Former Atlantic (Iowa) standout Ryan Hawkins scored 14 of his 31 points in a back-breaking second-half run as Northwest Missouri State capped a dominating season with an 80-54 defeat of West Texas A&M, repeating as Division II national champions. The repeat championship win was also No. 300 for Bearcats coach Ben McCollum.

Hawkins scored his 31 points on 10 of 16 shooting, made 9 of 10 free throws and pulled down 18 rebounds. Wes Dreamer added 19 points and 11 rebounds. Qua Grant led West Texas A&M with 20 points but was 7-for-17 shooting, making just 1 of 5 from 3-point range. The Buffs were held to 31% shooting (20 of 64).