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University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

The Official Site of Central Oklahoma University Athletics Central Oklahoma Athletics
Ben Averitt
65
Central Okla. CentOK 14-11,7-6 Mid-America Intercollegiate
72
Winner Northwest Mo. St. NMSU 11-12,4-8 Mid-America Intercollegiate
Central Okla. CentOK
14-11,7-6 Mid-America Intercollegiate
65
Final
72
Northwest Mo. St. NMSU
11-12,4-8 Mid-America Intercollegiate
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Central Okla. CentOK 33 32 65
Northwest Mo. St. NMSU 30 42 72

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Chris Brannick

Central Oklahoma Loses Second Half Lead In Loss At Northwest

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Central Oklahoma lost at Northwest Missouri Thursday night in the MIAA, falling 72-65 at Bearcat Arena.
 
UCO is 14-11 on the season following the loss and 7-6 in the MIAA. The Bronchos return to action Saturday at Missouri Western. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
 
Central Oklahoma and Northwest Missouri traded leads half a dozen times, but it was the Bearcats gaining a lead in the second half the hosts wouldn't let go of. The Bronchos led by eight points on a few occasions in the second half, including 45-37 with 15:30 remaining. That's when Northwest went on a 13-2 run over the next five minutes and got the lead for good.
 
The Bronchos got it back to one quickly but the deficit grew to 10 down the stretch.
 
UCO shot 40.0 percent from the floor, making 24 of 60 shots. The Bronchos were 11-for-30 from behind the 3-point line and 13-for-19 at the free-throw line.
 
Matthew Willenborg led the Bronchos with 29 points, eight rebounds, and four blocked shots. Josh Nwankwo added 19 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Ben Averitt joined them in double figures with 10 points and three rebounds.
 
Those three were just as big on defense. With Willenborg's blocks, he added three steals, Averitt had three steals as well, and Nwankwo recorded two steals.
 
Marcus Zeigler Jr. scored three points to go with two boards and two assists. He also had one steal. Parker Hannah and Jack Robinson both scored two points each.
 
Central Oklahoma gained the early lead by two points on a couple of occasions, then one point midway through the half. It was a 6-0 run in the final 2:30 that gave the Bronchos a 33-30 halftime lead.
 
UCO increased that lead in the second half before the big Northwest run.
 
Central Oklahoma wraps up a road trip Saturday at Missouri Western. The Bronchos play the next three in Edmond. UCO hosts Rogers State on Feb. 14, No. 1 Washburn on Feb. 19, and Central Missouri on Feb. 21 at Hamilton Field House.
 
 
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