BOLIVAR, Mo. – The SBU Bearcats, who learned today they moved up to #5 in the nation, defeated #22 Central Missouri, 98-70, in their MIAA opener.

It was SBU's 19th consecutive win at home.

SBU's Matt Rogers (the reigning MIAA Player of the Week) scored 35 points tonight, which was the third straight time Rogers had scored at least 30 points, and the third straight career high for the 6-11 center.

"It was a good win against a good team," said SBU's head coach, Jeff Guiot. "We have a lot of respect for Central Missouri and their program. The game sure felt a lot closer than the final score read."

"I like the way our players responded after our last game with Park, in which we weren't really happy with our defensive effort. Of course Matt had a big game for us, but the guys did a great job of getting him the ball. Matt is the kind of kid who just wants to win. He doesn't care who gets the stats."

For the sixth straight game (each contest this season), at least four Bearcats have scored in double figures. Joining Rogers tonight were Nick Kovacevich (12 points), D'Ante Harris (12 points), and John Tiemeyer (10 points). Rogers and Brandon Clemons had respective rebounds of 8 and 7.

SBU shot only 37.5% from three point land in the first half, but had improved that percentage to 52.2% (on 12 of 23) by the contest's end.

With tonight's win, SBU ups its record to 6-0, and 1-0 in the MIAA.

The Bearcats next play Hannibal LaGrange on Saturday (December 6) at 3:00 PM in Bolivar.

Final Stats