Press Release

Nov. 29, 2011

Bearcats look to stay hot

Complete Game Notes

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball looks to continue their hot start as they welcome Emporia State to Bearcat Arena Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. to open MIAA play.

Off to a 5-0 start the Bearcats host the Hornets who enter MIAA with a 5-1 record and are coming off a win over No. 11 Central Oklahoma. Emporia State’s only loss came at the hands of Division I Missouri State and is now on a three game winning streak.

Northwest is looking for their first 6-0 start since 2003-04 when they rattled off 13 straight to open the season. The Bearcats have been led by DeShaun Cooper who is averaging 16.6 points per game. Cooper is also averaging 3 assists per game and is coming off a 22 point performance against Bethel College.

While the Bearcats have not ran-away from their opponents, defense continues to be the calling card for head coach Ben McCollum. Northwest opponents are only shooting 35 percent from the field and have also found a hard time getting to the foul line against the tough Bearcats.

The Bearcats will follow up Wednesday night’s conference opener with a Saturday evening contest against Washburn. Tip on Saturday from Bearcat Arena is slated for 7:30 p.m.