Press Release
January 22, 2005
Bearcats Get Back to .500 in the League With 78-69 Win Versus Emporia State
MARYVILLE, Mo . -- Northwest Missouri State used a 19-9 run after halftime to take control and get past Emporia State 78-69 tonight in men's basketball action at Bearcat Arena. Five Bearcats reached double-figures in scoring with senior Sky Wilson leading the way with 14 on nine-of-10 free throw shooting.Northwest, who has won eight straight at home against the Hornets, improves to 14-5 overall and 4-4 in league play. Emporia falls to 11-6 and 3-5 in MIAA action.
The hosts got out to a quick start in the first 10-plus minutes holding a 19-9 edge with 9:53 left. After a Brady Webb three-pointer brought Emporia within a 8-10 count, the 'Cats reeled off nine of the game's next 10 points capped by a Jesse Shaw lay-up.
From that point, the Hornets countered with a 20-6 spurt going up 29-25 with 3:20 remaining in the half. Four free throws by Wilson and a trey by junior Austin Meyer notched the haltime score at 32 apiece.
Emporia, who finished with 12 trifectas, compiled seven three's in the first half - it only made three two-pointers in the first 20 minutes.
Out of the lockerroom, the 'Cats held Emporia to three-of-nine shooting and forced five turnovers during the first 10 minutes to take a 10-point cushion. However, the Hornets got within four at 58-62 after two foul shots by Wes Book at the 4:32 mark. But, Northwest used a 11-of-14 effort from the charity line in the final five minutes to seal the win.
Northwest held a commanding 38-25 rebounding edge and forced 18 turnovers. The 'Cats outscored the Hornets 29-17 from the foul line. Emporia shot 20-of-46 (.435) while Northwest was just 21-of-53 (.396) overall.
Next to Wilson in the scoring column was Shaw with 13 points and a game-high eight boards. Junior Addae Houston came away with 11 while sophomore Brandon Maxie and freshman Andy Peterson each had 10.
Book led all scorers with 24 points on seven-of-10 shooting including six treys. Brady Webb added 11 in the losing effort.
Next, the 'Cats hit the road for an encounter at league-leading No. 21 Central Missouri State Wednesday, Jan. 26. Tip-off from Warrensburg, Mo., is 7:30 p.m.
Notes: Northwest leads the overall series with Emporia, 23-17...Northwest entered the contest third in the MIAA in rebounding margin (+4.7) - the were +14 tonight...After going for 10 or more three-pointers in five of their first 10 games, the 'Cats have one game in their last nine...The 'Cats have out-scored their last two opponents by +32 from the free throw line...Jesse Shaw has hit for double figures in points in the last three games - before this stretch he totaled 22 points in five games...Emporia State received votes (8) in the latest NABC poll (Jan. 19).
For more information, please contact:
Phillip Dowden, Media Relations/Sports Information
sid@nwmissouri.edu | 660.562.1118 | Fax: 660.562.1582
Northwest Athletics
Lamkin Activity Center | 800 University Drive | Maryville, MO 64468
