SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Ouachita Tigers men's basketball team fell to Northwest Missouri State in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Tournament by a final of 78-53. In their first trip to the NCAA post season since 2008, Ouachita was led by Lakee Wetsbrook's 19 points and Tirrell Brown's 18 points and eight rebounds. The Tigers finish the year at 19-13. 
  
Both teams started the game tight, combining to go 3-11 from the floor. At the 15:10 mark, Northwest Missouri State held a 5-3 lead. Ouachita's troubles on the offense end would continue through the first ten minutes of play. Defensively, the Tigers contested shots and held the Bearcats in check.

Tirrell Brown hit his first shot of the half at the 11:15 mark to end a 10-4 run and cut the Northwest Missouri lead to 17-11. Six more points in the paint by Brown and Jordin Corbitt brought the Tigers back within two, 19-17.

After a layup by Brown at the 8:57 mark, The Tigers were held scoreless, until a long two by Lakee Westbrook ended a 12-0 run for the Bearcats. A layup by David Berete at the end of the first half would bring the Tigers within 10, trailing 38-28.

Despite shooting at 50 percent to start the second half (4-8), Ouachita could not cut into the Bearcat lead. Cold shooting from the outside by the Tigers allowed their opponent to collapse into the paint and take away the Tigers inside scoring threats of Brown and Carven Holcombe. Northwest Missouri State went on a 20-3 run over a five-minute span to build a 20-point lead with nine minutes remaining. 

The Tigers never quit, but could not close the gap, falling by a final of 78-53.

Senior TIrrell Brown finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in his final game with the Tigers. Senior David Berete finished with four points, four rebounds and four assists in his final game with the Tigers. Lakee Westbrook led all scorers with 19 points.