PITTSBURG — Ryan Hawkins and Trevor Hawkins combined for 45 points as No. 1 Northwest Missouri State University held off Pittsburg State University, 84-69. Saturday (Jan. 2) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

Hawkins scored 18 of his team-leading 24 points in the first half as the Bearcats (5-0, 5-0 MIAA) built a 44-32 advantage against the Gorillas (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) and Hudgins countered with 16 of his 21 points in the second half for unbeaten Northwest.

Quentin Hardrict Jr. poured in a season best 27 points to lead Pitt State. Hardrict made 10 of 16 shots from the floor, including three 3-pointers, to pace the Gorillas' scoring efforts. Pitt State got nine points each from Bobby Arthur-Williams Jr., Martin Vogts, Ike Moore and Cameron Huefner as well. Moore added a team-leading seven rebounds for the Gorillas, who shot 51.0 percent from the field in the game (26-51).

Diego Bernard added 14 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for the Bearcats. Wes Dreamer also scored in double figures with 11 points for NWMSU.

Pitt State will return to action next Saturday (Jan. 9) when the Gorillas host MIAA rival Missouri Southern State University at 3:30 p.m. (CST).