Washburn routs Central Oklahoma 91-52 in MIAA quarterfinal, advances to face Missouri Southern Saturday

Washburn dominates after halftime to secure semifinal berth

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Washburn’s men’s basketball team moved into the semifinal round of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Tournament with a 91-52 quarterfinal win over Central Oklahoma on Thursday night, March 5, at Municipal Auditorium.

The 39-point margin was fueled by a decisive second half. After intermission, Washburn outscored Central Oklahoma 55-26, turning a competitive opening period into a runaway result. Washburn’s perimeter efficiency was central to that separation, as the Ichabods shot nearly 67% from three-point range in the second half.

Key performances and efficiency markers

Washburn junior Jack Bachelor led all scorers with 24 points, including five made three-pointers. Dillon Claussen added 21 points and did not miss a shot from the field, finishing 7-for-7. Senior Brady Christiansen contributed 11 points as Washburn maintained steady scoring across multiple lineup combinations.

Central Oklahoma’s offense struggled to keep pace as the game progressed, particularly after the break, when Washburn’s shot-making and defensive stops produced repeated transition and early-offense opportunities.

• Final score: Washburn 91, Central Oklahoma 52
• Second-half scoring: Washburn 55, Central Oklahoma 26
• Top scorer: Jack Bachelor (24 points, five 3-pointers)
• Perfect shooting line: Dillon Claussen (21 points, 7-for-7)

Areas Central Oklahoma exploited, but couldn’t convert into a run

Even with the lopsided final, there were statistical pockets where Central Oklahoma created chances. Washburn went 11-for-22 at the free-throw line, and Central Oklahoma collected 17 offensive rebounds. Those extra possessions did not translate into sustained scoring, especially once Washburn’s second-half three-point accuracy stretched the floor and widened the gap.

“We were fired up, we were ready to go, this is postseason basketball, this is March, this is what you dream of playing,” Bachelor said after the win.

What’s next in Kansas City

With the quarterfinal victory, Washburn advanced to Saturday’s MIAA semifinal round, where the Ichabods are scheduled to play Missouri Southern. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. as the tournament continues in downtown Kansas City.

The 2026 MIAA men’s basketball championship is being held March 4-8 at Municipal Auditorium, with teams navigating a multi-day bracket format that places a premium on quick turnaround preparation and execution.