MARYVILLE, Missouri - The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team found itself in a halftime hole for only the fourth time this season but used a strong final 20 minutes to score a 73-64 triumph over the visiting Pittsburg State Gorillas.

Northwest (26-1 overall, 16-1 MIAA) trailed 30-26 at the half as Pittsburg State (9-17 overall, 5-12 MIAA) held the Bearcats to 32% shooting from the field. The Bearcats turned it around in the second half and hit on 56.7% of their shots (17-of-30 FGs). Northwest enjoyed a 47-34 scoring advantage in the second half.

Junior forward Ryan Hawkins posted a game-high 25 points and redshirt freshman guard Trevor Hudgins scored all 16 of his points in the second half. Sophomore guard Diego Bernard produced his third double-double this season with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Gorillas did not trail in the first half after jumping out to a 10-2 lead over the Bearcats. Hawkins hit Northwest's only three-pointer of the first half with 12:58 to play that cut the Gorillas lead to 16-13. Northwest was 1-of-10 from three-point range in the opening stanza. The Gorillas pushed the lead back to seven at 22-15 following a bucket in the paint from Antonio Givens II with 7:29 left. Senior Ryan Welty's bucket with 3:57 left pulled Northwest to within one at 24-23. Pittsburg State would score the next five to push it back to 29-23 advantage before eventually taking a 29-23 lead to the locker rooms.

Hudgins drove the lane for a layup for his first points of the game with 17:10 left as Northwest took its first lead of the game at 35-34. The Bearcats would not trail again. Northwest used a 13-3 spurt to turn a 37-36 lead into a 50-39 advantage with 9:21 left when redshirt freshman Luke Waters scored two of his eight points. Hudgins knocked in a three-pointer with 3:33 to play to give Northwest a 13-point lead at 63-50. The Gorillas would climb as close as seven at 65-58 with 1:06 to go before Hawkins slammed home a dunk with :46.0 left in the contest. Gorilla head coach Kim Anderson picked up a technical foul with :41.8 left to the delight of the 2,033 in attendance in Bearcat Arena.

Northwest will travel to Missouri Western on Tuesday. The Bearcats and Griffons will tip at 7:30 p.m. at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

NOTES: Northwest extended its overall win streak to 18 in a row ... Northwest moved its home-court win streak to 32 in a row ... Northwest has won 68 of its last 70 home games in Bearcat Arena ... the Bearcats have won 49 of their last 50 home MIAA games ... senior Tyler Dougherty and Ryan Welty tallied their 126th career victory moving within one of the record of 127 set by Dray Starzl last season ... Northwest has defeated Pittsburg State 10 straight times overall ... Northwest has defeated Pittsburg State 12 consecutive times in Bearcat Arena ... Northwest won the rebounding battle, 35-26 ... Northwest made eight turnovers to 12 for Pittsburg State ... for the first time in nine games, Northwest did not hit 10 or more three-pointers as the Bearcats hit only 5-of-20 from deep against the Gorillas.

MARYVILLE, Missouri - The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team found itself in a halftime hole for only the fourth time this season but used a strong final 20 minutes to score a 73-64 triumph over the visiting Pittsburg State Gorillas.Northwest (26-1 overall, 16-1 MIAA) trailed 30-26 at the half as Pittsburg State (9-17 overall, 5-12 MIAA) held the Bearcats to 32% shooting from the field. The Bearcats turned it around in the second half and hit on 56.7% of their shots (17-of-30 FGs). Northwest enjoyed a 47-34 scoring advantage in the second half.Junior forward Ryan Hawkins posted a game-high 25 points and redshirt freshman guard Trevor Hudgins scored all 16 of his points in the second half. Sophomore guard Diego Bernard produced his third double-double this season with 16 points and 10 rebounds.The Gorillas did not trail in the first half after jumping out to a 10-2 lead over the Bearcats. Hawkins hit Northwest's only three-pointer of the first half with 12:58 to play that cut the Gorillas lead to 16-13. Northwest was 1-of-10 from three-point range in the opening stanza. The Gorillas pushed the lead back to seven at 22-15 following a bucket in the paint from Antonio Givens II with 7:29 left. Senior Ryan Welty's bucket with 3:57 left pulled Northwest to within one at 24-23. Pittsburg State would score the next five to push it back to 29-23 advantage before eventually taking a 29-23 lead to the locker rooms.Hudgins drove the lane for a layup for his first points of the game with 17:10 left as Northwest took its first lead of the game at 35-34. The Bearcats would not trail again. Northwest used a 13-3 spurt to turn a 37-36 lead into a 50-39 advantage with 9:21 left when redshirt freshman Luke Waters scored two of his eight points. Hudgins knocked in a three-pointer with 3:33 to play to give Northwest a 13-point lead at 63-50. The Gorillas would climb as close as seven at 65-58 with 1:06 to go before Hawkins slammed home a dunk with :46.0 left in the contest. Gorilla head coach Kim Anderson picked up a technical foul with :41.8 left to the delight of the 2,033 in attendance in Bearcat Arena.Northwest will travel to Missouri Western on Tuesday. The Bearcats and Griffons will tip at 7:30 p.m. at the MWSU Fieldhouse.NOTES: Northwest extended its overall win streak to 18 in a row ... Northwest moved its home-court win streak to 32 in a row ... Northwest has won 68 of its last 70 home games in Bearcat Arena ... the Bearcats have won 49 of their last 50 home MIAA games ... senior Tyler Dougherty and Ryan Welty tallied their 126th career victory moving within one of the record of 127 set by Dray Starzl last season ... Northwest has defeated Pittsburg State 10 straight times overall ... Northwest has defeated Pittsburg State 12 consecutive times in Bearcat Arena ... Northwest won the rebounding battle, 35-26 ... Northwest made eight turnovers to 12 for Pittsburg State ... for the first time in nine games, Northwest did not hit 10 or more three-pointers as the Bearcats hit only 5-of-20 from deep against the Gorillas.--- Northwest Athletics ---

No. 1 Bearcats use big second half to rally past Pitt State 73-64

ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western women's basketball team (19-7, 11-6 MIAA) started its game Saturday against Missouri Southern (9-16, 6-11) on an 18-2 run and never looked back, completing a season sweep of the Lions with a 76-47 win in the MWSU Fieldhouse.

Missouri Western never trailed and built a 47-point lead with 8:26 to go. At one point in the second half, the Griffons had went on a 47-10 run. With two games remaining in the regular season, the Griffons are won win from their first 20-win season since the 2016-17 season.

- Missouri Western shot 58.8% in the first quarter while Missouri Southern shot 22.2%

- The Griffons shot 56.3% in the first half and led the Lions 47-15 at halftime

- MWSU scored 28 points off 22 Missouri Southern turnovers

- Scoring 16 first half points, Corbyn Cunningham paced Missouri Western with 18 total on 7 of 11 shooting from the field

- Kylee Williams added 15 points on 4 of 5 shooting from the field

- Anastacia Johnson scored 10 points with a team-high six assists and four steals

- Katrina Roenfeldt pulled down a team-high 10 points with seven points and five assists

The Griffons host rival Northwest Missouri State (11-15, 6-11, Tuesday, Feb. 25 in the MWSU Fieldhouse.

ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western women's basketball team (19-7, 11-6 MIAA) started its game Saturday against Missouri Southern (9-16, 6-11) on an 18-2 run and never looked back, completing a season sweep of the Lions with a 76-47 win in the MWSU Fieldhouse.Missouri Western never trailed and built a 47-point lead with 8:26 to go. At one point in the second half, the Griffons had went on a 47-10 run. With two games remaining in the regular season, the Griffons are won win from their first 20-win season since the 2016-17 season.NOTABLES- Missouri Western shot 58.8% in the first quarter while Missouri Southern shot 22.2%- The Griffons shot 56.3% in the first half and led the Lions 47-15 at halftime- MWSU scored 28 points off 22 Missouri Southern turnovers- Scoring 16 first half points, Corbyn Cunningham paced Missouri Western with 18 total on 7 of 11 shooting from the field- Kylee Williams added 15 points on 4 of 5 shooting from the field- Anastacia Johnson scored 10 points with a team-high six assists and four steals- Katrina Roenfeldt pulled down a team-high 10 points with seven points and five assistsUP NEXTThe Griffons host rival Northwest Missouri State (11-15, 6-11, Tuesday, Feb. 25 in the MWSU Fieldhouse.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Missouri Western women bounce back, blowout Lions 76-47

The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team lost a hard-fought game to the Pittsburg State Gorillas in 77-76 in overtime.

The Gorillas forced overtime by hitting a three at the buzzer of regulation to tie the game up 66-66. Kendey Eaton missed a contested jumper at the end of overtime. 

The Bearcats shot 46.4% from the field in the game and went 10-of-26 (38.5%) from behind the arc. Northwest shot 14-for-16 from the free throw line as well. Northwest won the turnover battle 11-9. Pittsburg State only shot 42.4% from the field but was a scorching 52.9% from behind the arc. 

Mallory McConkey had a game-high 22 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Kendey Eaton added 19 and Jayna Green tied a career high with 11 points. Green also led the team with nine rebounds and McConkey added 6sixmore. Erika Schlosser led the Bearcats with six assists and McConkey added four of her own. 

Kaylee Dimitz led Pittsburg State with 14 points, followed by Erin Davis with 13 and Sydnee Crain with 12. Dimitz and Crain each had four assists to lead the Gorillas. Athena Alvarado had 11 rebounds to lead the team. 

The Bearcats will be back in action at Missouri Western on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. 

The Northwest Missouri State University women's basketball team lost a hard-fought game to the Pittsburg State Gorillas in 77-76 in overtime.The Gorillas forced overtime by hitting a three at the buzzer of regulation to tie the game up 66-66. Kendey Eaton missed a contested jumper at the end of overtime. The Bearcats shot 46.4% from the field in the game and went 10-of-26 (38.5%) from behind the arc. Northwest shot 14-for-16 from the free throw line as well. Northwest won the turnover battle 11-9. Pittsburg State only shot 42.4% from the field but was a scorching 52.9% from behind the arc. Mallory McConkey had a game-high 22 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Kendey Eaton added 19 and Jayna Green tied a career high with 11 points. Green also led the team with nine rebounds and McConkey added 6sixmore. Erika Schlosser led the Bearcats with six assists and McConkey added four of her own. Kaylee Dimitz led Pittsburg State with 14 points, followed by Erin Davis with 13 and Sydnee Crain with 12. Dimitz and Crain each had four assists to lead the Gorillas. Athena Alvarado had 11 rebounds to lead the team. The Bearcats will be back in action at Missouri Western on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. --- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest women let late lead slip away, lose in OT to Pittsburg State

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Isaiah Joe scored 21 points in his first game in three weeks and Arkansas snapped a five-game losing streak Saturday, beating Missouri, 78-68.

Joe (knee) was absent from all five of Arkansas' losses, sending the Razorbacks (17-10, 5-9 SEC) from likely prospect for the NCAA Tournament to near the bottom of the SEC standings. He scored 15 of his 21 from beyond the arc, as the Razorbacks made 12 from 3-point range as a team.

"Look, we all know it's been a struggle without him for a variety of reasons. We just can't afford a guy like Isaiah not to be in our lineup," Arkansas coach Eric Musselman said. "I thought he was awesome. He opens up 3-balls for other people as well, just being out there."

Missouri (13-14, 5-9, which outrebounded Arkansas 36-23, was led by Kobe Brown, Xavier Pinson and Dru Smith, each scoring in double figures for the Tigers, led by Brown's 17. The trio shot just 3-for-16 on 3-pointers.

Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin is the most accurate 3-point shooter in Purdue history from playing days in the early and mid 1990s. He was impressed by Joe's shot, as the sophomore missed the teams' first meeting earlier this month, a four-point Missouri win.

"They're a different team," Martin said. "The player is an all-league guy. Not many guys can shoot the ball like that. He can stroke it."

Desi Sills, Jimmy Whitt Jr., Mason Jones and Adrio Bailey joined Joe in double figures for Arkansas, scoring 17, 14, 12 and 11, respectively.

Jones leads both the SEC and team in scoring, but Joe is a projected NBA first-round pick. He made two 3s from more than two feet beyond the line and Arkansas' 12 makes were tied for its season high. The Razorbacks are 16-5 in games he has played and 1-5 in games he missed

Missouri hasn't beaten Arkansas in Fayetteville since 2014. That win was later vacated as Missouri admitted to NCAA violations. Before 2014, the last time Missouri won at Arkansas was in 1991, a stretch covering 13 games.

Arkansas would likely need to win its remaining four regular-season games to slip back into the NCAA Tournament picture.

Missouri is now tied for 11th in the in the 14-team SEC standings with the Razorbacks.

Missouri travels to last-place Vanderbilt for a game Wednesday.

Arkansas hosts Tennessee on Wednesday. The Volunteers won the teams' first meeting February 11 in Knoxville, 82-61.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Isaiah Joe scored 21 points in his first game in three weeks and Arkansas snapped a five-game losing streak Saturday, beating Missouri, 78-68.Joe (knee) was absent from all five of Arkansas' losses, sending the Razorbacks (17-10, 5-9 SEC) from likely prospect for the NCAA Tournament to near the bottom of the SEC standings. He scored 15 of his 21 from beyond the arc, as the Razorbacks made 12 from 3-point range as a team."Look, we all know it's been a struggle without him for a variety of reasons. We just can't afford a guy like Isaiah not to be in our lineup," Arkansas coach Eric Musselman said. "I thought he was awesome. He opens up 3-balls for other people as well, just being out there."Missouri (13-14, 5-9, which outrebounded Arkansas 36-23, was led by Kobe Brown, Xavier Pinson and Dru Smith, each scoring in double figures for the Tigers, led by Brown's 17. The trio shot just 3-for-16 on 3-pointers.Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin is the most accurate 3-point shooter in Purdue history from playing days in the early and mid 1990s. He was impressed by Joe's shot, as the sophomore missed the teams' first meeting earlier this month, a four-point Missouri win."They're a different team," Martin said. "The player is an all-league guy. Not many guys can shoot the ball like that. He can stroke it."Desi Sills, Jimmy Whitt Jr., Mason Jones and Adrio Bailey joined Joe in double figures for Arkansas, scoring 17, 14, 12 and 11, respectively.A MUCH DIFFERENT TEAMJones leads both the SEC and team in scoring, but Joe is a projected NBA first-round pick. He made two 3s from more than two feet beyond the line and Arkansas' 12 makes were tied for its season high. The Razorbacks are 16-5 in games he has played and 1-5 in games he missedYET AGAINMissouri hasn't beaten Arkansas in Fayetteville since 2014. That win was later vacated as Missouri admitted to NCAA violations. Before 2014, the last time Missouri won at Arkansas was in 1991, a stretch covering 13 games.BIG PICTUREArkansas would likely need to win its remaining four regular-season games to slip back into the NCAA Tournament picture.Missouri is now tied for 11th in the in the 14-team SEC standings with the Razorbacks.UP NEXTMissouri travels to last-place Vanderbilt for a game Wednesday.Arkansas hosts Tennessee on Wednesday. The Volunteers won the teams' first meeting February 11 in Knoxville, 82-61.--- Associated Press ---

Missouri comes up short at Arkansas 78-68

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western Baseball closed out their first home series of the season on Saturday. The Griffons (4-11) split the doubleheader with Minot State (6-4) 0-11 and 12-7. Although the Griffons started out slow, they finished the series on a high note.

- Seven runs on four hits and two Griffon errors in the first inning illustrated an all Minot start to game one.

- Roy Robles (L, 1-1) got the start for the Griffons. Although he struck out three batters, Robles gave up seven runs and four hits through one pitched inning.

- The Griffon pitching staff accumulated seven strikeouts throughout the matchup. Action included four innings from Carson Aycock and two from Chad Smith.

- Missouri Western recorded four hits in the first contest. Josh Robinson tallied two of those hits, while Nolan Meyer and Iasid Bernal added one hit each.

Minot started early again offensively taking a 2-1 lead in the first inning. A four-run stretch in the second inning allowed the Griffons to take a 5-2 lead heading into the third inning.

- MSU would not go down easy, however. The Beavers bounced back with four runs from innings three and four to re-take the lead 6-5.

- A seven-run stretch in the fifth and sixth innings fueled the Griffon offense to re-take the lead and finish the game with the win.

- Jack Schmedding came in for relief of Jacob Cooper in the fourth inning. He got his second win on the season, striking out six batters and only allowing one run.

- The Griffons recorded 14 hits in game two. Alex Crouch led the way with four hits, while Andrew Meier, Nolan Meyer and Reid Briney recorded two hits each.

- Meier had a day offensively in the second contest as he recorded two hits, four RBIs and one run in five at-bats.

The Griffons will hit the road starting Feb. 28 as they take on MIAA opponent Washburn next Friday.

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western Baseball closed out their first home series of the season on Saturday. The Griffons (4-11) split the doubleheader with Minot State (6-4) 0-11 and 12-7. Although the Griffons started out slow, they finished the series on a high note.GAME ONE:- Seven runs on four hits and two Griffon errors in the first inning illustrated an all Minot start to game one.- Roy Robles (L, 1-1) got the start for the Griffons. Although he struck out three batters, Robles gave up seven runs and four hits through one pitched inning.- The Griffon pitching staff accumulated seven strikeouts throughout the matchup. Action included four innings from Carson Aycock and two from Chad Smith.- Missouri Western recorded four hits in the first contest. Josh Robinson tallied two of those hits, while Nolan Meyer and Iasid Bernal added one hit each.GAME TWO:Minot started early again offensively taking a 2-1 lead in the first inning. A four-run stretch in the second inning allowed the Griffons to take a 5-2 lead heading into the third inning.- MSU would not go down easy, however. The Beavers bounced back with four runs from innings three and four to re-take the lead 6-5.- A seven-run stretch in the fifth and sixth innings fueled the Griffon offense to re-take the lead and finish the game with the win.- Jack Schmedding came in for relief of Jacob Cooper in the fourth inning. He got his second win on the season, striking out six batters and only allowing one run.- The Griffons recorded 14 hits in game two. Alex Crouch led the way with four hits, while Andrew Meier, Nolan Meyer and Reid Briney recorded two hits each.- Meier had a day offensively in the second contest as he recorded two hits, four RBIs and one run in five at-bats.UP NEXT:The Griffons will hit the road starting Feb. 28 as they take on MIAA opponent Washburn next Friday.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffon baseball splits final two games against Minot State

WACO, Texas -- Udoka Azubuike and No. 3 Kansas returned the favor in a Big 12 showdown that lived up to the hype.

The Jayhawks share the Big 12 lead again, and could return to the No. 1 spot in the AP poll, as well.

Azubuike had 23 points and a career-high 19 rebounds in a 64-61 win Saturday at Baylor, ending the Bears' 23-game winning streak and likely ending the Bears' five-week run as the nation's No. 1 team.

"You could just feel the buzz. It was an exciting time and a huge win," Jayhawks guard Devon Dotson said. "We're a solid team that can make a run in late, late March. ... We're going to enjoy this win, but build off it for sure."

Kansas (24-3, 13-1 Big 12) has won 12 in a row since its first-ever home loss to Baylor on Jan. 11. The Jayhawks had a 10-point lead with 6 1/2 minutes left in the rematch before holding off Baylor's late charge.

"I liked the first game against Kansas better than this one," Baylor coach Scott Drew said. "For us, the goal at the beginning of the year wasn't to sweep Kansas. The goal was to win a Big 12 championship. Their goal is to win a Big 12 championship."

Baylor (24-2, 13-1) has never won a Big 12 title. There are four games left in the regular season.

Isaiah Moss, who had 11 points, made two free throws for Kansas with 7.9 seconds left before a timeout. The Bears had one more shot, but Jared Butler's 3-pointer from beyond the top of the key ricocheted off the front of the iron as time expired.

Butler and MaCio Teague had hit consecutive 3-pointers in the final half-minute to get Baylor within 62-61.

Dotson added 13 points for the Jayhawks, who shot 51% (27 of 53) against a tenacious Baylor defense that held them to 55 points in a 12-point loss last month that ended their 28-game home winning streak.

"It meant a lot to our guys, a lot more than the league race," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "It meant a lot to us from they beat us the first time at home, and they controlled it. They controlled the game at home a lot more than we controlled the game here."

Butler had 19 points to lead the Bears, while Freddie Gillespie and Matthew Mayer each had 10.

The sellout crowd of 10,627 at the Ferrell Center, including 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III along with Waco favorites Chip and Joanna Gaines, was already in a frenzy after ESPN's College GameDay broadcast on the court leading up to the late-morning tip.

Fans were roaring after Teague, who missed the previous two games with a wrist injury, returned to the lineup by swishing a 3-pointer on the game's first shot and Gillespie made it 5-0.

But Marcus Garrett then had seven points in a 14-2 spurt for Kansas, which never trailed again. Baylor hadn't been behind by more than two points in any of its previous 12 home games.

The Bears trailed 14-7 before Butler hit a 3-pointer and then had a long pass ahead to Mayer for a layup as the lanky, high-energy sophomore scored eight points in two minutes to tie the game before Kansas went ahead to stay with six points in a row.

That quick Jayhawks spurt included two baskets by Azubuike, who later in the half had back-to-back impressive dunks for nine-point leads.

Azubuike bowed back his shoulders and let out a shout after his powerful slam over the 6-foot-9 Gilliespie. The Jayhawks' next basket was also a powerful dunk by Azubuike that made it 32-23. He finished 11-of-13 shooting, with at least seven dunks and other inside shots.

"He was great. They did such a great job winning the first time because we had nothing from a scheme standpoint to help him, and today we we were able to fill the ball over the top quite a bit," Self said. "That's as about as well overall I've seen him play. He was terrific."

Six weeks earlier against Baylor, Azubuike had six points with 11 rebounds.

"The guy can play basketball. The dude can rebound, finishes at the rim, and he does it really well," Gillespie said. "I think our first game we did a better job as a team keeping him out of his rhythm. This game he was in sync."

Kansas: The Jayhawks, whose unprecedented run of 14 consecutive Big 12 titles ended last season, are 7-0 in conference road games, the same as Baylor.

Baylor: The Bears' 23-game winning streak set a Big 12 record, one more than Kansas in 1996-97, the league's inaugural season. Baylor, 6-1 against Top 25 teams this season, missed a chance to become only the second team in Self's 17 seasons to sweep a regular-season series against Kansas.

Baylor's five-week run as the No. 1 team is the longest in the poll since Kentucky in 2015. Kansas could return to the top spot for the second time this season. The Jayhawks were No. 1 for a week in December, before losing to Villanova.

Kansas is at home Monday night to play Oklahoma State, who the Jayhawks beat 65-50 on the road on Jan. 27

Baylor is home again Tuesday night to play Kansas State.

WACO, Texas -- Udoka Azubuike and No. 3 Kansas returned the favor in a Big 12 showdown that lived up to the hype.The Jayhawks share the Big 12 lead again, and could return to the No. 1 spot in the AP poll, as well.Azubuike had 23 points and a career-high 19 rebounds in a 64-61 win Saturday at Baylor, ending the Bears' 23-game winning streak and likely ending the Bears' five-week run as the nation's No. 1 team."You could just feel the buzz. It was an exciting time and a huge win," Jayhawks guard Devon Dotson said. "We're a solid team that can make a run in late, late March. ... We're going to enjoy this win, but build off it for sure."Kansas (24-3, 13-1 Big 12) has won 12 in a row since its first-ever home loss to Baylor on Jan. 11. The Jayhawks had a 10-point lead with 6 1/2 minutes left in the rematch before holding off Baylor's late charge."I liked the first game against Kansas better than this one," Baylor coach Scott Drew said. "For us, the goal at the beginning of the year wasn't to sweep Kansas. The goal was to win a Big 12 championship. Their goal is to win a Big 12 championship."Baylor (24-2, 13-1) has never won a Big 12 title. There are four games left in the regular season.Isaiah Moss, who had 11 points, made two free throws for Kansas with 7.9 seconds left before a timeout. The Bears had one more shot, but Jared Butler's 3-pointer from beyond the top of the key ricocheted off the front of the iron as time expired.Butler and MaCio Teague had hit consecutive 3-pointers in the final half-minute to get Baylor within 62-61.Dotson added 13 points for the Jayhawks, who shot 51% (27 of 53) against a tenacious Baylor defense that held them to 55 points in a 12-point loss last month that ended their 28-game home winning streak."It meant a lot to our guys, a lot more than the league race," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "It meant a lot to us from they beat us the first time at home, and they controlled it. They controlled the game at home a lot more than we controlled the game here."Butler had 19 points to lead the Bears, while Freddie Gillespie and Matthew Mayer each had 10.The sellout crowd of 10,627 at the Ferrell Center, including 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III along with Waco favorites Chip and Joanna Gaines, was already in a frenzy after ESPN's College GameDay broadcast on the court leading up to the late-morning tip.Fans were roaring after Teague, who missed the previous two games with a wrist injury, returned to the lineup by swishing a 3-pointer on the game's first shot and Gillespie made it 5-0.But Marcus Garrett then had seven points in a 14-2 spurt for Kansas, which never trailed again. Baylor hadn't been behind by more than two points in any of its previous 12 home games.The Bears trailed 14-7 before Butler hit a 3-pointer and then had a long pass ahead to Mayer for a layup as the lanky, high-energy sophomore scored eight points in two minutes to tie the game before Kansas went ahead to stay with six points in a row.That quick Jayhawks spurt included two baskets by Azubuike, who later in the half had back-to-back impressive dunks for nine-point leads.Azubuike bowed back his shoulders and let out a shout after his powerful slam over the 6-foot-9 Gilliespie. The Jayhawks' next basket was also a powerful dunk by Azubuike that made it 32-23. He finished 11-of-13 shooting, with at least seven dunks and other inside shots."He was great. They did such a great job winning the first time because we had nothing from a scheme standpoint to help him, and today we we were able to fill the ball over the top quite a bit," Self said. "That's as about as well overall I've seen him play. He was terrific."Six weeks earlier against Baylor, Azubuike had six points with 11 rebounds."The guy can play basketball. The dude can rebound, finishes at the rim, and he does it really well," Gillespie said. "I think our first game we did a better job as a team keeping him out of his rhythm. This game he was in sync."BIG PICTUREKansas: The Jayhawks, whose unprecedented run of 14 consecutive Big 12 titles ended last season, are 7-0 in conference road games, the same as Baylor.Baylor: The Bears' 23-game winning streak set a Big 12 record, one more than Kansas in 1996-97, the league's inaugural season. Baylor, 6-1 against Top 25 teams this season, missed a chance to become only the second team in Self's 17 seasons to sweep a regular-season series against Kansas.POLL IMPLICATIONSBaylor's five-week run as the No. 1 team is the longest in the poll since Kentucky in 2015. Kansas could return to the top spot for the second time this season. The Jayhawks were No. 1 for a week in December, before losing to Villanova.UP NEXTKansas is at home Monday night to play Oklahoma State, who the Jayhawks beat 65-50 on the road on Jan. 27Baylor is home again Tuesday night to play Kansas State.--- Associated Press ---

Azubuike leads No. 3 KU past No. 1 Baylor 64-61

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs tallied a doubleheader sweep of the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats on Saturday. 

The Mountain Lions took the first one, 18-6, and followed it up with a 13-3 win in the final game of the three-game set.

The Bearcat offense got it going early, plating two runs in the top of the first and taking an early advantage 2-0. Sophomore outfielder Jordan Peck and senior infielder Calvin Rudolph notched doubles during the inning, accounting for both RBIs.

Colorado Springs answered with three runs of its own in the bottom of the first, upping the score to 3-2 and stealing a lead it would not give up.

After a scoreless second inning by both squads, the Mountain Lions added six runs in the third, five in the fourth and four in the fifth to jump out to a commanding lead over the ‘Cats.

Northwest successfully plated two run in the top of the fifth, following senior first baseman Connor Quick's double and sacrifice fly from junior infielder Peter Carlson.

Down 18-4, the Bearcats went back to work in the batter’s box, scoring two more runs in the seventh inning before the third out was earned and ending the contest 18-6 in favor of UCCS.

Junior Spencer Hanson got the start of the mound for Northwest, lasting two innings. Facing 17 batters, Hanson allowed seven runs (seven earned) on eight hits. Redshirt freshman Thomas Henrichs, Elijah Ecton and sophomore Daniel Smith also made appearances on the bump for the Bearcats.

The Bearcats jumped out to an early 2-1 lead after three innings during the second game of the Saturday doubleheader, large scoring innings by the Mountain Lions once again plagued Northwest.

Colorado Springs notched five runs in the home half of the fourth, one in the fifth and six runs in the eighth inning to build a sizeable advantage.

With two outs in the top of the seventh, the Bearcats rallied to cross junior outfielder Matt Gastner after three singles by Gastner, sophomore Ryan Koski and redshirt freshman Trevor Dooley made their way into the outfield grass.

The Bearcats dropped game three of the three-game set with UCCS, 13-3.

On the bump, senior lefty Quintin Van Ackeren got the start for Northwest. Van Ackeren dealt five and 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs (seven earned) on 10 hits and adding two strikeouts to his 2020 resume.

Northwest will attempt to halt its six-game losing streak Feb. 28 during its first home appearance of the season in three-game, Friday-Sunday stint against Northeastern State. First pitch in game one is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Maryville.

NOTES:  Quick extended his consecutive reached base streak to 14 games … Quick also owns team-high hitting streak (four games) … the Bearcat offense tallied six doubles on the day.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs tallied a doubleheader sweep of the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats on Saturday. The Mountain Lions took the first one, 18-6, and followed it up with a 13-3 win in the final game of the three-game set.Game 1The Bearcat offense got it going early, plating two runs in the top of the first and taking an early advantage 2-0. Sophomore outfielder Jordan Peck and senior infielder Calvin Rudolph notched doubles during the inning, accounting for both RBIs.Colorado Springs answered with three runs of its own in the bottom of the first, upping the score to 3-2 and stealing a lead it would not give up.After a scoreless second inning by both squads, the Mountain Lions added six runs in the third, five in the fourth and four in the fifth to jump out to a commanding lead over the ‘Cats.Northwest successfully plated two run in the top of the fifth, following senior first baseman Connor Quick's double and sacrifice fly from junior infielder Peter Carlson.Down 18-4, the Bearcats went back to work in the batter’s box, scoring two more runs in the seventh inning before the third out was earned and ending the contest 18-6 in favor of UCCS.Junior Spencer Hanson got the start of the mound for Northwest, lasting two innings. Facing 17 batters, Hanson allowed seven runs (seven earned) on eight hits. Redshirt freshman Thomas Henrichs, Elijah Ecton and sophomore Daniel Smith also made appearances on the bump for the Bearcats.Game 2The Bearcats jumped out to an early 2-1 lead after three innings during the second game of the Saturday doubleheader, large scoring innings by the Mountain Lions once again plagued Northwest.Colorado Springs notched five runs in the home half of the fourth, one in the fifth and six runs in the eighth inning to build a sizeable advantage.With two outs in the top of the seventh, the Bearcats rallied to cross junior outfielder Matt Gastner after three singles by Gastner, sophomore Ryan Koski and redshirt freshman Trevor Dooley made their way into the outfield grass.The Bearcats dropped game three of the three-game set with UCCS, 13-3.On the bump, senior lefty Quintin Van Ackeren got the start for Northwest. Van Ackeren dealt five and 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs (seven earned) on 10 hits and adding two strikeouts to his 2020 resume.Northwest will attempt to halt its six-game losing streak Feb. 28 during its first home appearance of the season in three-game, Friday-Sunday stint against Northeastern State. First pitch in game one is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Maryville.NOTES: Quick extended his consecutive reached base streak to 14 games … Quick also owns team-high hitting streak (four games) … the Bearcat offense tallied six doubles on the day.--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest Missouri State baseball drops final two games at UCCS

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Texas coach Shaka Smart implored his team to play with some grit when it traveled to Kansas State on Saturday.

Courtney Ramey answered the call by setting the tone on the defensive end.

Ramey continued his torrid scoring streak with a career-high 26 points, the Longhorns confused and flustered the slumping Wildcats the entire way, and the result was a 70-59 victory that was never as close as the final score indicated.

"Our guys have really taken ownership of what we've wanted them to do," said Smart, whose team is suddenly back on the NCAA Tournament bubble. "It's hard to come in here and win if you don't have a lot of grit to you. I thought Courtney did a good job of setting the tone with that."

Donovan Williams added 12 points and Matt Coleman III returned from the first missed game of his college career to also score 12, giving the Longhorns (16-11, 6-8 Big 12) two straight wins after a precipitous four-game slide.

"I just think our team spirit right now is high. A lot of people counted us out because we had a lot of injuries, but we believe in each other," said Ramey, who rolled into Manhattan after games of 21 points against Iowa State and 15 against TCU. "We have a great chance of doing what we want at the end of the year."

Xavier Sneed had 15 points and Makol Mawien 14 for the Wildcats, who went on a late run to leave the final score closer than it was much of the game. Kansas State (9-18, 2-12) has lost seven straight for the first time since 2001, and there's a good chance that skid will continue next week with games against No. 1 Baylor and third-ranked Kansas.

"We gave too many easy ones to them to start, then they made some 3s, and Ramey was special for them, especially in the first half," Kansas State coach Bruce Weber said. "The easy ones we had, the layups and free throws, those keep you in the game. We have to finish those. We didn't do it."

The outcome for the throw-back game at Bramlage Coliseum on Saturday largely boiled down to a five-minute stretch in the first half in which the Longhorns could do little wrong and the Wildcats could do nothing right.

Texas was holding tight to a 26-20 lead when David Sloan committed turnovers on back-to-back possessions, leading to a pair of easy run-outs. Ramey had the first of them, then followed Brock Cunningham's dunk -- and another turnover by the Wildcats' Mike McGuirl -- with a 3-pointer and pair of free throws to highlight a run of 11 straight points.

Kansas State went the final 7 minutes, 40 seconds without a field goal and trailed 42-23 at the break, turning what had been a nip-and-tuck game for most of the first 10 minutes into a one-sided rout.

Ramey had nearly outscored the entire Kansas State team by himself over the first 20 minutes.

The sophomore, who'd been averaging just 10.5 points, opened the game with a 3-pointer to set the tone. He made the key baskets during the Longhorns' big first-half charge, then curled in another 3 at the buzzer to give him 21 at the half.

"I don't think anything has changed. Just being aggressive," Ramey said. "Taking what the defense gives me."

When the Wildcats finally picked up some momentum in the second half, Ramey answered with another jumper to help restore a 20-point cushion, and the Longhorns nursed that lead all the way to the finish.

"I thought we'd be ready to play. I thought the guys were pretty focused," Weber said. "Some of it, credit to Texas. They stepped up and they're fighting for an NCAA bid, played at a special level, and I don't think our guys quit. But those missed layups, missed free throws, turnovers -- they take a mental toll on you. Just too many of them put us in a bind."

Kansas State played without freshman guard Montavious Murphy, who tweaked a previous knee injury in Wednesday night's loss at Texas Tech. Murphy missed seven games earlier this season with the same injury. That drives the number of games missed by regular contributors to 50 with four games left in the regular season.

Texas would love to get to .500 in league play by the Big 12 tournament to give its hopes of an NCAA at-large bid a major lift. That would mean winning three of its last four against West Virginia, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The Longhorns have already finished their season series against Baylor and Kansas.

Kansas State is simply trying to survive what has been a brutal season. Injuries have piled up, leadership has waned and Weber has spent entire games at a loss for what to do. And on Saturday, the Wildcats' stingy defense -- the one thing that they've done well most of the year -- was obliterated by hot shooting from the Texas backcourt.

Texas returns home to face the No. 17 Mountaineers on Monday night.

Kansas State visits the Bears, who lost to the Jayhawks earlier in the day, on Tuesday night.

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Texas coach Shaka Smart implored his team to play with some grit when it traveled to Kansas State on Saturday.Courtney Ramey answered the call by setting the tone on the defensive end.Then he caught fire at the other end.Ramey continued his torrid scoring streak with a career-high 26 points, the Longhorns confused and flustered the slumping Wildcats the entire way, and the result was a 70-59 victory that was never as close as the final score indicated."Our guys have really taken ownership of what we've wanted them to do," said Smart, whose team is suddenly back on the NCAA Tournament bubble. "It's hard to come in here and win if you don't have a lot of grit to you. I thought Courtney did a good job of setting the tone with that."Donovan Williams added 12 points and Matt Coleman III returned from the first missed game of his college career to also score 12, giving the Longhorns (16-11, 6-8 Big 12) two straight wins after a precipitous four-game slide."I just think our team spirit right now is high. A lot of people counted us out because we had a lot of injuries, but we believe in each other," said Ramey, who rolled into Manhattan after games of 21 points against Iowa State and 15 against TCU. "We have a great chance of doing what we want at the end of the year."Xavier Sneed had 15 points and Makol Mawien 14 for the Wildcats, who went on a late run to leave the final score closer than it was much of the game. Kansas State (9-18, 2-12) has lost seven straight for the first time since 2001, and there's a good chance that skid will continue next week with games against No. 1 Baylor and third-ranked Kansas."We gave too many easy ones to them to start, then they made some 3s, and Ramey was special for them, especially in the first half," Kansas State coach Bruce Weber said. "The easy ones we had, the layups and free throws, those keep you in the game. We have to finish those. We didn't do it."The outcome for the throw-back game at Bramlage Coliseum on Saturday largely boiled down to a five-minute stretch in the first half in which the Longhorns could do little wrong and the Wildcats could do nothing right.Texas was holding tight to a 26-20 lead when David Sloan committed turnovers on back-to-back possessions, leading to a pair of easy run-outs. Ramey had the first of them, then followed Brock Cunningham's dunk -- and another turnover by the Wildcats' Mike McGuirl -- with a 3-pointer and pair of free throws to highlight a run of 11 straight points.Kansas State went the final 7 minutes, 40 seconds without a field goal and trailed 42-23 at the break, turning what had been a nip-and-tuck game for most of the first 10 minutes into a one-sided rout.Ramey had nearly outscored the entire Kansas State team by himself over the first 20 minutes.The sophomore, who'd been averaging just 10.5 points, opened the game with a 3-pointer to set the tone. He made the key baskets during the Longhorns' big first-half charge, then curled in another 3 at the buzzer to give him 21 at the half."I don't think anything has changed. Just being aggressive," Ramey said. "Taking what the defense gives me."When the Wildcats finally picked up some momentum in the second half, Ramey answered with another jumper to help restore a 20-point cushion, and the Longhorns nursed that lead all the way to the finish."I thought we'd be ready to play. I thought the guys were pretty focused," Weber said. "Some of it, credit to Texas. They stepped up and they're fighting for an NCAA bid, played at a special level, and I don't think our guys quit. But those missed layups, missed free throws, turnovers -- they take a mental toll on you. Just too many of them put us in a bind."MISSING MURPHYKansas State played without freshman guard Montavious Murphy, who tweaked a previous knee injury in Wednesday night's loss at Texas Tech. Murphy missed seven games earlier this season with the same injury. That drives the number of games missed by regular contributors to 50 with four games left in the regular season.BIG PICTURETexas would love to get to .500 in league play by the Big 12 tournament to give its hopes of an NCAA at-large bid a major lift. That would mean winning three of its last four against West Virginia, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The Longhorns have already finished their season series against Baylor and Kansas.Kansas State is simply trying to survive what has been a brutal season. Injuries have piled up, leadership has waned and Weber has spent entire games at a loss for what to do. And on Saturday, the Wildcats' stingy defense -- the one thing that they've done well most of the year -- was obliterated by hot shooting from the Texas backcourt.UP NEXTTexas returns home to face the No. 17 Mountaineers on Monday night.Kansas State visits the Bears, who lost to the Jayhawks earlier in the day, on Tuesday night.--- Associated Press ---

Kansas State falls at home to Texas 70-59

TOPEKA, Kan. - Griffon Softball split another pair of non-conference games, Saturday morning in Topeka. Missouri Western pushed the winning run across in the fifth of a 4-3 win over Maryville before falling 10-8 in 10 innings against Minnesota Duluth.

The Griffons scored three unanswered runs to comeback on the Saints and open the day with a win.

Down 3-1, Lauren Houston drove in Brea Blanton with a double down the left field line before Rachel Stewart tied the game with a double to left that scored Houston. Stewart got Blanton home in the fifth for the go-ahead run. Olivia Goodale picked up her first save of the season, holding Maryville without a hit or run over the final three innings. Kelly Uthe picked up the win, pitching the first four innings.

Blanton went 2 for 3 at the plate in the game with a pair of runs scored. Stewart drove in two.

Minnesota Duluth scored one run in each of the first six innings, but the Griffons were able to force extra innings thanks to a four-run fifth. Both teams scratched one across in the eight, but UMD scored three in the top of the 10th and MWSU answered with just one run in the bottom half.

Missouri Western trailed 5-2 after four and a half innings. Emma Hoffart started the rally in the fifth, driving in Blanton with a double to left. Sydni Hawkins put the Griffs up 6-5 with a three run homer to center. UMD tied the game in the sixth with a solo home run that bounced off the top of the wall in center.

Hoffart went 4 for 5 at the plate with three doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. Taylor Hoelscher went 3 for 5. Hawkins was 2 for 5 with five RBIs. Blanton and Houston had two hits apiece. Uthe took the loss in relief of Kaili Hinds. Uthe gave up four runs, two earned on three hits with two walks and a strikeout over 4.1 innings. Hinds gave up five runs, three earned, on eight hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. Goodale finished the game, pitching one inning.

The Griffons complete their three-day stand in Topeka against Sioux Falls (8:30) and Wayne State (10:30, Sunday morning.

TOPEKA, Kan. - Griffon Softball split another pair of non-conference games, Saturday morning in Topeka. Missouri Western pushed the winning run across in the fifth of a 4-3 win over Maryville before falling 10-8 in 10 innings against Minnesota Duluth.GAME 1MWSU 4, Maryville 3The Griffons scored three unanswered runs to comeback on the Saints and open the day with a win.Down 3-1, Lauren Houston drove in Brea Blanton with a double down the left field line before Rachel Stewart tied the game with a double to left that scored Houston. Stewart got Blanton home in the fifth for the go-ahead run. Olivia Goodale picked up her first save of the season, holding Maryville without a hit or run over the final three innings. Kelly Uthe picked up the win, pitching the first four innings.Blanton went 2 for 3 at the plate in the game with a pair of runs scored. Stewart drove in two.GAME 2Minnesota Duluth 10, MWSU 8 (10 Innings)Minnesota Duluth scored one run in each of the first six innings, but the Griffons were able to force extra innings thanks to a four-run fifth. Both teams scratched one across in the eight, but UMD scored three in the top of the 10th and MWSU answered with just one run in the bottom half.Missouri Western trailed 5-2 after four and a half innings. Emma Hoffart started the rally in the fifth, driving in Blanton with a double to left. Sydni Hawkins put the Griffs up 6-5 with a three run homer to center. UMD tied the game in the sixth with a solo home run that bounced off the top of the wall in center.Hoffart went 4 for 5 at the plate with three doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. Taylor Hoelscher went 3 for 5. Hawkins was 2 for 5 with five RBIs. Blanton and Houston had two hits apiece. Uthe took the loss in relief of Kaili Hinds. Uthe gave up four runs, two earned on three hits with two walks and a strikeout over 4.1 innings. Hinds gave up five runs, three earned, on eight hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. Goodale finished the game, pitching one inning.UP NEXTThe Griffons complete their three-day stand in Topeka against Sioux Falls (8:30) and Wayne State (10:30, Sunday morning.--- MWSU Athletics ---

MWSU softball defeats Maryville, loses in 10 to Minnesota Duluth

BOYS Lafayette 66 (15-9, 7-0 MEC) St. Pius X 62 Benton 60 (16-8) Pembroke Hill 38 Staley 63 Central 48 (8-15, 2-8 Suburban)

BOYS Lafayette 66 (15-9, 7-0 MEC) St. Pius X 62 Benton 60 (16-8) Pembroke Hill 38 Staley 63 Central 48 (8-15, 2-8 Suburban)

City High School Basketball Scores - Friday, February 21

ST. JOSEPH - Missouri Western Baseball opened their home slate against Minot State on Friday. The Griffons (3-10) fell to the Beavers (5-3) in both games of the doubleheader 5-8 in game one and 0-10 in game two.

- Colby Tam hit his third home run of the season in the fourth inning. His hit drove in Andrew Meier and Troy Davern, giving the Griffons the 3-2 lead.

- Minot State rallied back in the fifth inning to retake the lead 4-3, but then the Griffons swung back when Josh Robinson hit a single to drive in Chas Verduzco to tie it up in the seventh.

- In the final three innings of the game, the Griffons left seven batters on base.

- MWSU finished the game with eight hits. Andrew Meier led the way with two, tallying his season total to 17. Meier also has eight RBIs on the season.

- Zach Pych, Maurice Bruce, Reid Briney and Troy Davern also tallied hits in the first matchup.

- Jake Gilbert took the loss for the Griffons, giving up four runs in the final two innings.

- Justin Wood got the start in the second game. Although he had three strikeouts, Wood gave up seven runs in four innings pitched.

- The Griffon pitching staff tallied eight strikeouts throughout the contest.

- Nolan Myhre got the win for the Beavers. Myhre struck out seven Griffons and walked two in seven innings pitched.

The Griffons will close out the four-game series with Minot State with a second doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m.

ST. JOSEPH - Missouri Western Baseball opened their home slate against Minot State on Friday. The Griffons (3-10) fell to the Beavers (5-3) in both games of the doubleheader 5-8 in game one and 0-10 in game two.GAME ONE:- Colby Tam hit his third home run of the season in the fourth inning. His hit drove in Andrew Meier and Troy Davern, giving the Griffons the 3-2 lead.- Minot State rallied back in the fifth inning to retake the lead 4-3, but then the Griffons swung back when Josh Robinson hit a single to drive in Chas Verduzco to tie it up in the seventh.- In the final three innings of the game, the Griffons left seven batters on base.- MWSU finished the game with eight hits. Andrew Meier led the way with two, tallying his season total to 17. Meier also has eight RBIs on the season.- Zach Pych, Maurice Bruce, Reid Briney and Troy Davern also tallied hits in the first matchup.- Jake Gilbert took the loss for the Griffons, giving up four runs in the final two innings.GAME TWO:- Justin Wood got the start in the second game. Although he had three strikeouts, Wood gave up seven runs in four innings pitched.- The Griffon pitching staff tallied eight strikeouts throughout the contest.- Nolan Myhre got the win for the Beavers. Myhre struck out seven Griffons and walked two in seven innings pitched.UP NEXT:The Griffons will close out the four-game series with Minot State with a second doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1 p.m.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffon baseball loses two games at home to Minot State Friday

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - In an offensive slugfest, the Northwest Missouri State University baseball team fell short against the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in game one of a three-game set, 11-8.&nbsp; Between the two ball clubs, a combined five home runs were launched during Friday’s action. After forcing the Bearcats to go three-up, three-down in the top of the first, the Mountain Lions went to work scoring three runs, including two long balls, and taking an early 3-0 advantage. Following a scoreless second by both squads, the Northwest offense got on the scoreboard when redshirt freshman Caden Diel launched a homer to deep right-center. UCCS answered with a single run in the bottom of the third and two more in the bottom of the fourth to take a commanding 6-1 lead over Northwest. Taking an inning to collect themselves, the Bearcats tallied a monstrous six-run sixth and clawed the lead away from the Mountain Lions. With one out and two men on, junior Jacob Pinkerton began the scoring rally by crossing home plate on a wild pitch. Next, with the bases loaded, Diel drew a walk, plating senior infielder Calvin Rudolph from third. After the second out of the inning was notched and the bases still loaded, sophomore outfielder Ryan Koski stepped up to the plate and connected with a grand slam to left field scoring Diel, sophomore outfielder Jordan Peck and senior first baseman Connor Quick. The explosive Mountain Lion offense scrounged up two more runs in the bottom of seventh, including another solo shot to left field. Colorado Springs retook the lead heading into the final two innings of play in game one, 8-7.With two outs in the eighth, junior infielder Peter Carlson scored from second on a fielding error to even the matchup at 8-8. Following a pitching change that brought sophomore Alex Slocum in for junior Aaron Duncan to begin the home half of the eighth inning, Colorado Springs plated a trio of runs The Mountain Lions used a double and a triple, to tack on the three runs to the scoreboard and take a commanding 11-8 lead. Northwest could not score in the ninth. On the mound, junior Max Spitzmiller got the start for the ‘Cats, dealing four innings. Spitzmiller allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits. Junior Johnathan McIntyre, Duncan and Slocum also made appearances. Slocum (2-1) dropped his first game of the 2020 season. Due to inclement forecasted weather on Sunday, Saturday’s action will include a doubleheader with the first game scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. and game two at approximately 3 p.m. NOTES: Quick extended his team-high 12-game on-base streak...Koski(4) and Diel (2) notched multiple RBI outings…Six Bearcat batters tallied hits (Pinkerton, Rudolph, Quick, Diel, Donovan Warren, Koski) ... the Bearcats have dropped five in a row after starting the season with five wins in seven games. --- Northwest Athletics ---

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - In an offensive slugfest, the Northwest Missouri State University baseball team fell short against the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in game one of a three-game set, 11-8.&nbsp; Between the two ball clubs, a combined five home runs were launched during Friday’s action. After forcing the Bearcats to go three-up, three-down in the top of the first, the Mountain Lions went to work scoring three runs, including two long balls, and taking an early 3-0 advantage. Following a scoreless second by both squads, the Northwest offense got on the scoreboard when redshirt freshman Caden Diel launched a homer to deep right-center. UCCS answered with a single run in the bottom of the third and two more in the bottom of the fourth to take a commanding 6-1 lead over Northwest. Taking an inning to collect themselves, the Bearcats tallied a monstrous six-run sixth and clawed the lead away from the Mountain Lions. With one out and two men on, junior Jacob Pinkerton began the scoring rally by crossing home plate on a wild pitch. Next, with the bases loaded, Diel drew a walk, plating senior infielder Calvin Rudolph from third. After the second out of the inning was notched and the bases still loaded, sophomore outfielder Ryan Koski stepped up to the plate and connected with a grand slam to left field scoring Diel, sophomore outfielder Jordan Peck and senior first baseman Connor Quick. The explosive Mountain Lion offense scrounged up two more runs in the bottom of seventh, including another solo shot to left field. Colorado Springs retook the lead heading into the final two innings of play in game one, 8-7.With two outs in the eighth, junior infielder Peter Carlson scored from second on a fielding error to even the matchup at 8-8. Following a pitching change that brought sophomore Alex Slocum in for junior Aaron Duncan to begin the home half of the eighth inning, Colorado Springs plated a trio of runs The Mountain Lions used a double and a triple, to tack on the three runs to the scoreboard and take a commanding 11-8 lead. Northwest could not score in the ninth. On the mound, junior Max Spitzmiller got the start for the ‘Cats, dealing four innings. Spitzmiller allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits. Junior Johnathan McIntyre, Duncan and Slocum also made appearances. Slocum (2-1) dropped his first game of the 2020 season. Due to inclement forecasted weather on Sunday, Saturday’s action will include a doubleheader with the first game scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. and game two at approximately 3 p.m. NOTES: Quick extended his team-high 12-game on-base streak...Koski(4) and Diel (2) notched multiple RBI outings…Six Bearcat batters tallied hits (Pinkerton, Rudolph, Quick, Diel, Donovan Warren, Koski) ... the Bearcats have dropped five in a row after starting the season with five wins in seven games. --- Northwest Athletics ---

Bearcat baseball loses series opener at UC-Colorado Springs

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Missouri Western softball team (2-4) rallied for a win and suffered a close loss on its first day of the Emporia State 5-State Classic in Topeka.

Missouri Western rallied for five runs in the sixth inning to snap a three-game skid.

Concordia-St. Paul (2-5) got a run in the first and took a 2-0 lead with another run in the fourth. Kelly Uthe tied the game at two in the fourth with a 2-run double to left center. Uthe put MWSU up 4-2 in the sixth with another double, this one down the lefit field line that drove in Taylor Hoelscher. The Griffons got the go-ahead run in the sixth thanks to a Golden Bear error. A Brea Blanton bunt single put MWSU up 5-2 before Lauren Houston made it 6-2 with a sacrifice fly to left. Rachel Stewart ended the big inning for the Griffs with an RBI-double to left.

Uthe came in relief of Kaili Hinds in the seventh after CSP put its first two batters on courtesy of an error and a single. The Golden Bears scored one more run in the inning, but Uthe got the Griffons out of it before the tying run ever came to the plate.

Stewart went 2 for 3 in the game with an RBI. Uthe was also 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Hinds got her first win of the season, going six innings. She allowed two earned runs, three overall, on six hits. Hinds struck out five and walked one.

Minnesota State (6-1) took a 4-0 lead after scoring three runs on two hits and two errors in the sixth. The Griffons got a two-out rally going in the seventh. Taylor Hoelscher roped a triple off the centerfield fence that drove in two runs. Uthe represented the tying run with two-out, but struck out to end the game.

Uthe took the loss with one of her four runs allowed, earned. She struck out one, didn't walk any and scattered six hits across her six innings of work.

Missouri Western goes to Washburn to take on Maryville (8:30) and Minnesota Duluth (10:30) on Saturday.

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Missouri Western softball team (2-4) rallied for a win and suffered a close loss on its first day of the Emporia State 5-State Classic in Topeka.GAME 1MWSU 7, Concordia-St. Paul 3Missouri Western rallied for five runs in the sixth inning to snap a three-game skid.Concordia-St. Paul (2-5) got a run in the first and took a 2-0 lead with another run in the fourth. Kelly Uthe tied the game at two in the fourth with a 2-run double to left center. Uthe put MWSU up 4-2 in the sixth with another double, this one down the lefit field line that drove in Taylor Hoelscher. The Griffons got the go-ahead run in the sixth thanks to a Golden Bear error. A Brea Blanton bunt single put MWSU up 5-2 before Lauren Houston made it 6-2 with a sacrifice fly to left. Rachel Stewart ended the big inning for the Griffs with an RBI-double to left.Uthe came in relief of Kaili Hinds in the seventh after CSP put its first two batters on courtesy of an error and a single. The Golden Bears scored one more run in the inning, but Uthe got the Griffons out of it before the tying run ever came to the plate.Stewart went 2 for 3 in the game with an RBI. Uthe was also 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Hinds got her first win of the season, going six innings. She allowed two earned runs, three overall, on six hits. Hinds struck out five and walked one.GAME 2Minnesota State 4, MWSU 2Minnesota State (6-1) took a 4-0 lead after scoring three runs on two hits and two errors in the sixth. The Griffons got a two-out rally going in the seventh. Taylor Hoelscher roped a triple off the centerfield fence that drove in two runs. Uthe represented the tying run with two-out, but struck out to end the game.Uthe took the loss with one of her four runs allowed, earned. She struck out one, didn't walk any and scattered six hits across her six innings of work.UP NEXTMissouri Western goes to Washburn to take on Maryville (8:30) and Minnesota Duluth (10:30) on Saturday.--- Northwest Athletics ---

MWSU softball goes 1-1 on day one of 5-State Classic in Topeka

EMPORIA, Kansas – The Northwest Missouri State University softball team split a pair of games Friday to kick off the 5-States Classic. The Bearcats fell to Maryville 6-3 then snapped their eight-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over Minnesota Duluth.

Sydne Brashear put the Bearcats on the board in the top of the third inning with an RBI double to left center.

Maryville answered scoring two runs in the bottom of the third inning and another run in the fourth inning to grab a 3-1 lead over Northwest.

In the top of the fifth inning, Olivia Daugherty doubled down the right field line putting the Bearcats in scoring position. Next at bat, Brashear grounded out to second base but brought in Jacee Winn to score to cut the lead to 3-2.

Maryville scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth and another run in the bottom of the sixth inning to go up 6-2 over the Bearcats.

In the top of the seventh inning, Daugherty homered to left field to cut the lead to 6-3. However, the seventh inning efforts weren't enough to catch back up to Maryville's lead.

Sydne Brashear and Kaitlyn Weis provided the offense with a pair of first inning solo homers and Rachel Smith took care of business in the circle.

Smith tossed a one-hitter and recorded a career-high 13 strikeouts against Duluth. She took a no-hitter in the sixth inning before Duluth was able to manage a one-out single to center.

The Bearcats gave up a run in the top of the sixth, but were able to come away with the 2-1 win. The victory snapped Northwest's eight-game losing streak.

Northwest moves to 3-8 overall and will continue to compete in the 5-States Classic Saturday with games against Concordia-St. Paul and Wayne State.

NOTES: Brashear leads the team in batting average with a .457. She has two doubles and seven RBI. Daugherty isn't far behind with a .417 batting average, five doubles and six RBI. Weis is slugging a .314 average with three doubles and five RBI. Brashear, Weis and Daugherty all have two home runs each on the season. Northwest previously faced Concordia-St. Paul in the Minnesota State D-II Softball Classic where they split a pair of games with the Golden Bears.

EMPORIA, Kansas – The Northwest Missouri State University softball team split a pair of games Friday to kick off the 5-States Classic. The Bearcats fell to Maryville 6-3 then snapped their eight-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over Minnesota Duluth.Game 1 vs. Maryville - L, 6-3Sydne Brashear put the Bearcats on the board in the top of the third inning with an RBI double to left center.Maryville answered scoring two runs in the bottom of the third inning and another run in the fourth inning to grab a 3-1 lead over Northwest.In the top of the fifth inning, Olivia Daugherty doubled down the right field line putting the Bearcats in scoring position. Next at bat, Brashear grounded out to second base but brought in Jacee Winn to score to cut the lead to 3-2.Maryville scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth and another run in the bottom of the sixth inning to go up 6-2 over the Bearcats.In the top of the seventh inning, Daugherty homered to left field to cut the lead to 6-3. However, the seventh inning efforts weren't enough to catch back up to Maryville's lead.Game 2 vs. Minnesota Duluth - W, 2-1 Sydne Brashear and Kaitlyn Weis provided the offense with a pair of first inning solo homers and Rachel Smith took care of business in the circle.Smith tossed a one-hitter and recorded a career-high 13 strikeouts against Duluth. She took a no-hitter in the sixth inning before Duluth was able to manage a one-out single to center.The Bearcats gave up a run in the top of the sixth, but were able to come away with the 2-1 win. The victory snapped Northwest's eight-game losing streak.Northwest moves to 3-8 overall and will continue to compete in the 5-States Classic Saturday with games against Concordia-St. Paul and Wayne State.NOTES: Brashear leads the team in batting average with a .457. She has two doubles and seven RBI. Daugherty isn't far behind with a .417 batting average, five doubles and six RBI. Weis is slugging a .314 average with three doubles and five RBI. Brashear, Weis and Daugherty all have two home runs each on the season. Northwest previously faced Concordia-St. Paul in the Minnesota State D-II Softball Classic where they split a pair of games with the Golden Bears.--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest softball splits a pair of games Friday at ESU Tourney

ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western men's basketball team completed a season sweep of Pittsburg State as they beat the Gorillas 94-76 Thursday night inside the MWSU Fieldhouse.  Western improves to 15-12 this season and 11-5 in the MIAA, while Pitt State drops to 9-16 and 5-11 in league play.  The Griffons have now won eight of their last nine games and they're 10-0 at home this season.

A five-point game at the half, MWSU outscored the Gorillas by 13 on 66.7% shooting in the second half to run away with its 11th MIAA win of the year. Despite the final score, the lead changed eight times and was tied five times mostly all in the first half. Pitt State tied the game at 50 early in the second half, but the Griffons answered with a 12-1 run that saw the Griffons go 5 for 6 from the field to take an 11-point lead. Pitt State whittled the Griffon lead to six with 8:21 to go, but MWSU busted it back open with a 12-2 run that also saw the Griffs go 5 of 6 from the field.

- The 10th consecutive home win for the Griffon surpassed the 2009-10 team's nine consecutive home wins and are the most for the program since starting the 2002-03 season 13-0 in the MWSU Fieldhouse.

- It was the eighth win in the last nine games for the Griffons.

- The 15 overall wins and 11 conference wins are the most for the program since the 2009-10 season.

- With Rogers State's win and Missouri Southern's loss on Thursday, those two teams were tied for second in the MIAA standings with the Griffons one game back of the pair.

- MWSU shot a season-best 59.4% from the field and tied a season-high with 38 made field goals.

- The Griffon defense limited Pittsburg State to 36% from the field.

- After going 3 of 12 from 3-point range in the first half, the Griffons went 7 for 11 in the second half.

- Tyree Martin paced three Griffons who scored 20-plus with 24 points. Martin was 10 of 15 from the field with 11 rebounds and two blocks. He had 18 points and nine rebounds in the first half.

- Tyrell Carroll scored 15 second half points to finish with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists.

- Tyus Millhollin also scored 21 points, going 5 of 10 from long range with a team-high six assists.

Missouri Western hosts No. 17 Missouri Southern (19.6, 12-4) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the MWSU Fieldhouse. The Lions lost 77-76 on a buzzer beater at No. 1 Northwest Missouri State on Thursday night and defeated the Griffons 97-87 last Saturday in Joplin.

ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western men's basketball team completed a season sweep of Pittsburg State as they beat the Gorillas 94-76 Thursday night inside the MWSU Fieldhouse. Western improves to 15-12 this season and 11-5 in the MIAA, while Pitt State drops to 9-16 and 5-11 in league play. The Griffons have now won eight of their last nine games and they're 10-0 at home this season.A five-point game at the half, MWSU outscored the Gorillas by 13 on 66.7% shooting in the second half to run away with its 11th MIAA win of the year. Despite the final score, the lead changed eight times and was tied five times mostly all in the first half. Pitt State tied the game at 50 early in the second half, but the Griffons answered with a 12-1 run that saw the Griffons go 5 for 6 from the field to take an 11-point lead. Pitt State whittled the Griffon lead to six with 8:21 to go, but MWSU busted it back open with a 12-2 run that also saw the Griffs go 5 of 6 from the field.NOTABLES- The 10th consecutive home win for the Griffon surpassed the 2009-10 team's nine consecutive home wins and are the most for the program since starting the 2002-03 season 13-0 in the MWSU Fieldhouse.- It was the eighth win in the last nine games for the Griffons.- The 15 overall wins and 11 conference wins are the most for the program since the 2009-10 season.- With Rogers State's win and Missouri Southern's loss on Thursday, those two teams were tied for second in the MIAA standings with the Griffons one game back of the pair.- MWSU shot a season-best 59.4% from the field and tied a season-high with 38 made field goals.- The Griffon defense limited Pittsburg State to 36% from the field.- After going 3 of 12 from 3-point range in the first half, the Griffons went 7 for 11 in the second half.- Tyree Martin paced three Griffons who scored 20-plus with 24 points. Martin was 10 of 15 from the field with 11 rebounds and two blocks. He had 18 points and nine rebounds in the first half.- Tyrell Carroll scored 15 second half points to finish with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists.- Tyus Millhollin also scored 21 points, going 5 of 10 from long range with a team-high six assists.UP NEXTMissouri Western hosts No. 17 Missouri Southern (19.6, 12-4) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the MWSU Fieldhouse. The Lions lost 77-76 on a buzzer beater at No. 1 Northwest Missouri State on Thursday night and defeated the Griffons 97-87 last Saturday in Joplin.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons use big second half to defeat Pittsburg State 94-76

MARYVILLE, Missouri - Sophomore point guard Trevor Hudgins hit an lean-in, off-balance jumper at the buzzer to lift No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State to a 77-76 victory over No. 17-ranked Missouri Southern at Bearcat Arena.

The triumph clinched Northwest's seventh consecutive MIAA regular season title and was the 31st straight win in Bearcat Arena.

Missouri Southern (19-6 overall, 12-4 MIAA) and Northwest (25-1 overall, 15-1 MIAA) traded blows like a heavyweight title fight in Bearcat Arena. The contest featured 19 lead changes and seven ties, which 16 of the lead changes occurring in the final 20 minutes.

Missouri Southern opened up a 25-18 lead on a Cam Martin bucket with 9:54 left in the first half. Hudgins hit a triple that was followed by back-to-back three-pointers from freshman Wes Dreamer to give Northwest a 27-25 advantage with 7:23 on the clock. Martin hit a pair of free throws to tie it, then Dreamer connected on his third straight three-pointer to the delight of the Bearcat Arena crowd that put Northwest on top 30-27 with 6:52 left in the half.

Hudgins would toss in a layup at the close of the first half to give the Bearcats a 39-33 lead at the break. Northwest drained 10 first-half three-pointers on 19 attempts to shoot 52.6% from distance. Missouri Southern made 12-of-25 field goals and buried four three-pointers in the opening stanza.

The Bearcats kept the Lions at bay in the first six minutes of the second half with a seven-point bulge at 49-42. But the Lions came roaring back behind Martin, Kinzer Lambert and Parker Jennings. Lambert completed an old-fashioned three-point play at 11:56 to give the visitors at 52-51 lead.

Then the highlights bumped up a notch as two top-level collegiate basketball squads played on another plane. Bearcat redshirt freshman Luke Waters, who had picked up two fouls in the opening 100 seconds of the game, came to life in the second half scoring all 17 of his points. Waters hit on 7-of-9 field goals, including 3-of-4 from three-point range. Lambert had also picked up two first-half fouls but came out blazing in the second half. Lambert tallied 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting and went 3-of-5 from deep.

Martin was willing his team to the victory as he poured in 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Martin's last basket of the game came with 5:30 to play and it gave the Lions a 68-67 lead.

MARYVILLE, Missouri - Sophomore point guard Trevor Hudgins hit an lean-in, off-balance jumper at the buzzer to lift No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State to a 77-76 victory over No. 17-ranked Missouri Southern at Bearcat Arena.The triumph clinched Northwest's seventh consecutive MIAA regular season title and was the 31st straight win in Bearcat Arena.Missouri Southern (19-6 overall, 12-4 MIAA) and Northwest (25-1 overall, 15-1 MIAA) traded blows like a heavyweight title fight in Bearcat Arena. The contest featured 19 lead changes and seven ties, which 16 of the lead changes occurring in the final 20 minutes.Missouri Southern opened up a 25-18 lead on a Cam Martin bucket with 9:54 left in the first half. Hudgins hit a triple that was followed by back-to-back three-pointers from freshman Wes Dreamer to give Northwest a 27-25 advantage with 7:23 on the clock. Martin hit a pair of free throws to tie it, then Dreamer connected on his third straight three-pointer to the delight of the Bearcat Arena crowd that put Northwest on top 30-27 with 6:52 left in the half.Hudgins would toss in a layup at the close of the first half to give the Bearcats a 39-33 lead at the break. Northwest drained 10 first-half three-pointers on 19 attempts to shoot 52.6% from distance. Missouri Southern made 12-of-25 field goals and buried four three-pointers in the opening stanza.The Bearcats kept the Lions at bay in the first six minutes of the second half with a seven-point bulge at 49-42. But the Lions came roaring back behind Martin, Kinzer Lambert and Parker Jennings. Lambert completed an old-fashioned three-point play at 11:56 to give the visitors at 52-51 lead.Then the highlights bumped up a notch as two top-level collegiate basketball squads played on another plane. Bearcat redshirt freshman Luke Waters, who had picked up two fouls in the opening 100 seconds of the game, came to life in the second half scoring all 17 of his points. Waters hit on 7-of-9 field goals, including 3-of-4 from three-point range. Lambert had also picked up two first-half fouls but came out blazing in the second half. Lambert tallied 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting and went 3-of-5 from deep.Martin was willing his team to the victory as he poured in 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Martin's last basket of the game came with 5:30 to play and it gave the Lions a 68-67 lead.Waters sank his third triple of the half to put Northwest back on top 70-68 with 5:10 to play. Clark answered on the next Lions possession with a triple of his own putting the visitors into the lead at 71-70 with 4:49 left.Bearcat junior Ryan Hawkins scored his 19th point of the game on a basket with 4:07 to play lifting Northwest to a 72-71 advantage. Lambert answered that basket with a putback with 3:49 left giving the Lions a one-point cushion at 73-72.Clark hit a dagger of a three-pointer with 1:18 left that gave the Lions a four-point lead at 76-72. Following a Missouri Southern timeout, Hudgins came down and knocked in his third three-pointer of the game pulling the Bearcats to within one at 76-75 with 51.4 ticks left. Lambert missed a three-pointer with 28 seconds left and Waters grabbed the missing giving Northwest a chance to retake the lead. Hawkins got the ball into the point and took a shot up that rattled in the room, but Northwest's Diego Bernard touched it above the cylinder forcing an offensive goaltending call against the Bearcats with 9.7 seconds left.After Northwest committed enough fouls to put Missouri Southern into the bonus, the Bearcats put Braelon Walker to the line for a 1-and-1 with 6.8 seconds left. Walker missed the front end and Hawkins corralled the miss. Hawkins found Hudgins who sped down the floor to the left wing.Hudgins was met by a pair of Lions defenders, but split them with a jump stop and lifted an off-balance, lean-in jumper that found nothing but the bottom of the net as the clocked hit 0:00.0. Hudgins was mobbed by Bernard and his teammates as the Bearcat student section flooded onto the floor to celebrate the seventh consecutive MIAA regular season title for Northwest. Hudgins game-winner capped a 19-point, six-assist performance.Northwest will be back in action again Saturday at home against Pittsburg State. The Bearcats and Gorillas will tip at approximately 3:30 p.m.--- Northwest Athletics ---

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