MARYVILLE, Mo. -- Missouri Western shot a respectable 46.2 percent (24-52) from the floor on Saturday afternoon and forced 17 Bearcat turnovers, but a school-record 72.9 percent (35-48) shooting performance by Northwest Missouri State proved insurmountable as the Griffons fell 101-63.

The Griffons controlled the opening tip and scored first on a JaQuaylon Mays layup, and kept it close through the 10-minute media timeout, but Northwest Missouri State missed just three shots - 8-11 FG, 0-1 3FG 9-9 FT - over the next 10 minutes, extending a 22-17 lead to a 45-30 halftime margin.

Taye Fields had a notable three-pointer for Missouri Western with 3:42 left in the first half, marking the 500th consecutive game with a three-point make for the Griffons.

Despite the loss, Missouri Western is still tied for second in the MIAA, level with Central Oklahoma and Missouri Southern at 4-1. The Griffons close out 2021 with an exhibition contest against Friends University on Dec. 29. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.