Two of our D-II programs, from Maryville and Joplin will square off in the semifinals later tonight (photo/MIAA conference)

Two of our D-II programs, from Maryville and Joplin will square off in the semifinals later tonight (photo/MIAA conference)

Second seeded Northwest Missouri became the first top seed of the day to win with a 70-57 victory over seventh seed Emporia State. NWMSU shot .476 from the field and cashed in 25 free throws to advance to the semi final round.

For the Bearcats DeShaun Cooper led the way with 21 points and added a team best nine rebounds. Dillon Starzl finished with 17 points and had six boards and Grant Cozad finished with 11 points. For the Hornets Terrence Moore had a game high 26 points and added five steals. Kaleb Wright had 19 points and Paul Bunch added 10 rebounds and four blocked shots.

Third seeded Missouri Southern shot .508 from the field as they earned an 87-79 victory over sixth seeded Nebraska-Kearney. MSSU pulled down 42 rebounds as they earned a date in the semi final round.

For the Lions Slim Magee had a career night with a double-double scoring 24 points and pulling down an MIAA record tieing 20 rebounds. He ties Jeff Hutcheon of Northwest Missouri and Andy Berlin of Washburn. Marquis Addison added 20 points, Lane Barlow had 13 and Jordan Talbert added 11 points. For the Lopers Mike Dentlinger led the way scoring a game high 27 points and Connor Beranek had 18 points. Ethan Brozek finished with a double-double scoring 14 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.

Second seeded Northwest Missouri will face off with third seed Missouri Southern  in the semi final round at 8:15 p.m. on March 8 from Municipal Auditorium. The Bearcats are led by DeShaun Cooper who is averaging 16.8 points and Dillon Starzl with 14.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Conner Crooker is averaging 11.3 points, Grant Cozad 103 points and Bryston Williams 10.0 points per contest.

For the Lions Marquis Addison is leading the way averaging 16.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Slim Magee is averaging 12.4 points and 7.3 rebounds while Jordan Talbert is averaging 11.9 points per contest.

The winner will advance to the MIAA Championship Game at 3:30 p.m. on March 9 from Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.