Northwest Missouri State dominated No. 1 West Texas A&M to win the 2021 DII men’s basketball championship on Saturday. The Bearcats pulled away in the second half for an 80-54 win. It’s the third title for the Bearcats in the last four completed seasons. The Bearcats defended their 2019 crown after last year’s tournament was cancelled.

Atlantic’s Ryan Hawkins led all scorers with 31 points and had 18 boards. He went 10-of-16 shooting in the game and had a double double by halftime, first time a player has done that in the DII Championships. Northwest Missouri State shot 50 percent from the floor and 47 percent from three.

The Bearcats finish their title run with a record of 28-2.

West Texas A&M was led by Qua Grant’s 20 points and six rebounds. The Buffaloes finish 19-3.