TOPEKA, Kan. -- The Washburn Ichabods handed the #2 SBU Bearcats their first loss of the season, winning 83-72.

Washburn led nearly the entire game, starting the game on a 16-3 run. The 'Cats would claw back, cutting the Ichabods' halftime lead to five points at 35-30. A three-pointer by Nick Kovacevich gave the Bearcats their first lead of the game at the 16:05 mark in the second half, one of just two times the Bearcats held a lead (both of which were by one point). Washburn led by as much as 15 later as they pulled away from the Bearcats.

Matt Rogers led the Bearcats with 17 points. Johnnie Harris had 14 while  Kovacevich had 10 for the 'Cats. Rogers had 9 boards and Kovacevich had 5 assists to lead SBU. Lekheythan Malone had 21 points to lead the Ichabods. DeAndre Eggins added 14 points and 10 boards for Washburn.

The Bearcats could not overcome a poor shooting night, 40.4% from the field and 7 of 24 (29.2%) from three-point range, and a committed a season high 19 turnovers. SBU was also off from the foul line, making 19 of 30 shots for 63%. Washburn out-rebounded the Bearcats 46-35.

"The bottom line is they wanted it more," said SBU head coach Jeff Guiot. "Their rebounding and defense were better than ours. They're a good athletic team and they were hungrier, coming off a home loss to Central Missouri."

"We need to handle this the right way," continued Guiot. "You never want to lose. If we're happy with this loss, then we're not going to get any better. We need to be ready to play next time out against Fort Hays."

SBU falls to 12-1 overall and 5-1 in the MIAA. Washburn improves to 9-5 and 5-2 in the conference. SBU returns home on Saturday when they host the Fort Hays State Tigers in a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.

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