. Rachel's energy and enthusiasm will connect with student-athletes and mesh well within our athletic department. We believe Rachel is a rising star and are thrilled she will begin her head coaching career at Missouri Western."

Benzing comes to MWSU after helping usher in women's lacrosse programs at Lynn University and Maryville University. She spent two years at Maryville before moving on to help build the program at Lynn. After two seasons as a lacrosse student-athlete at University of Maryland Baltimore County, Benzing finished her playing career at Lindenwood University where she was a two-time All-American.

"I am extremely honored and excited to be named the first head women's lacrosse coach in Missouri Western's history," Benzing said. "I would like to thank Josh Looney and President Matt Wilson for entrusting me to build this new program alongside them. This is an incredible opportunity to expand the game at the collegiate level in a rapidly growing region. I look forward to developing future Griffs and creating a championship caliber experience here in St. Joseph."

In 2014, Benzing led Division I UMBC in assists and ranked fifth in the America East in assists per game. Benzing holds the Lindenwood career record for assists per game after helping the Lions to two NCAA Division II national semi-final appearances. In 2017, Benzing was named the RMAC Offensive Player of the Year, first team All-Region and first team All-American. Benzing was a two-time first team All-RMAC selection and also earned second team All-Region and third team All-American honors in 2016.

Benzing also served as head coach of the St. Louis Samurai and St. Louis Lacrosse Club from 2017-19. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a minor in nutrition from Lindenwood in 2017.

"I am thrilled for Rachel being named the first lacrosse head coach at Missouri Western! The Griffons are getting a fierce competitor who loves the game, and who is extremely passionate, knowledgeable, and driven. Missouri Western has chosen the right person to build and lead their new program. I know Rachel will have a tireless work ethic and have a profound impact on her student-athletes on and off the field."  - Jack Cribbin, Head Coach, Lindenwood University

"Coach Benzing has proven herself to be a very hard working, determined and knowledgeable young coach. Her experience starting new programs will be very beneficial in her new position at Missouri Western. She has shown the ability to lead with confidence and is well respected by her student-athletes. Rachel is an ambitious coach who will bring a true passion and love for the game to the new women's lacrosse program." - Mindy Richmond, Head Coach, Lynn University

"I have had the fortune of knowing Rachel as a player and colleague. Her understanding of what is required to push herself individually for the collective success of the programs she's a part of will be infectious for future Griffons. No stranger to the demands required of student-athletes, she will bring empathy and wisdom to battling past adversity in its diverse forms. Her resilience, passion and drive will define Missouri Western as she brings in top talent looking to cement a legacy that mirrors and rivals her own. She has competed at the highest level and knows what it takes to be a dominating force in all of Division II. I have no doubt in my mind that she'll bring Missouri Western into the fold of premier teams during her time in St. Joseph." - Jenna Kasmarik, Assistant Coach, Longwood University

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western vice president of intercollegiate athletics Dr. Josh Looney announced the hiring of Rachel Benzing as the first-ever head women's lacrosse coach in MWSU history. Benzing brings experience in the region as a student-athlete and coach in addition to experience starting Division II women's lacrosse programs in the midwest region."Rachel quickly became our top target to launch Griffon Lacrosse," Looney said. "Her experiences with two different startup Division II programs, coupled with an elite collegiate playing career in Missouri, make her an ideal fit to lead and grow women's lacrosse in our community. Rachel's energy and enthusiasm will connect with student-athletes and mesh well within our athletic department. We believe Rachel is a rising star and are thrilled she will begin her head coaching career at Missouri Western."Benzing comes to MWSU after helping usher in women's lacrosse programs at Lynn University and Maryville University. She spent two years at Maryville before moving on to help build the program at Lynn. After two seasons as a lacrosse student-athlete at University of Maryland Baltimore County, Benzing finished her playing career at Lindenwood University where she was a two-time All-American."I am extremely honored and excited to be named the first head women's lacrosse coach in Missouri Western's history," Benzing said. "I would like to thank Josh Looney and President Matt Wilson for entrusting me to build this new program alongside them. This is an incredible opportunity to expand the game at the collegiate level in a rapidly growing region. I look forward to developing future Griffs and creating a championship caliber experience here in St. Joseph."In 2014, Benzing led Division I UMBC in assists and ranked fifth in the America East in assists per game. Benzing holds the Lindenwood career record for assists per game after helping the Lions to two NCAA Division II national semi-final appearances. In 2017, Benzing was named the RMAC Offensive Player of the Year, first team All-Region and first team All-American. Benzing was a two-time first team All-RMAC selection and also earned second team All-Region and third team All-American honors in 2016.Benzing also served as head coach of the St. Louis Samurai and St. Louis Lacrosse Club from 2017-19. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a minor in nutrition from Lindenwood in 2017.WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT BENZING"I am thrilled for Rachel being named the first lacrosse head coach at Missouri Western! The Griffons are getting a fierce competitor who loves the game, and who is extremely passionate, knowledgeable, and driven. Missouri Western has chosen the right person to build and lead their new program. I know Rachel will have a tireless work ethic and have a profound impact on her student-athletes on and off the field." - Jack Cribbin, Head Coach, Lindenwood University"Coach Benzing has proven herself to be a very hard working, determined and knowledgeable young coach. Her experience starting new programs will be very beneficial in her new position at Missouri Western. She has shown the ability to lead with confidence and is well respected by her student-athletes. Rachel is an ambitious coach who will bring a true passion and love for the game to the new women's lacrosse program." - Mindy Richmond, Head Coach, Lynn University"I have had the fortune of knowing Rachel as a player and colleague. Her understanding of what is required to push herself individually for the collective success of the programs she's a part of will be infectious for future Griffons. No stranger to the demands required of student-athletes, she will bring empathy and wisdom to battling past adversity in its diverse forms. Her resilience, passion and drive will define Missouri Western as she brings in top talent looking to cement a legacy that mirrors and rivals her own. She has competed at the highest level and knows what it takes to be a dominating force in all of Division II. I have no doubt in my mind that she'll bring Missouri Western into the fold of premier teams during her time in St. Joseph." - Jenna Kasmarik, Assistant Coach, Longwood University--- MWSU Athletics ---

Rachel Benzing named first Missouri Western lacrosse coach

COLUMBIA, Mo.&nbsp; – Mizzou Women's Basketball (4-11, 1-1 SEC) jumped out to an early lead and held off a late comeback to defeat LSU (11-3, 1-1 SEC, 69-65, on Sunday afternoon at Mizzou Arena. The win was Mizzou’s first of its conference schedule and snapped a five-game losing streak.

Mizzou had four players score in double figures, led by the first career double-double from freshman guard&nbsp;Aijha Blackwell&nbsp;(Berkeley, Mo., who had 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Joining Blackwell in double figures was senior guard&nbsp;Amber Smith&nbsp;(Shreveport, La., senior guard&nbsp;Jordan Chavis&nbsp;(Lexington, N.C.) and freshman forward&nbsp;Hayley Frank&nbsp;(Strafford, Mo., who scored 13, 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Mizzou had its largest halftime lead of the season at 42-21, but had to halt a furious second-half comeback from LSU, who outscored Mizzou 44-27 in the game’s final 20 minutes. As LSU was trying to finish off its comeback, Mizzou went to the free throw line eight times in the game’s final quarter, converting on 6-of-8 attempts and 5-of-6 attempts in the final two minutes.

• Blackwell recorded her first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 6-of-6 from the free throw line and dishing out five assists.

• Chavis scored 13 points on 3-of-7 shooting from three and grabbed a career-best seven rebounds.

•&nbsp; Smith scored 13 points and had three rebounds in the game.

•&nbsp; Mizzou had four score in double-figures, the fourth time this season and the first time since Dec. 5, 2019 (vs. St. Louis) Mizzou has had four or more score 10+ points.

• Mizzou shot the three-ball consistently throughout the contest recording their highest three-point percentage (.423, 11-of-26) since Dec. 5, 2019 against Saint Louis (.667, 12-of-18). It marked the fourth time this season Mizzou has shot 40 percent or better from three.

•&nbsp; The Tigers shot 51.1 percent from the field (24-of-47, the second-best output of the season, trailing only the 51.9 percent (28-of-58) performance against Saint Louis (Dec. 5, 2019).

•&nbsp; Mizzou converted 10-of-12 of its attempts from the free throw line, the seventh time this season Mizzou has shot at least 80 percent from the charity stripe.

•&nbsp; Mizzou got a quick start scoring 23 in the first quarter. This is the most points the Tigers have scored in the first quarter since Jan. 27, 2019 against Auburn (23).

• Blackwell was a force on both sides of the court, recording her first career double-double with 15 points and a career-high 11 rebounds.

• Blackwell’s 15 points was her third consecutive game scoring in double figures and the eighth time she has done so this season.

• The Tiger freshman also had five assists in the game, marking the second time this season she has dished out five or more dimes.

• Chavis collected a career high seven rebounds, giving her 13 in her last three games.

• Chavis made three three-pointers in the game to move to No. 9 on Mizzou’s all-time top-10 list with 124 threes, moving past Julie Helm (1995-00, 123).

• Chavis had five assists in the game, marking the second time in her career she has had five or more assists.

• Redshirt senior&nbsp;Hannah Schuchts&nbsp;(Tallahassee, Fla.) recorded one block in the game to join Mizzou’s top-10 all-time with 112 career blocks. She now moves into a tie at No. 10 with Cierra Porter (2015-19) and EeTisha Riddle (2003-07).

• Frank scored 11 points in the game, marking the 10th&nbsp;double-digit effort of her season.

Next, Mizzou hosts No. 15/14 Mississippi State on Thursday, Jan. 9. Tipoff from Mizzou Arena is slated for 6 p.m.

COLUMBIA, Mo.&nbsp; – Mizzou Women's Basketball (4-11, 1-1 SEC) jumped out to an early lead and held off a late comeback to defeat LSU (11-3, 1-1 SEC, 69-65, on Sunday afternoon at Mizzou Arena. The win was Mizzou’s first of its conference schedule and snapped a five-game losing streak.Mizzou had four players score in double figures, led by the first career double-double from freshman guard&nbsp;Aijha Blackwell&nbsp;(Berkeley, Mo., who had 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Joining Blackwell in double figures was senior guard&nbsp;Amber Smith&nbsp;(Shreveport, La., senior guard&nbsp;Jordan Chavis&nbsp;(Lexington, N.C.) and freshman forward&nbsp;Hayley Frank&nbsp;(Strafford, Mo., who scored 13, 13 and 11 points, respectively.TURNING POINTMizzou had its largest halftime lead of the season at 42-21, but had to halt a furious second-half comeback from LSU, who outscored Mizzou 44-27 in the game’s final 20 minutes. As LSU was trying to finish off its comeback, Mizzou went to the free throw line eight times in the game’s final quarter, converting on 6-of-8 attempts and 5-of-6 attempts in the final two minutes.TOP TIGERS• Blackwell recorded her first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 6-of-6 from the free throw line and dishing out five assists.• Chavis scored 13 points on 3-of-7 shooting from three and grabbed a career-best seven rebounds.•&nbsp; Smith scored 13 points and had three rebounds in the game.NOTES•&nbsp; Mizzou had four score in double-figures, the fourth time this season and the first time since Dec. 5, 2019 (vs. St. Louis) Mizzou has had four or more score 10+ points.• Mizzou shot the three-ball consistently throughout the contest recording their highest three-point percentage (.423, 11-of-26) since Dec. 5, 2019 against Saint Louis (.667, 12-of-18). It marked the fourth time this season Mizzou has shot 40 percent or better from three.•&nbsp; The Tigers shot 51.1 percent from the field (24-of-47, the second-best output of the season, trailing only the 51.9 percent (28-of-58) performance against Saint Louis (Dec. 5, 2019).•&nbsp; Mizzou converted 10-of-12 of its attempts from the free throw line, the seventh time this season Mizzou has shot at least 80 percent from the charity stripe.•&nbsp; Mizzou got a quick start scoring 23 in the first quarter. This is the most points the Tigers have scored in the first quarter since Jan. 27, 2019 against Auburn (23).• Blackwell was a force on both sides of the court, recording her first career double-double with 15 points and a career-high 11 rebounds.• Blackwell’s 15 points was her third consecutive game scoring in double figures and the eighth time she has done so this season.• The Tiger freshman also had five assists in the game, marking the second time this season she has dished out five or more dimes.• Chavis collected a career high seven rebounds, giving her 13 in her last three games.• Chavis made three three-pointers in the game to move to No. 9 on Mizzou’s all-time top-10 list with 124 threes, moving past Julie Helm (1995-00, 123).• Chavis had five assists in the game, marking the second time in her career she has had five or more assists.• Redshirt senior&nbsp;Hannah Schuchts&nbsp;(Tallahassee, Fla.) recorded one block in the game to join Mizzou’s top-10 all-time with 112 career blocks. She now moves into a tie at No. 10 with Cierra Porter (2015-19) and EeTisha Riddle (2003-07).• Frank scored 11 points in the game, marking the 10th&nbsp;double-digit effort of her season.UP NEXTNext, Mizzou hosts No. 15/14 Mississippi State on Thursday, Jan. 9. Tipoff from Mizzou Arena is slated for 6 p.m.--- Mizzou Athletics ---

Mizzou women upset LSU 69-65

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kysre Gondrezick matched career highs with 24 points and eight assists in helping No. 19 West Virginia beat Kansas State 74-63 in a Big 12 opener on Sunday.

Gondrezick was 9-of-14 shooting, making half of her eight 3-point attempts. Tynice Martin added 18 points and Madisen Smith, with three makes from the arc, scoring 15.

Both teams had nearly identical overall shooting percentages but the Mountaineers were 10 of 28 from the arc, despite Martin's 2-of-10 showing, to the Wildcats' 1-of-15 effort.

Peyton Williams, who has been averaging a double-double, had another with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats (6-6) while Ayoka Lee, also averaging double figures in points and rebounds, just missed another double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. Angela Harris led the Wildcats with 16 points and Jasauen Beard had 13.

West Virginia (11-1) had the lead for good midway through the first quarter and led 37-22 at halftime behind 14 points from Martin. The lead remained in double figures throughout the second half, reaching a high of 18.

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kysre Gondrezick matched career highs with 24 points and eight assists in helping No. 19 West Virginia beat Kansas State 74-63 in a Big 12 opener on Sunday.Gondrezick was 9-of-14 shooting, making half of her eight 3-point attempts. Tynice Martin added 18 points and Madisen Smith, with three makes from the arc, scoring 15.Both teams had nearly identical overall shooting percentages but the Mountaineers were 10 of 28 from the arc, despite Martin's 2-of-10 showing, to the Wildcats' 1-of-15 effort.Peyton Williams, who has been averaging a double-double, had another with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats (6-6) while Ayoka Lee, also averaging double figures in points and rebounds, just missed another double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. Angela Harris led the Wildcats with 16 points and Jasauen Beard had 13.West Virginia (11-1) had the lead for good midway through the first quarter and led 37-22 at halftime behind 14 points from Martin. The lead remained in double figures throughout the second half, reaching a high of 18.--- Associated Press ---

K-State women lose at home to No. 19 West Virginia

ST.
JOSEPH –&nbsp;Rogers
State came into the MWSU Fieldhouse having not lost in MIAA play and on a
five-game winning streak. It ended Saturday as the Missouri Western Men's
Basketball team (6-8, 2-1) handed the Hillcats (11-2, 3-1) their first loss
since Nov. 30, 79-67.
&nbsp;

Missouri Western ended a tight first half with a
17-7 run to take a 41-31 lead to halftime, leading for more than 33 minutes in
the game. The Griffons extended the lead to 15 with 11:27 left in the game and
cruised to their fourth home win in as many games.
&nbsp;


Missouri Western hosts Northeastern State (9-4,
2-2, Monday night in the MWSU Fieldhouse. The RiverHawks lost 76-65 at
Northwest Missouri on Saturday.

ST.
JOSEPH –&nbsp;Rogers
State came into the MWSU Fieldhouse having not lost in MIAA play and on a
five-game winning streak. It ended Saturday as the Missouri Western Men's
Basketball team (6-8, 2-1) handed the Hillcats (11-2, 3-1) their first loss
since Nov. 30, 79-67.
&nbsp;
Missouri Western ended a tight first half with a
17-7 run to take a 41-31 lead to halftime, leading for more than 33 minutes in
the game. The Griffons extended the lead to 15 with 11:27 left in the game and
cruised to their fourth home win in as many games.
&nbsp;
NOTABLES<ol>
 <li>Rogers State entered averaging
 81.8 points per game and shooting 47% from the field. The Griffons held
 the Hillcats to 67 points on 33% shooting.</li><li>Brewster Peacock entered
 averaging 12.9 points per game on 56% shooting and was limited to seven points
 on 1 of 10 shooting.</li><li>Missouri Western shot 54% from
 the field and went 16 of 20 from the free throw line.</li><li>Tyus Millhollin&nbsp;led MWSU with 21 points on 6 of 10 shooting,
 including making all eight of his free throw attempts.</li><li>Millhollin increased his
 scoring average from 8.3 to 14.7 over the past eight games, averaging 19.5
 during that stretch.</li><li>Tyrell Carroll&nbsp;scored 17 points to go with his five rebounds,
 team-high three assists, two steals and career-high three blocks.</li><li>Tyree Martin&nbsp;went 7 of 8 from the field to score 16 points
 with five rebounds.</li><li>Jaron Thames scored 13 points
 and led the team with a career-high nine rebounds.</li><li>Beau Baker&nbsp;pulled down eight rebounds to increase his team
 leading average to 7.1 per game.</li>
 </ol>&nbsp;
UP NEXT
Missouri Western hosts Northeastern State (9-4,
2-2, Monday night in the MWSU Fieldhouse. The RiverHawks lost 76-65 at
Northwest Missouri on Saturday.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons upset Rogers State 79-67

MARYVILLE, Missouri - The No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat men's basketball team held off the Northeastern State University RiverHawks in Bearcat Arena, 76-65. Sophomore Trevor Hudgins buried 6-of-8 three-pointers and scored 20 points to go along with seven assists in leading the Bearcats to their second MIAA victory of the season. Northwest is 12-1 overall and 2-1 in MIAA play, while Northeastern State is 9-4 overall and 2-2 in league action. Northwest shot 44.4% from the field, but was nearly unstoppable from behind the three-point arc. The Bearcats shot 60.9% by knocking in 14-of-23 from distance against the RiverHawks. In contrast, the RiverHawks shot 18.2% from three-point land by making only 6-of-33 from distance. Northwest did not trail in the contest but it certainly was not a blowout by any stretch of the imagination. The Bearcats used a 13-2 run in the first half to open up up a 13-point lead at 24-11 with 6:43 on the clock. Northwest's largest lead of the opening half was a 16-point bulge at 33-17. The Bearcats would lead 38-25 at intermission. A 9-2 run by the RiverHawks pulled the visitors to within four points at 46-42 with 13:15 to play. But the Bearcats pushed the lead back to double figures on the next three possessions with made three-pointers from Diego Bernard, Luke Waters and Ryan Welty. Welty would knock in all three free throws when he was fouled in the action of shooting a 3-pointer from the corner to give Northwest a 60-44 lead with 9:46 to play. Northeastern State trimmed the lead to nine on two separate occasions, but could claw no closer as Northwest closed out the double-digit victory, 76-65. The Bearcats will be back in action at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Bearcat Arena against the Rogers State Hillcats. NOTES: Northwest is 12-1 all-time against Northeastern State ... Northwest has won 11 straight games in the series with Northeastern State ... Northwest has won 24 consecutive home games, which ranks as the second-longest active streak in NCAA Division II men's basketball ... Northwest is 7-0 at home this season ... Northwest is 116-9 at home since the start of the 2011-12 season ... Welty scored 17 points for the second straight game and went 2-of-4 from three-point range ... Welty was a perfect 9-of-9 at the free throw line ... Bernard tallied 14 points and was also perfect at the line by draining all seven of his free throw attempts ... Tyler Dougherty and Bernard tied for team-high honors with eight rebounds ... Ryan Hawkins scored 14 points and has now tallied 996 points in his Bearcat career. --- Northwest Athletics ---

MARYVILLE, Missouri - The No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat men's basketball team held off the Northeastern State University RiverHawks in Bearcat Arena, 76-65. Sophomore Trevor Hudgins buried 6-of-8 three-pointers and scored 20 points to go along with seven assists in leading the Bearcats to their second MIAA victory of the season. Northwest is 12-1 overall and 2-1 in MIAA play, while Northeastern State is 9-4 overall and 2-2 in league action. Northwest shot 44.4% from the field, but was nearly unstoppable from behind the three-point arc. The Bearcats shot 60.9% by knocking in 14-of-23 from distance against the RiverHawks. In contrast, the RiverHawks shot 18.2% from three-point land by making only 6-of-33 from distance. Northwest did not trail in the contest but it certainly was not a blowout by any stretch of the imagination. The Bearcats used a 13-2 run in the first half to open up up a 13-point lead at 24-11 with 6:43 on the clock. Northwest's largest lead of the opening half was a 16-point bulge at 33-17. The Bearcats would lead 38-25 at intermission. A 9-2 run by the RiverHawks pulled the visitors to within four points at 46-42 with 13:15 to play. But the Bearcats pushed the lead back to double figures on the next three possessions with made three-pointers from Diego Bernard, Luke Waters and Ryan Welty. Welty would knock in all three free throws when he was fouled in the action of shooting a 3-pointer from the corner to give Northwest a 60-44 lead with 9:46 to play. Northeastern State trimmed the lead to nine on two separate occasions, but could claw no closer as Northwest closed out the double-digit victory, 76-65. The Bearcats will be back in action at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Bearcat Arena against the Rogers State Hillcats. NOTES: Northwest is 12-1 all-time against Northeastern State ... Northwest has won 11 straight games in the series with Northeastern State ... Northwest has won 24 consecutive home games, which ranks as the second-longest active streak in NCAA Division II men's basketball ... Northwest is 7-0 at home this season ... Northwest is 116-9 at home since the start of the 2011-12 season ... Welty scored 17 points for the second straight game and went 2-of-4 from three-point range ... Welty was a perfect 9-of-9 at the free throw line ... Bernard tallied 14 points and was also perfect at the line by draining all seven of his free throw attempts ... Tyler Dougherty and Bernard tied for team-high honors with eight rebounds ... Ryan Hawkins scored 14 points and has now tallied 996 points in his Bearcat career. --- Northwest Athletics ---

No. 2 Bearcats defeat Northeastern State 76-65

ST.
JOSEPH -&nbsp;The Missouri Western Women's Basketball team (10-2, 2-1) led wire-to-wire in its fifth consecutive
victory, 76-61 over Rogers State (2-11, 0-4).

The Griffons picked up conference
win No. 2 on the season and kept Rogers State winless in its first season as an
MIAA member.

The Griffons were dominant in the first half,
shooting 53% and leading 45-20 at the break. Rogers State won the second half,
outscoring the Griffons 41-31. Rogers State shot 61% in the third quarter after
shooting 18% in the first. Missouri Western led by as many as 29 in the game
and had nine players score in the first half.


NOTABLES · The Griffon sled 22-7 after one quarter of
play. · Corbyn Cunningham&nbsp;was 9 of 12 from the field, scoring a
team-high 20 points with seven rebounds and a team-high five assists. · Missouri Western missed just 16 shots in the
first half, eight in each quarter. · The Griffons pulled down 42 rebounds to Rogers
State's 32. · Anastacia Johnson&nbsp;scored 11 points with seven rebounds,
four assists and a team-high three steals. · Mychaell Gray&nbsp;added 11 points on 5 of 7 shooting. · Simone Rodney&nbsp;made her first three 3-point attempts
and finished with nine points.

UP NEXT
The Griffons host Northeastern State (4-7, 2-2)
at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 6. The RiverHawks lost 62-40, Saturday at Northwest Missouri
State.

ST.
JOSEPH -&nbsp;The Missouri Western Women's Basketball team (10-2, 2-1) led wire-to-wire in its fifth consecutive
victory, 76-61 over Rogers State (2-11, 0-4). The Griffons picked up conference
win No. 2 on the season and kept Rogers State winless in its first season as an
MIAA member.

The Griffons were dominant in the first half,
shooting 53% and leading 45-20 at the break. Rogers State won the second half,
outscoring the Griffons 41-31. Rogers State shot 61% in the third quarter after
shooting 18% in the first. Missouri Western led by as many as 29 in the game
and had nine players score in the first half.

NOTABLES · The Griffon sled 22-7 after one quarter of
play. · Corbyn Cunningham&nbsp;was 9 of 12 from the field, scoring a
team-high 20 points with seven rebounds and a team-high five assists. · Missouri Western missed just 16 shots in the
first half, eight in each quarter. · The Griffons pulled down 42 rebounds to Rogers
State's 32. · Anastacia Johnson&nbsp;scored 11 points with seven rebounds,
four assists and a team-high three steals. · Mychaell Gray&nbsp;added 11 points on 5 of 7 shooting. · Simone Rodney&nbsp;made her first three 3-point attempts
and finished with nine points.
UP NEXT
The Griffons host Northeastern State (4-7, 2-2)
at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 6. The RiverHawks lost 62-40, Saturday at Northwest Missouri
State.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Missouri Western women roll past Rogers State for fifth straight win

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team won their first MIAA home opener since 2012 by defeating the Northeastern State RiverHawks 62-40. After hopping out to a 29-20 lead at the half the Bearcats allowed the RiverHawks to go on a 10-2 run. This run was followed by an 11-3 run by the Bearcats, including two three-pointers made by Mia Stillman, to end the quarter 41-33. The fourth quarter was all Northwest, with the Bearcats winning the quarter 21-7. 

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team won their first MIAA home opener since 2012 by defeating the Northeastern State RiverHawks 62-40. After hopping out to a 29-20 lead at the half the Bearcats allowed the RiverHawks to go on a 10-2 run. This run was followed by an 11-3 run by the Bearcats, including two three-pointers made by Mia Stillman, to end the quarter 41-33. The fourth quarter was all Northwest, with the Bearcats winning the quarter 21-7. Northwest's defense stepped up once again this year allowing only 42 points and holding to Northeastern to only 32.7% from the field. This is the fifth time this year that the Bearcats have held their opponent under 50 points. The Bearcats went 41% from the field and from the three-point line, along with making all nine of their free throws. The Bearcats outrebounded the RiverHawks 33-26 and had three less turnovers. Mallory McConkey led all scorers with 17 points, going 5-12 from the field. Kendey Eaton was also in double figures for the Bearcats. Stillman led the team with nine rebounds, and Erika Schlosser led the team with eight assists. Shae Sanchez was the only RiverHawk in double figures with 12 points. Cenia Hayes led Northeastern with nine rebounds, and the RiverHawks were held to just two assists on the game. Northwest will be back in action Monday Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m. against Rogers State. --- Northwest Athletics ---

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