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Northwest Missouri State Athletics

OFFICIAL HOME OF NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY BEARCAT ATHLETICS
Mbball vs University of Nebraska Kearney Jan. 23, 2020. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri

Men's Basketball

No. 1 Bearcats travel to Newman, Central Oklahoma

Northwest Missouri State Men's Basketball Game Notes (PDF)

Thursday, Jan. 30 at Newman, 7:30 p.m.
TICKETS | WATCH | LISTEN | STATS

Saturday, Feb. 1 at Central Oklahoma, 3:30 p.m.
TICKETS | WATCH | LISTEN | STATS

TOP-RANKED 'CATS TRAVEL TO NEWMAN, CENTRAL OKLA.
The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (18-1 overall, 8-1 MIAA) returns to the road this week with a pair of MIAA matchups.
    Northwest will travel to Wichita, Kansas, to take on the Newman Jets (8-12 overall, 2-9 MIAA) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
    The Bearcats will close the week with a Saturday afternoon matchup against Central Oklahoma (7-13 overall, 4-7 MIAA) in Edmond, Oklahoma. Tip is set for 3:30 p.m.

NORTHWEST VS. NEWMAN ALL-TIME SERIES
Newman owns the only victory in the only previous meeting between the two schools. The Jets posted a 65-62 win over the Bearcats all the way back on Jan. 8, 1985.

NORTHWEST VS. CENTRAL OKLAHOMA ALL-TIME SERIES
Northwest holds a 13-3 lead in the all-time series vs. Central Oklahoma. The Bearcats are 4-0 all-time in Edmond, including a 78-67 triumph over the Bronchos last season.
    Northwest has won seven straight in the series.

NO. 1 IN THE NATION
Northwest moved back to No. 1 in the nation in this week's NABC Division II Top 25 Poll. Northwest has been ranked No. 1 in the nation in four consecutive seasons.
    Northwest has spent 27 weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation in the NABC poll. Northwest was first ranked No. 1 on Jan. 13, 2004.

Most weeks ranked No. 1
52, Kentucky Wesleyan
46, West Liberty
33, Virginia Union
27, Northwest Missouri State
26, Evansville
25, Cal State-Bakersfield
22, Bellarmine
22, Florida Southern
20, MSU Denver
18, Kentucky State

25 STRAIGHT WEEKS IN TOP 5
The Jan. 28 NABC Division II Top 25 poll marks the 25th straight week that Northwest has been ranked in the top five.

LOOKING FOR NINE STRAIGHT 20-WIN SEASONS
With a pair of victories this week, Northwest would reach the 20-win mark for the ninth straight season.
    Going into the 2019-2020 season, Northwest was one of five NCAA Division II schools to have won 20 or more games in eight straight seasons.
    Northwest (8), Bellarmine (11), Indiana Pa. (11), Lincoln Memorial (10) and West Liberty (15) have each surpassed the 20-win mark in at least eight straight seasons.

HUDGINS RECORDS TRIPLEDOUBLE FOR NORTHWEST
Sophomore point guard Trevor Hudgins recorded the first triple-double in Northwest men's basketball history with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists against Fort Hays State.
    It is the fourth triple-double in the MIAA since 2014-15.

Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Mo. St.)
Jan. 25, 2020 vs. Fort Hays State

Jabari Antwine (Pittsburg State)
Dec. 30, 2017 vs. Central Christian College of the Bible

Aaron Emmanuel (Missouri Western)
Jan. 16, 2016 at Emporia State

Lane Barlow (Missouri Southern)
Feb. 25, 2015 vs. Lindenwood

Double-Double Games in 2019-20
Ryan Hawkins - 4
Trevor Hudgins - 3
Diego Bernard - 2
Wes Dreamer - 1

Career Double-Doubles
Ryan Hawkins - 16
Trevor Hudgins - 7
Diego Bernard - 3
Wes Dreamer - 1

Career Triple-Doubles
Trevor Hudgins - 1

ROAD DOMINANCE
Northwest has gone 29-4 over the last four-plus seasons on the road in the MIAA.
    The Bearcats have won at least eight road games in each of the previous four seasons. Northwest is 3-1 on the road in MIAA play in 2019-2020.

10-GAME WIN STREAK FOR NW
The Bearcats are in the midst of a 10-game win streak, which is tied for the sixth-longest active win streak among NCAA Division II teams.

Active Div. II Win Streaks
Lincoln Memorial – 19
Seattle Pacific – 14
Bridgeport – 12
Black Hills State – 11
UC San Diego – 11
Northwest Mo. St. – 10
Jefferson – 10
Walsh – 10
Azusa Pacific – 10
West Texas A&M (II) – 10

28-GAME HOME COURT WIN STREAK
The Bearcats's 28-game home win streak ranks as the third-longest streak in the nation among all NCAA divisions.
    It ranks No. 2 among NCAA Division II teams trailing only West Texas A&M's streak of 36 straight home victories.

Active Home Court Win Streaks
West Texas A&M (II) – 36
Gonzaga (I) – 35
Northwest Missouri State (II) – 28
St. Edward's (II) – 26
Missouri Southern (II) – 25
Swarthmore (III) – 22
Villanova (I)  – 21
Prairie View A&M (I) – 20
South Dakota State (I) – 20
Randolph-Macon (III)  – 20
Last loss - 3/10/18 vs. Minnesota State (L, 60-50)

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 120-9. Northwest is 11-0 at home this season. Northwest has won 28 consecutive home contests.
    Northwest has won 45 of its last 46 home MIAA contests - a stretch that began Jan. 14, 2015.

Year        Bearcat Arena Record
2011-12    12-1
2012-13    12-3
2013-14    12-1
2014-15    13-2
2015-16    13-0
2016-17    18-0
2017-18    12-2
2018-19    17-0
2019-20    11-0

NORTHWEST LOOKING FOR 7TH STRAIGHT MIAA CROWN
Northwest has won six consecutive MIAA regular season titles and during that time span has compiled a league mark of 111-15.
    Coming into this season, Northwest was averaging 17.2 MIAA wins and 2.0 losses per year since the start of its six-year title run.
    Over the last four seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 61-5 against league foes.

Year        NW's MIAA Record
2013-14    16-3
2014-15    15-4
2015-16    19-3
2016-17    18-1
2017-18    16-3
2018-19    19-0
2019-20    8-1
Totals    111-15

DOUGHERTY, WELTY = WINS
Seniors Tyler Dougherty and Ryan Welty have led Northwest to a mark of 118-6 in their careers.
    The duo is closing in on the Northwest career wins mark of 127 set by Dray Starzl from 2015-2019.
    Northwest went 35-1 in 2016-17 and won the program's first national title. The Bearcats went 27-4 in 2017-18, before going 38-0 and winning their second national crown in 2018-19. Northwest is 17-1 to start the 2019-20 season.

WELTY MELTS NETS
Senior Ryan Welty buried 9-of-11 field goal attempts (81.8%) in two Bearcat wins over Nebraska-Kearney and Fort Hays State. Welty knocked in 8-of-9 three-point attempts (88.9%) in those two victories.
    Welty scored 11 points and was 3-of-3 from deep against UNK. Welty added 15 points and was 5-of-6 from three-point range against the Tigers.

SMOOTH WATERS
Redshirt freshman Luke Waters found his rhythm in Saturday's 83-57 victory over Fort Hays State. Waters scored a career-high 16 points and was 6-of-7 fom the field, which included a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point land.
    Waters came into the Fort Hays State matchup having made only 3-of-14 three-point attempts in MIAA play.

HAWKINS LIFTS NORTHWEST PAST UNK
Junior Ryan Hawkins collected his fourth double-double of the season and his 10th 20-point scoring game with his 24-point, 12-rebound performance against Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday.

20-Point Scoring Games in 2019-20
Trevor Hudgins - 10
Ryan Hawkins - 10
Diego Bernard - 4
Wes Dreamer - 1

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Trevor Hudgins - 30
Ryan Hawkins - 16
Diego Bernard - 7
Ryan Welty - 3
Wes Dreamer - 1
HAWK TOPS MIAA IN SCORING
Junior Ryan Hawkins tops the Bearcats and MIAA in scoring at 22.2 points per game.
    Hawkins is shooting 55.1% from the field, including 44.6% from three-point range.
    Hawkins leads the team in rebounds (133), free throws made (69), steals (44) and blocks (13).

HAWKINS JOINS NW TOP-10 REBOUNDING CHART
Junior Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 8 on Northwest's all-time rebounding list with 580 career caroms. Hawkins needs six more rebounds to move into a tie for seventh place with Victor Coleman, who tallied 586 rebounds from 1981-1984.

Northwest's Rebounds in a Career
1.     Don Sears (1966-1970)    874
2.     Russ Miller (1976-1980)    837
3.     Hunter Henry (2006-2009)    808
4.     Joe Hurst (1983-1986)    777
5.     David Alvey (1973-1977)    677
6.     Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-2018)    654
7.     Victor Coleman (1981-1984)    586
8.     Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    580
9.     Rick Jolley (1993-1996)    574
        Mark Adams (1976-1980)    574
        Bob Sundell (1986-1989)    574

HAWK CLIMBS BEARCAT STEALS LIST
Ryan Hawkins ranks T-No. 8 on Northwest's all-time steals list with Hunter Henry (2006-2009). Hawkins and Henry each have 146 career steals.

Northwest Steals in a Career
1.     Scott Fleming (2000-2003)        305
2.    Kelvin Parker (2001-2004)        209
3.     Mark Yager (1979-1982)        188
4.    Justin Pitts (2014-2018)        186
5.    Victor Coleman (1981-1984)    174
6.    Matt Wallace (2011-2015)        158
7.    Gerald Harris (1986-1988)        153
8.    Hunter Henry (2006-2009)        146
    Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    146
10.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-2014)    132

1,000 POINTS/500 REBOUNDS
Junior Ryan Hawkins became the 13th Bearcat to post 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.
    Hawkins ranks No. 22 on Northwest's all-time scoring list with 1,115 points.
    Hawkins ranks No. 8 on Northwest's all-time rebounding list with 580 career rebounds.

Northwest's 1,000 Pts & 500 Rbs
Victor Coleman (1980-84)    1,759 pts/586 rbs
David Alvey (1973-77)    1,747 pts/677 rbs
Hunter Henry (2006-09)    1,592 pts/808 rbs
Joe Hurst (1982-86)    1,580 pts/777 rbs
Russ Miller (1976-80)    1,282 pts/837 rbs
Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)    1,203 pts/519 rbs
Matt Redd (1996-99)    1,200 pts/571 rbs
Don Sears (1966-70)    1,154 pts/874 rbs
Dillon Starzl (2011-14)    1,153 pts/518 rbs
Chris Ebou Ndow (2015-18)    1,134 pts/654 rbs
Ryan Hawkins (2017-pr.)    1,115 pts/580 rbs
Bob Sundell (1986-89)    1,082 pts/574 rbs
Rick Jolley (1993-96)    1,054 pts/574 rbs

HUDGINS UNCONSCIOUS IN HIS LAST NINE
Trevor Hudgins is shooting 62.5.0% from three-point range in his last nine games by making 35-of-56 from distance.
    Hudgins has drained at least two three-pointers in eight of the nine contests.
    In his last nine games, Hudgins is averaging 19.8 points per game and shooting 53.4 percent from the field.
    On the season, Hudgins ranks No. 3 in the nation in three-point field goal percentage (50.5% - 51-of-101).

Hudgins Last 9 Games
vs. Truman State - 6-of-7 3 ptrs., 22 pts.
vs. Simpson - 2-of-3 3 ptrs., 22 pts.
vs. Northeastern St. - 6-of-8 3 ptrs., 20 pts.
vs. Rogers State - 6-of-9 3 ptrs., 26 pts.
at Emporia State - 4-of-7 3 ptrs., 28 pts.
at Washburn - 2-of-2 3 ptrs., 13 pts.
vs. Missouri Western - 6-of-9 3 ptrs., 31 pts.
vs. Nebraska-Kearney - 1-of-5 3 ptrs., 6 pts.
vs. Fort Hays State - 2-of-6 3 ptrs., 10 pts.

NCAA Div. II Three-Point Field Goal Percentage
1.    Cal Hartley (Drury)    51.0% (53-104)
2.     Jacob Redding (North Greenville)    50.6% (45-89)
3.    Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Mo. St.)    50.5% (51-101)
4.    Kayo Goncalves (Southeastern Ok.)    49.6% (64-129)
5.    Darryl Straughter (Walsh)    49.3% (72-146)
6.    Gedi Juozapaitis (Flagler)    49.0% (76-155)
7.    Stefan Milivojevic (Acad. of Art)    48.0% (48-100)
8.    DJ Brooks (North Greenville)    47.8% (55-115)
9.    Miles Tention (St. Anselm)    47.6% (39-82)
10.     Chris Clancy (Gannon)    46.9% (46-98)

TREV LEADS MIAA IN ASSIST-TO-TURNOVER RATIO
Trevor Hudgins leads the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio and ranks No. 9 in the nation at 3.50. Hudgins has handed out 119 assists to go against only 34 turnovers in 685 minutes of action.
    Hudgins ranks No. 14 in the nation in total assists (119). He set a career-high with 13 assists in Northwest's 110-66 win over Central Methodist.

NCAA Div. II Assist to Turnover Ratio
1. Luke Dyer (West Liberty)            4.50
    Kerney Lane (Alabama-Huntsville)        4.50
3. Devin Whitelow (Winona State)        4.19
4. Jayce McCain (Cal St. San Marcos)        3.94
5. Ryan Roland (Le Moyne)            3.84
6. Tommy Lucca (Michigan Tech)        3.82
7. Anthony Brown (Lincoln Memorial)        3.77
8. Kylan Guerra (Jefferson)            3.53
9. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Mo. St.)    3.50
10. Tommy Schmock (Findlay)            3.38

TREV CLIMBS NORTHWEST'S CAREER ASSIST CHART
Trevor Hudgins is already in Northwest's career top-10 list for assists in his second season as a Bearcat.
    Hudgins has amassed 322 career assists, which ranks as the eighth-best total in school history.

Northwest Assists in a Career
1.     Justin Pitts (2014-18)        575
2.     Kelvin Parker (2001-04)        492
3.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    489
4.    Victor Coleman (1981-84)        467
5.    Mark Yager (1979-82)        449
6.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)        435
7.    Matt Wallace (2011-15)        410
8.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-pr.)    322
9.    Gerald Harris (1986-88)        274
10.    Steve Simon (1992-95)        245

WELTY, HUDGINS KNOCKING DOWN THREES AT AN UNBELIEVABLY HIGH RATE
Senior Ryan Welty is the nation's No. 1-ranked active career leader in three-point field goal percentage. Welty has made 51.7 percent of his three-point shots (218-of-422).
    Sophomore Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 4 among NCAA Division II players (No. 8 in all divisions) by draining 123-of-258 three-pointers (47.7%).

NCAA D-II Active Career Leaders - 3-Point FG Pct.
1. Ryan Welty (Northwest Missouri St.)    .517
2. Trystan Pratapas (Mercyhurst)        .503
3. Mikkel Kolstad (Nova Southeastern)    .481
4. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Missouri St.)    .477
5. Will Yoakum (West Liberty)            .476
6. Adam Dworsky (Southeastern Okla. St.)    .471
7. Nick Smith (Nova Southeastern)        .453
8. Darius Simmons (Lenoir-Rhyne)        .452
9. Dan Largey (Stonehill)            .452
10. Chandler Jacobs (DBU)            .451
Minimum 80 3-pt FGs made

NCAA All Active Career Leaders - 3-Point FG Pct.
1. Ryan Welty (Northwest Missouri St.)    .517
2. Dru Kuxhausen (McNeese State)        .512
3. Trystan Pratapas (Mercyhurst)        .514
4. Alex Jacovides (Suffolk)            .502
5. Luke Avdalovic (Northern Arizona)        .493
6. Nick Penny (Carroll)                .491
7. Mikkel Kolstad (Nova Southeastern)    .481
8. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Missouri St.)    .477
9. Will Yoakum (West Liberty)            .476
10. Ethan Feldman (NYU)            .475
Minimum 80 3-pt FGs made

WELTY, HAWKINS CLIMB 3-POINT CHART
Ryan Welty has made 218 career 3-pointers to rank No. 3 on Northwest's all-time 3-pointers made chart.    Junior Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 9 in Bearcat history with 165 made three-pointers.

Northwest 3-Pointers Made in a Career
1.     Zach Schneider (2013-17)        370
2.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)        271
3.    Ryan Welty (2016-pres.)        218
4.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)        215
5.    Conner Crooker (2013-16)        205
6.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)        173
7.    Joey Witthus (2017-19)        172
8.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    170
9.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)        165
10.    Louis Jones (1987-89)        156

IRON MEN
Northwest has four players averaging 32.5 minutes or more per game this season.

Player            Minutes Per Game
Trevor Hudgins    36.1
Ryan Hawkins    34.4
Ryan Welty        33.9
Diego Bernard    32.5

FULL 40 MINUTES
For the season, Northwest has had 22 instances of players going the full 40 minutes in a game.
    Trevor Hudgins has played the full 40 minutes in eight games. Ryan Welty has played the full 40 minutes in five games.    
    Ryan Hawkins has played the entire 40 minutes in five games. Diego Bernard played all 80 minutes in three games.
        Redshirt freshman Luke Waters played the entire 40 minutes for the first time in his career in a 71-56 win at Emporia State.
    
40-Minute Men
Diego Bernard vs. MSU Moorhead
Diego Bernard vs. Crookston
Ryan Welty vs. Crookston
Trevor Hudgins vs. Crookston
Trevor Hudgins vs. Southern Nazarene
Ryan Welty vs. Southern Nazarene
Ryan Hawkins vs. Southern Nazarene
Trevor Hudgins vs. Daemen
Trevor Hudgins vs. Northeastern State
Ryan Welty vs. Northeastern State
Ryan Hawkins vs. Rogers State
Ryan Hawkins at Emporia State
Trevor Hudgins at Emporia State
Luke Waters at Emporia State
Ryan Hawkins at Washburn
Diego Bernard at Washburn
Trevor Hudgins at Washburn
Trevor Hudgins vs. Missouri Western
Ryan Welty vs. Missouri Western
Ryan Welty vs. Nebraska-Kearney
Ryan Hawkins vs. Nebraska-Kearney
Trevor Hudgins vs. Nebraska-Kearney

HIGH PERCENTAGE PLAYS
Northwest has shot 50% or better in 13 of its 19 games this season.

56.6% vs. Daemen (Nov. 1)
58.7% vs. Southern Nazarene (Nov. 2)
55.6% vs. MSU Moorhead (Nov. 9)
55.6% vs. Saint Mary (Nov. 14)
59.4% vs. William Jewell (Nov. 21)
54.3% at Lincoln (Dec. 5)
66.7% vs. Central Methodist (Dec. 16)
50.8% vs. Truman State (Dec. 20)
53.6% vs. Simpson (Jan. 1)
52.1% vs. Rogers State (Jan. 6)
52.3% at Washburn (Jan. 11)
50.0% vs. Nebraska-Kearney (Jan. 23)
52.8% vs. Fort Hays State (Jan. 25)

THIEVERY
The Bearcats have posted 147 steals through 19 games. Northwest has allowed only 88 steals.

'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG VICTORIES
Northwest recorded its ninth victory by 20 or more points this season in its 83-57 win over Fort Hays State.
    Under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 98-2 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 96 consecutive games when the final scoring margin is 20 or more points. The last time the Bearcats lost a game by 20 points or more came Jan. 20, 2010, when Missouri Southern posted an 88-63 win in Joplin, Missouri.

SHOOTING LIGHTS OUTS
Northwest has eight players shooting 45.6% or better from the field this season. As a squad, the Bearcats are shooting 51.7% from the field, 44.0% from 3-point range and 80.1% from the free throw line.

Name        FG%    3FG%    FT%    PPG
Hawkins    55.1    44.6    78.4    22.2
Hudgins    50.9    50.5    87.8    17.6
Bernard    45.6    29.5    77.2    14.6
Welty        56.3    56.7    96.3    8.8
Waters        54.8    40.5    70.0    7.1
Dreamer    48.1    32.7    80.0    5.9
Dougherty    55.2    40.0    66.7    5.4
Laing            48.6    43.3    80.0    4.1

NO. 1 FROM DISTANCE
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the nation in three-point field goal percentage at 44.0%. Northwest has drained 204-of-464 three-pointers this season.

NCAA Div. II Team 3-Point Field Goal%
1.     Northwest Mo. St.    44.0% (204-464)
2.    Nova Southeastern    42.8% (179-418))
3.    West Liberty    42.6% (219-514)
4.    Michigan Tech    42.3% (198-468)
5.    Walsh    41.8% (243-581)
6.    Chico State    41.4% (181-437)
7.    UC San Diego    41.4% (254-615)
8.    Charleston    41.3% (165-400)
9.    Bemidji State    41.2% (200-485)
10.    Colorado Mesa    41.1% (160-389)
3.    Drury    42.6% (162-380)
6.    Colorado Mesa    41.8% (148-354)
7.    Mercyhurst    41.8% (122-292)
9.    Stonehill    41.7% (149-357)

NO. 3 IN FEWEST FOULS PER GAME
The Bearcats rank No. 3 in the nation in fewest fouls per game (12.6).

NCAA Div. II Team Fewest Fouls Per Game
1.    Bentley    11.5
2.    Hillsdale    12.4
3.    Northwest Mo. St.    12.6
4.    Southeastern Okla.    12.8
5.    Ashland    13.1
6.    Walsh    13.1
7.    Montana St.-Billings    13.1
8.    Malone    13.4
9.    Wisconsin-Parkside    13.4
10.    USciences    13.8

NO. 4 IN SCORING DEFENSE
The Bearcats have been in a lockdown defensive mode all season. As a result, Northwest ranks No. 4 in the nation in scoring defense by giving only 61.6 points per game.
    Northwest has held nine of its opponents to less than 60 points scored.
    
NCAA Div. II Team Scoring Defense
1.     West Alabama    57.9 ppg
2.    Miles    59.1 ppg
3.    Missouri-St. Louis    60.3 ppg
4.    Northwest Mo. St.    61.6 ppg
5.    Bellarmine    61.9 ppg
6.    Alabama Huntsville    63.9 ppg
7.    Cal Poly Pomona    62.1 ppg
8.    Oklahoma Christian    64.4 ppg
9.    Walsh    64.5 ppg
10.    Hillsdale     64.6 ppg

NO. 5 IN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
The Bearcats have made 51.7% of their field goal attempts in 2019-20, which ranks No. 5 in the nation.

NCAA Div. II Team Field Goal%
1.     Nova Southeastern    54.2%
2.     Bellarmine    53.1%
3.    Charleston (W.Va.)    52.7%
4.    Lincoln Memorial    52.3%
5.     Northwest Mo. St.    51.7%
6.    Black Hills State    51.5%
7.    Colorado Mesa    51.4%
8.    UC San Diego    51.2%
9.    Pittsburg-Johnstown    51.1%
10.    Findlay    51.1%

TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF CHARITY STRIPE
The Bearcats rank No. 6 in the nation in team free throw percentage at 80.1%. The Bearcats have made 282-of-352 free throws this season, while the opposition has attempted only 201 free throws.

NCAA Div. II Team Free Throw%
1.    Cedarville    81.7% (250-306)
2.    Minnesota-Crookston    80.9% (304-376)
3.    Ohio Dominican    80.8% (198-245)
4.    Rogers State    80.7% (310-384)
5.     Western Oregon    80.6% (175-217)    
6.     Northwest Mo. St.    80.1% (282-352)
7.    New Haven    79.8% (201-252)
8.    Wilmington    79.6% (223-280)
9.    Shippensburg    79.6% (288-362)
10.    Le Moyne    79.4% (246-310)

NO. 6 IN SCORING MARGIN
Northwest has been winning comfortably this season with nine of its 18 wins coming by 20 or more points. Northwest ranks No. 6 in the nation scoring margin (+20.9).

NCAA Div. II Team Scoring Margin
1.    West Liberty    +26.7
2.     Lincoln Memorial    +24.1
3.    Nova Southeastern    +23.9
4.    Walsh    +22.1
5.    West Texas A&M    +21.0
6.    Northwest Mo. St.    +20.9
7.    St. Edward's    +19.8
8.    Missouri Southern    +19.1
9.    UC San Diego    +18.4
10.    Indiana (Pa.)    +17.8

BEARCATS TAKE CARE OF BASKETBALL
A staple of head coach Ben McCollum's coaching system is taking care of the basketball and limiting turnovers. Through 19 games in 2019-20, Northwest ranks No. 7 in the nation in turnovers per game (9.9).

NCAA Div. II Team Fewest Turnovers Per Game
1.    Northern Michigan    9.0
2.    Winona State    9.4
3.    Michigan Tech    9.5
4.    Shepherd    9.5
5.    Northern State    9.7
6.    UC San Diego    9.9
7.    Northwest Mo. St.    9.9
8.    St. Cloud State    9.9
9.    Missouri-St. Louis    10.0
10.    Hillsdale    10.3

HUDGINS BECOMES 25TH BEARCAT TO REACH 1,000 PTS
Sophomore Trevor Hudgins became the 25th Bearcat to reach the 1,000-point mark. Hudgins has scored 1,046 points in 57 career games.

ONLY PITTS GOT THERE FASTER
Former Bearcat Justin Pitts was the fastest to reach 1,000 points in school history. Pitts reached 1,000 points in 53 games.
    Pitts is the all-time leading scorer in Bearcat history with 2,459 points.

HUDGINS HONORED AGAIN AS MIAA ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
After posting a career-high 31 points vs. Missouri Western, sophomore guard Trevor Hudgins was named the MIAA Men's Basketball Athlete of the Week.
    Hudgins was the lone Bearcat to reach double-figure scoring in Northwest's 65-56 win over Missouri Western on Saturday. Hudgins surpassed the 1,000-point mark in scoring in the first half and did not stop scoring as he tallied a career-best 31 points against the Griffons.
    Hudgins sank 11-of-18 shots from the field, including 6-of-9 from beyond three-point range as he played all 40 minutes. He was also a perfect 3-of-3 from the free throw line. Hudgins handed out three assists.

NW's MIAA Athlete of the Week Honors
Ryan Hawkins - Nov. 12
Wes Dreamer - Dec. 2
Ryan Hawkins - Dec. 23
Trevor Hudgins - Jan. 7
Ryan Hawkins - Jan. 13
Trevor Hudgins - Jan. 20

HUDGINS SECURES SECOND 30-POINT GAME
Sophomore Trevor Hudgins secured his second career 30-point game with his 31-point performance vs. Missouri Western.
    Junior Ryan Hawkins leads the squad with three 30-point games this season.
    Hawkins has tallied four 30-point games in his career.

30-Point Scoring Games in 2019-20
Ryan Hawkins - 3
Trevor Hudgins - 1

Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Ryan Hawkins - 4
Trevor Hudgins - 2

HAWKINS SNARES THIRD MIAA ATHLETE OF WEEK AWARD
For the third time this season, Northwest Missouri State junior forward Ryan Hawkins has been named the MIAA's Men's Basketball Athlete of the Week.
    Hawkins (Atlantic, Iowa) averaged 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and shot 53.1 percent from the field in leading Northwest to a pair of road MIAA victories. Hawkins played all 80 minutes in the two games.
    Hawkins collected his third double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds in a 71-56 win at Emporia State.
    Hawkins scored a game-high 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting and grabbed four rebounds to go along with five steals in a 73-68 victory at Washburn. Hawkins hit a driving left-hand layup with 3:38 to play and added two free throws with 2:33 left to put Northwest on top of Washburn for good at 66-65. It was the fourth 30-point plus scoring game this season for Hawkins.

HUDGINS NAMED MIAA PLAYER OF WEEK
Trevor Hudgins was named the MIAA Co-Athlete of the Week for men's basketball (Jan. 8). Hudgins shared it with Missouri Southern's Cam Martin.
    Hudgins (Manhattan, Kansas) averaged 22.7 points per game, while shooting 63.6% from the field - including 70% (14-of-20) from three-point range and 12-of-12 at the free throw line as Northwest went 3-0.
    Hudgins also dished out 5.0 assists per game, grabbed 12 rebounds and tallied seven steals for the No. 2-ranked Bearcats in wins over Simpson, Northeastern State and Rogers State.

HAWKINS GAINS SECOND MIAA'S TOP WEEKLY HONOR
For the second time this season junior forward Ryan Hawkins has been named the MIAA men's basketball athlete of the week.
    Hawkins (Atlantic, Iowa) averaged 28.5 points per game and shot 70.6 percent from the field in leading Northwest to a pair of home non-conference victories. Hawkins went 24-of-34 from the field and 8-of-13 from three-point range in the two contests. Hawkins went for 32 points against Central Methodist and then followed that up with 25 points against Truman State.
    Hawkins shot 13-of-15 from the field (including 5-of-6 from 3-point range) and tallied five steals against Central Methodist. Hawkins drained 11-of-19 field goals and 3-of-7 three-pointers to go along with seven rebounds and four assists vs. Truman State.

HAWKINS HITS FOR 40 AGAIN
Junior Ryan Hawkins scored a school-record 44 points in Northwest's 100-88 win over No. 9 Southern Nazarene (Nov. 2).
    Hawkins broke the previous mark of 43 set by Ed Maxwell vs. Southeast Missouri State in the 1963-64 season.
    Hawkins poured in 43 points in an 87-53 win at Lincoln (Dec. 5), becoming the first Bearcat player to record two 40-point scoring games.    

Northwest Single-Game Scoring Records
1. Ryan Hawkins, Southern Nazarene (11/2/19) - 44
2. Ed Maxwell, SE Missouri State (1963-64) - 43
    Ryan Hawkins, at Lincoln (12/5/19) - 43
4. David Alvey, William Jewell (Mo.) (12/1/75) - 42
5. Joey Witthus, Minnesota State (3/16/19) - 39
6. Glenn Phillips vs. Missouri Western (12/3/85) - 38
    Darrell Foster vs. Olathe Clippers (2/22/44) - 38
    Justin Pitts vs. Minnesota State (3/13/16) - 38
9. Justin Pitts vs. UNK (1/19/17) - 37
10. David Alvey, SE Missouri State (1/1 /76) - 36
    David Alvey, Central Missouri (1/25/75) - 36
    Joey Witthus, Pittsburg State (1/31/19) - 36

HAWKINS WITH TWO 40-POINT GAMES
Ryan Hawkins's 44-point outburst vs. Southern Nazarene (Nov. 2) is tied for the seventh-highest total among NCAA Division II players this season. Michigan Tech's Kyle Monroe scored 53 points vs. Grand Valley State (Jan. 23) set the top Division II scoring mark this season.

Most Points Scored in a Game in 2019-20 - NCAA Division II
1. Kyle Monroe, Michigan Tech vs. Grand Valley State (1/23/20) - 53 points
2. Harrison Cleary, Minnesota-Crookston vs. Wayne State (12/14/19) - 52 points
3. Caleb Wagner, Winona State vs. Sioux Falls (1/25/20) - 47 points
4. Kevin Buckingham, Southeastern Okla. vs. Alaska-Anchorage (12/20/19) - 46 points
5. Roger Ray, Livingstone vs. Virginia State (12/5/19) - 45 points
    Mark Matthews, Nova Southeastern vs. Palm Beach Atlantic (1/15/20) - 45 points
7. Ryan Hawkins, Northwest Mo. St. vs. Southern Nazarene (11/2/19) - 44 points
    Courvoisier McCauley, Lincoln Memorial vs. Lenoir-Rhyne (12/18/19) - 44 points
    Harrison Cleary, Minnesota-Crookston vs. Bemidji State (12/21/19) - 44 points
    Derek Murphy, Florida Tech vs. Eckerd (1/8/20) - 44 points
    Brian Halums, Arkansas-Fort Smith vs. Texas A&M-Commerce (1/16/20) - 44 points
12. Ryan Hawkins, Northwest Mo. St. at Lincoln (12/5/19) - 43 points
      Shadeed Shabazz, Alaska-Fairbanks vs. Concordia Portland (12/7/19) - 43 points
      Jordan Floyd, King vs. Mount Olive (1/4/20) - 43 points
      Faison Brock, S.C. Aiken vs. Young Harris (1/18/20) - 43 points
      Jordan Floyd, King vs. Belmont Abbey (1/25/20) - 43 points

100-POINT MARK
Northwest has scored 100 or more points 14 times under head coach Ben McCollum.
    The Bearcats scored a 100-88 victory over No. 9 Southern Nazarene on Nov. 2 at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic at Civic Arena.
    Northwest reached the 100-point mark for the second time this season with a 102-59 triumph over William Jewell Nov. 21 at Bearcat Arena.
    The Bearcats blitzed Central Methodist with a 110-66 triumph at home on Dec. 16 for their third 100-point game of the 2019-2020 season.
    Northwest hit the 100-point mark again on New Year's Day in its 101-66 victory over Simpson.

100-Point Games under McCollum
105-55 vs. Manhattan Christian (11/16/09)
104-67 vs. Graceland (11/28/09)
105-59 vs. Waldorf (12/16/13)
104-69 at Southwest Baptist (1/16/14)
103-58 vs. Missouri Valley (12/13/16)
100-86 vs. Ferris State (11/3/18)
100-66 vs. Midland (12/1/18)
108-58 vs. Simpson (12/30/18)
105-70 at Northeastern State (1/3/19)
111-83 vs. Pittsburg State (1/31/19)
100-88 vs. Southern Nazarene (11/2/19)
102-59 vs. William Jewell (11/21/19)
110-66 vs. Central Methodist (12/16/19)
101-66 vs. Simpson (1/1/20)

PRESEASON POLLS
Northwest has been picked to win the preseason MIAA coaches and media polls.

2019-20 MIAA Media Poll
1.     Northwest Missouri (19) - 279
2.     Missouri Southern (1) - 259
3.     Washburn - 238
4.     Fort Hays State - 198
5.     Pittsburg State - 183
6.     Lincoln - 156
7.     Central Missouri - 140
8.     Emporia State - 123
9.     Missouri Western - 120
10.    Newman - 103
11.    Rogers State - 102
12.    Northeastern State - 88
13.     Nebraska-Kearney - 64
14.    Central Oklahoma - 46

2019-20 MIAA Coaches Poll
1.     Northwest Missouri (13) - 169
2.     Missouri Southern (1) - 157
3.     Washburn - 131
4.     Fort Hays State - 124
5.     Northeastern State - 99
6.     Central Missouri - 96
7.     Lincoln - 93
8.       Pittsburg State - 92
9.    Rogers State - 68
10.    Emporia State - 66
11.    Newman - 61
12.     Missouri Western - 58
13.     Central Oklahoma - 44
14.    Nebraska-Kearney - 16

MCCOLLUM RANKS NO. 4 IN WIN PERCENTAGE
Northwest head coach Ben McCollum ranks No. 4 among active NCAA Division II coaches in winning percentage with a minimum of 10 years as a head coach.
    McCollum also ranks No. 7 among all NCAA basketball head coaches (minimum of 10 years) in win percentage.
    McCollum has guided the Bearcats to a mark of 259-76 (.773 winning percentage) in his 11th season at the helm of the Northwest program.

NCAA Div. II Head Coach Win Percentage (Min. 10 yrs.)
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .845 (420-77, 16 yrs.)
2. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial)    .824 (305-65, 12 yrs.)
3. Scott Davenport (Bellarmine)    .777 (359-103, 14 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .773 (259-76, 11 yrs.)
5. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .771 (374-111, 17 yrs.)
6. Burt Paddock (Davenport)    .763 (300-93, 12 yrs.)
7. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .761 (322-101, 14 yrs.)
8. Rodney Watson (Southern Indiana)    .757 (243-78, 11 yrs.)
9. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .756 (478-154, 19 yrs.)
10. Mike Jones (Mississippi College)    .746 (337-115, 17 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics

NCAA All Divisions Head Coach Win Percentage (Min. 10 yrs.)
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .845 (420-77, 16 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .827 (589-123, 21 yrs.)
3. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial)    .824 (305-65, 12 yrs.)
4. Roy Williams (North Carolina)    .783 (880-244, 32 yrs.)
5. Scott Davenport (Bellarmine)    .777 (359-103, 14 yrs.)
6. Steve Moore (Wooster)    .776 (860-248, 39 yrs.)
7. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .773 (259-76, 11 yrs.)
8. John Calipari (Kentucky)    .772 (723-213, 28 yrs.)
9. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .771 (374-111, 17 yrs.)
10. Mike Krzyzewski (Duke)    .768 (1,148-347, 45 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics

PRESS CONFERENCE TUESDAY AT PIZZA RANCH
Northwest head coach Ben McCollum will be available each Tuesday from Noon - 1 p.m. for a press conference at the Maryville Pizza Ranch.
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Players Mentioned

Chris-Ebou Ndow

#23 Chris-Ebou Ndow

F
6' 7"
Senior
Justin Pitts

#1 Justin Pitts

G
5' 10"
Senior
Dray Starzl

#34 Dray Starzl

F
6' 8"
Senior
Joey Witthus

#30 Joey Witthus

G
6' 7"
Senior
Diego Bernard

#1 Diego Bernard

G
6' 0"
Sophomore
Tyler Dougherty

#32 Tyler Dougherty

F
6' 7"
Senior
Ryan Hawkins

#33 Ryan Hawkins

F
6' 7"
Junior
Trevor Hudgins

#12 Trevor Hudgins

G
6' 0"
Sophomore
Luke Waters

#42 Luke Waters

G
6' 6"
Redshirt Freshman
Ryan Welty

#44 Ryan Welty

F
6' 8"
Senior
Wes Dreamer

#10 Wes Dreamer

PF
6' 7"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Chris-Ebou Ndow

#23 Chris-Ebou Ndow

6' 7"
Senior
F
Justin Pitts

#1 Justin Pitts

5' 10"
Senior
G
Dray Starzl

#34 Dray Starzl

6' 8"
Senior
F
Joey Witthus

#30 Joey Witthus

6' 7"
Senior
G
Diego Bernard

#1 Diego Bernard

6' 0"
Sophomore
G
Tyler Dougherty

#32 Tyler Dougherty

6' 7"
Senior
F
Ryan Hawkins

#33 Ryan Hawkins

6' 7"
Junior
F
Trevor Hudgins

#12 Trevor Hudgins

6' 0"
Sophomore
G
Luke Waters

#42 Luke Waters

6' 6"
Redshirt Freshman
G
Ryan Welty

#44 Ryan Welty

6' 8"
Senior
F
Wes Dreamer

#10 Wes Dreamer

6' 7"
Freshman
PF