Box Score
MARYVILLE, Mo. -- The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team built a 23-point first half cushion and the No. 6 ranked Bearcats held off Pittsburg State University in the second half for a 78-64 victory Thursday (Feb. 15).

NWMSU (22-2, 14-2 MIAA) built a 40-17 margin with 2:30 remaining in the first half against Pitt State (14-11, 7-9 MIAA) and rode that early momentum to the win.

Chris Ebou-Ndow posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead six Bearcats in double figures. Ryan Hawkins added 14 points, while Ryan Welty (13), Brett Dougherty (11), Xavier Kurth (11) and Joey WItthus (11) also scored in double figures.

NWMSU shot 51.1 percent from the field as a team, converting 23 of 45 shots overall. The Bearcats made 10 3-pointers in the contest and converted 22 of 28 free throws.

Pitt State got a team-leading 17 points from Demetrius Levarity. Xavier Adams added nine points and eight rebounds. The Gorillas shot 40.4 percent from the field in the game (23-57).