ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team (7-4, 2-0 GNAC) saw its comeback fall short to Northwest Missouri State University (3-7, 1-1 MIAA) when a last-second half-court throw didn't fall, and the Bearcats escaped with an 83-80 victory over the Wildcats.

Quoting Head Coach Brandon Rinta
"Northwest Missouri is tough defensive team. We needed to be able to move the ball better to give our offense a better chance.
It was our defense that cost us the game though. (Emorie) Knox got loose in the first half, then (Ja'Vion) Byers got it going in the second to carry them. We have to find ways to take steps at that end of the floor."

Notable Stats

• Cavin Holden led the 'Cats in scoring with 27 total points.
• Mitch Brizee led in assists with four total.
• Garrett Anderson led in rebounds with nine total boards.
• Jordan Clark and Jamari Harris led the team in steals, earning three takeaways each.

First Half

• Central shot out of the gate, going on a 10-2 run to start the game.
• Northwest Missouri State responded by scoring eight straight points and tying it at 10-10.
• The teams continued to battle and remained in a dead heat as neither gave an edge to the other for the remainder of the first half.
• CWU led 30-26 near the end of the half, but the Bearcats fought back to score four points and close the half with a 30-30 tie.

Second Half

• The second half began with the same amount of energy as the last half ended. Both teams traded points through the first five minutes.
• Northwest Missouri State began to build momentum and get an edge on the 'Cats by scoring 12 unanswered points to lead 57-46.
• Central fought to keep the score close, but the Bearcats continued to build on their lead.
• Then, with the score at 67-53 and 4:51 remaining in the game, the Crimson and Black began to chip away at the lead.
• Two scoring moments from Holden and Sander got the Wildcat within 10 points as the Bearcats held for the next minute.
• The team began battling through free throws. The Bearcats only scored on free throws from this moment on.
• Down by 15 with 1:23 remaining, CWU's comeback began. Holden hit two three-pointers in 13 seconds to cut the lead to nine.
• Northwest Missouri State dropped a pair of free throws but was answered by Holden with another three-pointer to trail 72-80.
• The Bearcats got one off a free throw and Anderson got his chance, dropping a three to cut the lead to six with 0:30 left in the game.
• Another free throw from Northwest Missouri State falls but Central would get a big play from Jamari Harris, who hits a three and gets fouled to force an extra free throw trailing 78-82 with 0:11 left.
• Harris would miss the free throw, but Eli Williams gets a put-back to cut the lead to two points. The Bearcats would find Jack Ratigan alone on the far end of the court and he was fouled.
• Ratigan made his first free throw but missed the second with 0:03 remaining and Holden took a heave from half-court that fell just short of the rim, as the Bearcats escaped with the victory, defeating the Wildcats 83-80.

Up Next
The Wildcats finish the first half of the season next Thursday, Dec 19 when they welcome the Lincoln University Oaklanders to the Nicholson Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.