Bolivar, Mo. – The #1 ranked Northwest Missouri State visited Southwest Baptist for their second meeting in one week. Northwest continued their perfect season, defeating SBU 85-66, moving SBU's record to 12-14 (6-11 MIAA).
The visitors struck first, scoring on a layup, but
Karim Mouliom responded on the next possession. Northwest quickly jumped to a 9-2 lead before
Chris Rossow drove in and made a layup. After a Northwest three pointer,
Godfrey Rolle was fouled on a layup and made the free throw, converting the three point play. Northwest kept hitting three's extending their lead to 27-11 with 10:53 to go in the half.
Following the media timeout, SBU went on a 10-3 run. The run was highlighted by two
Andy Campbell three pointers, bringing SBU within 9 as the clock read 5:55. The visitors hit 3 consecutive three's with
Chris Rossow hitting a three as well in between Northwest possessions, bringing the score to 39-24.
Godfrey Rolle made a layup with 19 seconds remaining, putting the score at 45-32 at the half.
Northwest came out of the break hot, going up 53-34 in the first minute and a half.
Karim Mouliom,
Quinn Nelson, and
Maris Colton each made a layup in SBU's next few possessions, but Northwest always had an answer. With 15:16 to go, senior
Adnan Jahic made a great defensive play, stealing the ball away from the Northwest player and throwing down a vicious dunk to complete the play. As the clock read 10:07, the Bearcats trailed by 26.
Damian Prgomet made his first appearance since the Lindenwood game on January 17. He scored his first basket with 8:48 left in the game. Following his score,
Andy Campbell and
Karim Mouliom hit three's, cutting Northwest's lead to 79-56. A few minutes later,
Adnan Jahic and
Damian Prgomet made back to back layups, bringing SBU within 19.
Quinn Nelson made a layup with 5 seconds left, but SBU would not overcome the Northwest lead, ending 85-66.
Maris Colton was the leading scorer for SBU, putting up 14 points.
Karim Mouliom also scored 11 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, as well as making 3 blocks. Senior
Andy Campbell went 3-4 from three point range, and
Adnan Jahic went 2-3 from the field, snagging 3 steals.
Damian Prgomet also left an impact in his short return, scoring 6 points and grabbing 4 rebounds.
The Bearcats finish the season on the road, playing at Lincoln on February 27 and at Lindenwood on March 2.
