St. Joseph, Mo. – No. 1/1 Northwest Missouri State proved why they are the best team in the nation, defeating Minnesota Crookston, 79-42.
 
The Golden Eagles fall to 0-2 on the season.
 
NWMSU wanted to prove early and often that there would be no upset inside the MWSU Fieldhouse on Saturday. The Bearcats scored the games' first 12 points, before Marcus Thompson (R-Sr., F, Brooklyn, N.Y.) would get the Golden Eagles on the board with a layup.
 
The Bearcats would extend their lead to 31-7 before a De'Antray Hughes (R-Jr., F, New Orleans, La.) dunk cut the deficit to 22.
 
The Bearcats would take a 48-15 lead into the halftime break.
 
The Bearcats would only outscore the Golden Eagles by four in the second half, 31-27, but it was more than enough for the victory.
 
Hughes finished with seven points and seven rebounds, while Blaize Sagna (So., G, London, England) tallied seven points and two assists. Pedro Rossi (So., F, Bahia Blanca, Argentina) scored a career-high six points, while Xzavier Jones (Jr., G, Milwaukee, Wis.) scored five points and pulled down five rebounds.
 
What's Next
Minnesota Crookston is back on the road next weekend for a pair of games on Thursday at Northern Michigan and Friday at Michigan Tech. Tip-off in Marquette, Mich., on Thursday is set for 7 P.M.