MISSOURI WESTERN (9-10, 5-7 MIAA) vs. NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE (15-5, 8-4 MIAA)
Wednesday, Feb. 4 - 7:30 p.m. - MWSU Fieldhouse
 

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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western hosts Northwest Missouri State Wednesday night in the latest edition of one of the MIAA's best rivalries.

THE GRIFFONS
Missouri Western returns home after splitting a pair on the road last week. Saturday, at Lindenwood, the Griffons saw their three-game MIAA road winning streak snapped in a 66-57 loss to the MIAA-leading Lions. Last Thursday, MWSU completed their third-straight comeback league win on the road with a 79-72 overtime win at Lincoln. The team has made a habit of keeping games close, with the average score between MWSU and their opponents at just a half of a point. Many of the Griffons' games have also been a tale of two halves, with the team completing three, double-digit second half comebacks. They have been outscored by a combined, 60 points in the first half, while scoring scoring 35 more points than opponents in the second half. 
    
Cortrez Colbert ranks ninth in the MIAA, averaging 15.3 points per game. In league play, Colbert has averaged 18.7 per game. Cole Clearman is just under 10 points per game on the season but averages and even 10 in MIAA games. Kevin Thomas leads the team and sits ninth in the conference, averaging 5.3 rebounds per game.
    
As a team, MWSU averages 68.2 points per game, while allowing 68.7. They shoot 43 percent from the field, 34 percent from three-point range and 66 percent at the free throw line. 

NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE BEARCATS
Northwest comes to the fieldhouse after facing the same two opponents last week as the Griffons. The Bearcats won, 67-57, Saturday at Lincoln and snapped Lindenwood's nine-game winning streak with a 74-61 victory in Maryville last Wednesday. The team currently finds itself in a four-way tie for second place in a tightly contested MIAA. Lindenwood and Pittsburg State are tied atop the standings at 9-3 in league play with Northwest, Nebraska-Kearney, Central Missouri and Missouri Southern all just a game behind them. 
    
Justin Pitts leads a group of four players averaging double-digits at 16.1 points per game. Conner Crooker adds 14.1 per game with Zach Schneider and Grant Cozad hovering around 12 per contest. Cozad's 5.4 rebounds per game are the most on the team. 
    
The Bearcats are outscoring opponents by 10.6 points per game (76.1-65.4) and shoot 49 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range and 69 percent at the line. Northwest has jumped on opponents early, leading scoring by 146 points in the first half. 

LAST YEAR'S MEETINGS
2/5/14: Missouri Western 64 at Northwest Missouri State 92
2/22/14: Northwest Missouri State 92 at Missouri Western 60

THE SERIES
Northwest leads the all-time series 46-36 and is currently on a four-game winning streak over Missouri Western. The Bearcats have claimed nine of the last 10 meetings but MWSU holds the all-time edge in St. Joseph. MWSU holds a 21-18 advantage at home, while they're just 12-24 in Maryville. 

MILITARY APPRECIATION/YOUTH BASKETBALL & BOY SCOUT NIGHT
Join us for Military Appreciation Day presented by the Missouri Army National Guard this Saturday.  We'll have several patriotic tributes during the games to honor our troops. All active military personnel along with veterans will be admitted free via our Stars & Stripes program.  We also welcome all youth basketball players 13 and under and Boy Scouts as they will be admitted free in uniform top. 

GOLD COAT WINTER SOCIAL SET FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Gold Coat Members, make plans to join us at Norty's Bar & Grill this Saturday, February 7 for our Gold Coat Club winter social.  The social will begin immediately following the basketball games vs. Lindenwood.  Enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverages while socializing with other club members and Griffon staff.  We are asking for RSVP's, please do so by calling our office at 271-4481.