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Northwest Missouri State Athletics

OFFICIAL HOME OF NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY BEARCAT ATHLETICS
Mbball vs Lincoln University Feb. 8, 2020. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri

Men's Basketball

No. 1 'Cats travel to Missouri Southern, Pittsburg State

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

Thursday, Feb. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Joplin, Mo.
No. 1 Northwest Missouri State at No. 14 Missouri Southern
TICKETS | WATCH | LISTEN | STATS

Saturday, Feb. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Pittsburg, Kan.
No. 1 Northwest Missouri State at Pittsburg State
TICKETS | WATCH | LISTEN | STATS

NO. 1 BEARCATS TAKE 14-GAME WIN STREAK ON ROAD
The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (22-1 overall, 12-1 MIAA) will take its 14-game win streak on the road to battle No. 14-ranked Missouri Southern (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.) and Pittsburg State (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.).

NORTHWEST VS. MISSOURI SOUTHERN ALL-TIME SERIES
Northwest owns a 34-24 lead in the all-time series with Missouri Southern.
    Northwest and MSSU have split the last six meetings between the two programs.
    Of Northwest's six losses over the previous four seasons, three have come against the Lions.

BEARCATS ALL-TIME VS PITTSBURG STATE
Northwest holds a 66-63 lead over Pittsburg State in the all-time series between the two schools.
    Northwest has won eight straight matchups in the series.

ROAD DOMINANCE
Northwest has gone 31-4 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 5-1 on the road in MIAA play in 2019-2020.

MIAA ATHLETES OF WEEK SQUARE OFF ON THURSDAY
The co-MIAA men's basketball athletes of the week will square off on Thursday in Joplin, Missouri.
    Northwest's Trevor Hudgins and Missouri Southern's Cam Martin are sharing the league's top weekly honor.
    Hudgins averaged 28.0 points while shooting 68.0% from the field and 72.2% from three-point range in a pair of MIAA home wins for the Bearcats. Hudgins went 9-for-9 at the free throw line and handed out 11 assists to go against only three turnovers in 64 minutes of action.
    Hudgins drained 6-of-8 three-pointers and tallied 20 points to go along with six assists, two rebounds and a steal in an 81-47 win over Central Missouri.
    Hudgins scored a career-high 36 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including 7-of-10 from three-point range in a 96-49 victory over Lincoln. Hudgins went 7-of-7 at the free throw line, grabbed a rebound, dished out five assists and had a steal against the Blue Tigers.

OFF THE CHARTS SHOOTING IN LAST FIVE GAMES
Over its last five games, Northwest is shooting 56.4% from the field and 53.3% from three-point range.
    The Bearcats are averaging 88.4 points per game, while giving up only 60.2. Northwest has an average scoring margin of +28.2.
    Trevor Hudgins is averaging 23.0 ppg and is shooting 56.1% (37-of-66), including 55.0% (22-of-40) from three-point land.
    Hawkins is averaging 23.0 points per game while shooting 62.9% from the field. Hawkins has made 17-of-30 three-point shots (56.7%).

Name    FG    3FG    FT    PPG
Hudgins    56.1    55.0    90.5    23.0
Hawkins    62.9    56.7    62.5    23.0
Bernard    50.0    50.0    100    13.4
Waters    69.6    87.5    80.0    9.4
Welty    66.7    63.2    0.0    8.0
Dougherty    36.4    0.0    73.7    4.4
Dreamer    50.0    36.4    50.0    3.8

14-GAME WIN STREAK FOR NW
The Bearcats are in the midst of an 14-game win streak, which is tied for the third-longest active win streak among NCAA Division II teams.
    Earlier this season, Northwest had a 46-game win streak snapped. The Bearcats are 60-1 in their last 61 games.

Active Div. II Win Streaks
Lincoln Memorial – 23
Bridgeport – 15
Northwest Mo. St. – 14
UC San Diego – 14
West Texas A&M (II) – 14
Jefferson – 13
Azusa Pacific – 13
Valdosta State – 11

NO. 1 IN THE NATION
Northwest moved back to No. 1 in the nation in the Jan. 28 NABC Division II Top 25 Poll. Northwest has been ranked No. 1 in the nation in four consecutive seasons.
    Northwest has spent 29 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
29, Northwest Missouri State
26, Evansville
25, Cal State-Bakersfield
22, Bellarmine
22, Florida Southern
20, MSU Denver
18, Kentucky State

27 STRAIGHT WEEKS IN TOP 5
The Feb. 11 NABC Division II Top 25 poll marks the 27th straight week that Northwest has been ranked in the top five.

NINE STRAIGHT 20-WIN YEARS
Northwest eclipsed the 20-win mark for the ninth straight year.
    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 (9) and Lincoln Memorial (11) have extended their steak of 20-win seasons in 2019-20.
    Bellarmine (11), Indiana Pa. (11) and West Liberty (15) are also looking to extend their 20-win seasons streaks this year.

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 115-15.
    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 65-5 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    12-1
Totals    115-15

DOUGHERTY, WELTY = WINS
Seniors Tyler Dougherty and Ryan Welty have led Northwest to a mark of 122-6 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 22-1 to start the 2019-20 season.

WELTY MELTS NETS
Senior Ryan Welty continued his hot shooting over the weekend. Welty has made 18-of-26 field goals (69.2%) in the last six games. He's also shooting 15-of-22 (68.2%) from three-point range in his last six contests.

LUKE IN THE LINEUP
Redshirt freshman Luke Waters has upped his game since joining the starting lineup his last eight contests.
    Over his eight starts, Waters is averaging 9.5 points per game and has eclipsed the double-figuring scoring mark in four of the contests (including a season-high 16 points vs. Fort Hays State). Waters is shooting 67.5% from the field (27-of-40). He has also drained 8-of-14 three-pointers.
    For the season, Waters is averaging 7.2 points per game and shooting 56.0% from the field.

HUDGINS, HAWKINS SCORING AT HIGH RATES
Sophomore Trevor Hudgins and junior Ryan Hawkins are pouring in points at a high rate.
    Hudgins has scored 20 or more in four straight games including a career-high 36 points in a 96-49 win over Lincoln on Saturday.
    Hawkins has scored 20 or more in three of his last four games. Hawkins has secured back-to-back double-doubles with 27 points and 11 rebounds vs. Central Missouri State and 23 points and 14 rebounds vs. Lincoln.

20-Point Scoring Games in 2019-20
Trevor Hudgins - 14
Ryan Hawkins - 13
Diego Bernard - 4
Wes Dreamer - 1

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Trevor Hudgins - 34
Ryan Hawkins - 19
Diego Bernard - 7
Ryan Welty - 3
Wes Dreamer - 1

30-Point Scoring Games in 2019-20
Ryan Hawkins - 4
Trevor Hudgins - 2

Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Ryan Hawkins - 5
Trevor Hudgins - 3

HAWK TOPS MIAA IN SCORING
Junior Ryan Hawkins tops the Bearcats and MIAA in scoring at 22.8 points per game.
    Hawkins is shooting 56.5% from the field, including 47.8% from three-point range.
    Hawkins leads the team in rebounds (170), steals (57) and blocks (17).

HAWKINS JOINS NW TOP-10 REBOUNDING CHART
Junior Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 7 on Northwest's all-time rebounding list with 617 career caroms.

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.     Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    617
8.     Victor Coleman (1981-1984)    586
9.     Rick Jolley (1993-1996)    574
        Mark Adams (1976-1980)    574
        Bob Sundell (1986-1989)    574

HAWK CLIMBS BEARCAT STEALS LIST
Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 6 on Northwest's all-time steals list with 159 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.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    159
7.    Matt Wallace (2011-2015)        158
8.    Gerald Harris (1986-1988)        153
9.    Hunter Henry (2006-2009)        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. 14 on Northwest's all-time scoring list with 1,218 points.
    Hawkins ranks No. 7 on Northwest's all-time rebounding list with 617 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
Ryan Hawkins (2017-pr.)    1,218 pts/617 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
Bob Sundell (1986-89)    1,082 pts/574 rbs
Rick Jolley (1993-96)    1,054 pts/574 rbs

Northwest Points in a Career
1.     Justin Pitts (2014-18)        2,459 pts
2.    Victor Coleman (1980-84)        1,795 pts
3.    David Alvey (1973-77)        1,747 pts
4.    Scott Fleming (1999-2003)        1,727 pts
5.     DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    1,702 pts
6.    Kelvin Parker (2000-04)        1,692 pts
7.    Hunter Henry (2006-09)        1,592 pts
8.    Joe Hurst (1982-86)        1,580 pts.
9.    Conner Crooker (2012-16)        1,352 pts
10.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)        1,294 pts
11.    Ellijah Allen (2008-11)        1,289 pts
12.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)        1,282 pts
    Russ Miller (1976-80)        1,282 pts
14. Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    1,218 pts
15.    Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)        1,203 pts

HUDGINS UNCONSCIOUS IN HIS LAST 13
Trevor Hudgins is shooting 61.1% from three-point range in his last 13 games by making 55-90 from distance.
    Hudgins has drained at least two three-pointers in 12 of the 13 contests.
    In his last 13 games, Hudgins is averaging 21.8 points per game and shooting 55.0 percent from the field. He has recorded 10 20-point scoring games in this stretch of 13 contests.

Hudgins Last 13 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.
at Newman - 3-of-6 3 ptrs., 21 pts.
at Central Oklahoma - 4-of-10 3 ptrs., 28 pts.
vs. Central Missouri - 6-of-8 3 ptrs., 20 pts.
vs. Lincoln - 7-of-10 3 ptrs., 36 pts.

1,000 POINTS/500 REBOUNDS
Trevor Hudgins leads the nation in three-point field goal percentage accuracy at 52.6%. Hudgins has sank 71-of-135 three-point attempts.
    Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 8 in the nation in three-point field goal percentage accuracy at 47.8%.

NCAA Div. II Three-Point Field Goal Percentage
1.    Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Mo. St.)    52.6% (71-135)
2.    Dawson Bilski (Michigan Tech    49.6% (61-123)
3.    Luke Gibson (Newberry)    49.6% (59-119)
4.    Cal Hartley (Drury)    49.2% (64-130)
5.    Darryl Straughter (Walsh)    48.5% (83-171)
6.    DJ Brooks (North Greenville)    48.5% (66-136)
7.    Kayo Goncalves (Southeastern Ok.)    48.0% (73-152)
8.    Ryan Hawkins (Northwest Mo. St.)    47.8% (66-136)
9.    Stefan Milivojevic (Acad. of Art)    47.7% (61-128)
10.    Gedi Juozapaitis (Flagler)    47.6% (91-191)

TREV LEADS MIAA IN ASSIST-TO-TURNOVER RATIO
Trevor Hudgins leads the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio and ranks No. 8 in the nation at 3.58. Hudgins has handed out 143 assists to go against only 40 turnovers in 821 minutes of action.
    Hudgins ranks No. 12 in the nation in total assists (143). He has six double-figure assist games.

NCAA Div. II Assist to Turnover Ratio
1. Luke Dyer (West Liberty)            5.35
2. Devin Whitelow (Winona State)        5.31
3. Jayce McCain (Cal St. San Marcos)        4.28
4. Tommy Lucca (Michigan Tech)        3.82
5. Kerry Kirkwood (District of Columbia)    3.61
6. Tommy Schmock (Findlay)            3.60
7. Connor Hill (Hillsdale)            3.59
8. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Mo. St.)    3.58
9. Justin Frazier (King)                3.52
10. Turner Scott (Truman State)        3.33

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 346 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.)    346
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 (225-of-435).
    Sophomore Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 4 among NCAA Division II players (No. 5 in all divisions) by draining 143-of-292 three-pointers (49.0%).

NCAA D-II Active Career Leaders - 3-Point FG Pct.
1. Ryan Welty (Northwest Missouri St.)    .517
2. Will Yoakum (West Liberty)            .492
3. Trystan Pratapas (Mercyhurst)        .490
4. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Missouri St.)    .490
5. Mikkel Kolstad (Nova Southeastern)    .482
6. Adam Dworsky (Southeastern Okla. St.)    .462
7. Chandler Jacobs (Dallas Baptist)        .454
8. Dan Largey (Palm Beach Atlantic)        .450
9. Nick Smith (Nova Southeastern)        .449
10. Troy Brady (South Dakota Mines)        .449
Minimum 80 3-pt FGs made

NCAA All Active Career Leaders - 3-Point FG Pct.
1. Ryan Welty (Northwest Missouri St.)    .517
2. Alex Jacovides (Suffolk)            .498
3. Will Yoakum (West Liberty)            .492
4. Trystan Pratapas (Mercyhurst)        .490
5. Dru Kuxhausen (McNeese State)        .490
6. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Missouri St.)    .490
7. Nick Penny (Carroll)                .483
8. Mikkel Kolstad (Nova Southeastern)    .482
9. Luke Avdalovic (Northern Arizona)        .481
10. Matthew Schner (Emory)            .480
Minimum 80 3-pt FGs made

WELTY, HAWKINS CLIMB 3-POINT CHART
Ryan Welty has made 225 career 3-pointers to rank No. 3 on Northwest's all-time 3-pointers made chart.    Junior Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 6 in Bearcat history with 181 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.)        225
4.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)        215
5.    Conner Crooker (2013-16)        205
6.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    181
7.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)        173
7.    Joey Witthus (2017-19)        172
9.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    170
10.    Louis Jones (1987-89)        156

IRON MEN
Northwest has four players averaging 31.3 minutes or more per game this season.

Player            Minutes Per Game
Trevor Hudgins    35.7
Ryan Hawkins    34.5
Ryan Welty        33.6
Diego Bernard    31.3

FULL 40 MINUTES
For the season, Northwest has had 25 instances of players going the full 40 minutes in a game.
    Trevor Hudgins has played the full 40 minutes in nine games. Ryan Welty has played the full 40 minutes in six games.    
    Ryan Hawkins has played the entire 40 minutes in six 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
Ryan Welty at Central Oklahoma
Ryan Hawkins at Central Oklahoma
Trevor Hudgins at Central Oklahoma

HIGH PERCENTAGE PLAYS
Northwest has shot 50% or better in 17 of its 23 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)
64.7% at Newman (Jan. 30)
51.9% at Central Oklahoma (Feb. 1)
60.5% vs. Central Missourir (Feb. 6)
53.8% vs. Lincoln (Feb. 8)

THIEVERY
The Bearcats have posted 180 steals through 23 games. Northwest has allowed only 112 steals.

'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG VICTORIES
Northwest recorded its 12th victory by 20 or more points this season in its 96-49 win vs. Lincoln.
    Under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 101-2 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 99 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 seven players shooting 47.0% or better from the field this season. As a squad, the Bearcats are shooting 52.7% from the field, 46.0% from 3-point range and 80.1% from the free throw line.

Name        FG%    3FG%    FT%    PPG
Hawkins    56.5    47.8    76.5    22.8
Hudgins    52.4    72.6    88.4    19.1
Bernard    47.0    34.3    79.5    14.3
Welty        56.8    56.2    96.3    8.3
Waters        56.0    43.9    73.3    7.2
Dreamer    49.4    34.5    77.3    5.7
Dougherty    53.7    36.4    67.9    5.3

NO. 1 FROM DISTANCE
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the nation in three-point field goal percentage at 46.0%. Northwest has drained 261-of-568 three-pointers this season.

NCAA Div. II Team 3-Point Field Goal%
1.     Northwest Mo. St.    46.0% (261-568)
2.    Walsh    43.0% (286-665)
3.    Nova Southeastern    42.6% (203-476)
4.    Michigan Tech    42.6% (243-570)
5.    Colorado Mesa    41.9% (196-468)
6.    Lincoln Memorial    41.6% (272-654)
7.    Western Oregon    41.5% (236-568)
8.    West Liberty    41.5% (265-639)
9.     UC San Diego    41.4% (295-713)
10.    Stonehill    41.0% (199-485)

NO. 3 IN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
The Bearcats have made 52.7% of their field goal attempts in 2019-20, which ranks No. 3 in the nation.


NCAA Div. II Team Field Goal%
1.     Nova Southeastern    54.1%
2.     Bellarmine    52.9%
3.     Northwest Mo. St.    52.7%
4.    Lincoln Memorial    52.3%
5.    Belmont Abbey    52.1%
6.    Colorado Mesa    52.1%
7.    Charleston (W.Va.)    51.8%
8.    Black Hills State    51.5%
9.    Pittsburg-Johnstown    51.4%
10.    Lees-McRae    50.9%

NO. 3 IN SCORING DEFENSE
The Bearcats have been in a lockdown defensive mode all season. As a result, Northwest ranks No. 3 in the nation in scoring defense by giving only 61.5 points per game.
    Northwest has held 11 of its opponents to less than 60 points scored.
    
NCAA Div. II Team Scoring Defense
1.     West Alabama    57.8 ppg
2.    Miles    58.0 ppg
3.    Northwest Mo. St.    61.5 ppg
4.    Missouri-St. Louis    61.7 ppg
5.    Cal Poly Pomona    62.8 ppg
6.    Mercyhurst    63.5 ppg
7.    Bellarmine    63.6 ppg
8.    Northern Michigan    64.5 ppg
9.    Hillsdale    64.6 ppg
10.    Alabama Huntsville    65.1 ppg

NO. 3 IN SCORING MARGIN
Northwest has been winning comfortably this season with 12 of its 22 wins coming by 20 or more points. Northwest ranks No. 6 in the nation scoring margin (+22.3).

NCAA Div. II Team Scoring Margin
1.    West Liberty    +24.7
2.     Lincoln Memorial    +23.4
3.    Northwest Mo. St.    +22.3
4.    Nova Southeastern    +21.9
5.    West Texas A&M    +20.7
6.    Walsh    +20.1
7.    St. Edward's    +18.2
8.    Indiana (Pa.)    +18.0
9.    UC San Diego    +17.6
10.    Missouri Southern    +16.0

NO. 5 IN FEWEST FOULS PER GAME
The Bearcats rank No. 5 in the nation in fewest fouls per game (13.0).

NCAA Div. II Team Fewest Fouls Per Game
1.    Bentley    11.8
2.    Hillsdale    12.5
3.    Southeastern Okla.    12.8
4.    Ashland    12.9
5.    Northwest Mo. St.    13.0
6.    Montana St.-Billings    13.1
7.    Wisconsin-Parkside    13.2
8.    Walsh    13.3
9.    USciences    13.7
10.    New Haven    13.9

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 23 games in 2019-20, Northwest ranks No. 7 in the nation in turnovers per game (9.8).

NCAA Div. II Team Fewest Turnovers Per Game
1.    Northern Michigan    8.9
2.    Winona State    9.0
3.    Shepherd    9.5
4.    UC San Diego    9.6
5.    Northern State    9.7
    Missouri-St. Louis    9.7
7.    Northwest Mo. St.    9.8
8.    Michigan Tech    9.9
9.    Hillsdale    10.0
    Mercyhurst    10.0

TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF CHARITY STRIPE
The Bearcats rank No. 7 in the nation in team free throw percentage at 80.1%. The Bearcats have made 342-of-427 free throws this season, while the opposition has attempted only 261 free throws.

NCAA Div. II Team Free Throw%
1.    Minnesota-Crookston    81.0% (341-421)
2.    Rogers State    80.7% (372-461)
3.    Le Moyne    80.6% (304-377)
4.    Cedarville    80.6% (287-356)
5.    Seattle Pacific    80.5% (327-406)
6.     Western Oregon    80.4% (230-286)    
7.     Northwest Mo. St.    80.1% (342-427)
8.    Ohio Dominican    80.0% (236-295)
9.    Wilmington    79.9% (267-334)
10.    Lubbock Christian    79.6% (277-348)

30-GAME HOME COURT WIN STREAK
The Bearcats's 30-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 38 straight home victories.
    The Bearcats have won 66 of their last 68 home games. Northwest set the MIAA record for consecutive home victories in 2018 at 48.

Active Home Court Win Streaks
West Texas A&M (II) – 38
Gonzaga (I) – 36
Northwest Missouri State (II) – 30
St. Edward's (II) – 27
Swarthmore (III) – 26
Randolph-Macon (III)  – 23
Prairie View A&M (I) – 22
South Dakota State (I) – 21
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 122-9. Northwest is 13-0 at home this season. Northwest has won 30 consecutive home contests.
    Northwest has won 47 of its last 48 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    13-0

HUDGINS RECORDS TRIPLE-DOUBLE
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 - 6
Trevor Hudgins - 4
Diego Bernard - 2
Wes Dreamer - 1

Career Double-Doubles
Ryan Hawkins - 18
Trevor Hudgins - 8
Diego Bernard - 3
Wes Dreamer - 1

Career Triple-Doubles
Trevor Hudgins - 1

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, Southeast 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. Nebraska-Kearney (1/19/17) - 37
10. David Alvey, Southeast Missouri State (1/1 /76) - 36
    David Alvey, Central Missouri (1/25/75) - 36
    Joey Witthus, Pittsburg State (1/31/19) - 36
    Ryan Hawkins, at Newman (1/30/20) - 36
    Trevor Hudings, Lincoln (2/8/20) - 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
      Jordan Floyd, King vs. Erskine (2/5/20) - 43 points
      Shadeed Shabazz, Alaska-Fairbanks vs. Western Washington - 43 points
      Jordan Floyd, King vs. Mount Olive (2/8/20) - 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)

19 NCAA TOURNAMENTS
Northwest has earned 19 NCAA Tournament appearances with a record of 29-20. Northwest has served as the NCAA Central Region host in 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.
    Northwest has made four Elite Eight appearances (2001-02, 2003-04, 2016-17, 2018-19).

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. 3 IN WIN PERCENTAGE
Northwest head coach Ben McCollum ranks No. 3 among active NCAA Division II coaches in winning percentage with a minimum of 10 years as a head coach.
    McCollum also ranks No. 5 among all NCAA basketball head coaches (minimum of 10 years) in win percentage.
    McCollum has guided the Bearcats to a mark of 263-76 (.776 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)    .846 (423-77, 16 yrs.)
2. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial)    .826 (309-65, 12 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .776 (263-76, 11 yrs.)
4. Scott Davenport (Bellarmine)    .773 (360-106, 14 yrs.)
5. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .770 (376-112, 17 yrs.)
6. Burt Paddock (Davenport)    .763 (303-94, 12 yrs.)
7. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .761 (324-102, 14 yrs.)
8. Rodney Watson (Southern Indiana)    .757 (246-79, 11 yrs.)
9. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .757 (482-155, 19 yrs.)
10. Mike Jones (Mississippi College)    .743 (338-117, 17 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics

NCAA All Divisions Head Coach Win Percentage (Min. 10 yrs.)
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .846 (423-77, 16 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .828 (593-123, 21 yrs.)
3. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial)    .826 (309-65, 12 yrs.)
4. Roy Williams (North Carolina)    .781 (881-247, 32 yrs.)
5. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .776 (263-76, 11 yrs.)
6. Steve Moore (Wooster)    .775 (862-250, 39 yrs.)
7. Scott Davenport (Bellarmine)    .773 (360-106, 14 yrs.)
8. John Calipari (Kentucky)    .772 (726-214, 28 yrs.)
9. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .770 (376-112, 17 yrs.)
10. Mike Krzyzewski (Duke)    .769 (1,152-347, 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