Press Release

November 19, 2004

'Cats Set School Three-Point Record in 119-42 Win Over Manhattan Christian

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Setting a team-record with 20 three-pointers, the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats defeated Manhattan Christian 119-42 tonight in Day 1 of the Ryland Milner Classic at Bearcat Arena. Freshman Joel Osborn tied the Northwest individual game mark with eight trifectas in 10 attempts as he totaled a personal-best 24 points.

Northwest, who has won 36 straight non-conference contests at home, moves to 3-0 on the season. Manhattan Christian drops to 2-4 overall.

The Bearcats took control just five minutes into the game and never looked back. Osborn connected on his first long-range bomb at the 15:07 mark to give the 'Cats a 10-4 lead. From there, the hosts went on a 28-5 burst to put the game out of reach with 6:30 left in the first half. Northwest took a 57-18 lead into the locker room.

Osborn tied Maurice Huff's single game Northwest record of eight treys at the 13:28 mark of the second and Northwest was in cruise control with a 84-26 advantage. Another three-point record was set, this time of the team variety after senior Bilal Clarance hit from behind the arc with 6:06 left. That shot gave Northwest 19 treys and broke the old record of 18 set against Avila College during the 1998-99 season.

A layup by senior Brandon Rold with 46 seconds remaining gave the Bearcats 119 points, which is three points shy of the all-time points record of 122 vs. Graceland, Nov. 20, 1999.

All 12 Bearcats who dressed scored at least one basket - Sky Wilson was sitting out with a concussion while junior Austin Meyer was nursing a foot injury.

Besides Osborn, five other Bearcats reached double-figures. Peterson and Clarance hit for career-highs with 14 points apiece. Senior Jess Shaw notched 12 in just 18 minutes of action while sophomore Brandon Maxie and Rold came away with personal-bests of 11 points in the game. Shaw, Rold and senior Victor James tied for team-high rebounding honors with six apiece - they helped Northwest to a 49-36 team advantage on the boards.

Manhattan Christian received 13 points from Ryan Kluttz and a 11 rebound-eight point effort from Steve Juhl.

The Bearcats hit 57 percent (46-of-81) of their shots and held MCU to 27 percent (17-of-64) overall. The guests turned the ball over 25 times while Northwest had just seven turnovers and 24 assists.

Northwest plays host to Upper Iowa tomorrow (Saturday) at 8 p.m. in the final game of the Ryland Milner. The Peacocks got by Incarnate Word in the early game today, 63-60.