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

Saturday, March 7 | 6 p.m. | Municipal Auditorium | Kansas City, Mo. 
No. 1 Northwest Missouri State vs. Missouri Western
TICKETS | WATCH | LISTEN | STATS

NO. 1 BEARCATS IN KC FOR 2020 MIAA TOURNAMENT
The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team (29-1 overall, 18-1 MIAA) will compete at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City for the 2020 MIAA Tournament.

18 MIAA TRIUMPHS IN 2019-20
Northwest completed its MIAA slate with a mark of 18-1 - one victory shy of tying the league mark for wins in a season.
    It's the fourth time in program history that Northwest has won 18 or more MIAA games.
    Missouri Southern (2010-11) and Northwest (2015-16 and 2018-19) each won 19 MIAA games to set the league standard.
    Missouri Southern went 19-3 under head coach Robert Korn in 2010-11.
    Northwest went 19-3 under head coach Ben McCollum in 2015-16. The Bearcats were a perfect 19-0 in 2018-19.

MIAA Record for Wins
19, Missouri Southern (2010-11)
19, Northwest Mo. St. (2015-16)
19, Northwest Mo. St. (2018-19)
18, Central Missouri (2009-10)
18, Northwest Mo. St. (2016-17)
18, Northwest Mo. St. (2019-20)
17, Southwest Baptist (2008-09)

WHAT AWAITS
Northwest will take on No. 4-seeded Missouri Western Saturday at 6 p.m. in the first semifinal. Northwest defeated Lincoln in the quarterfinal on Thursday, 75-54.
    Northwest is 5-4 all-time vs. Missouri Western in the MIAA Tournament.
    The Bearcats are 2-0 against Missouri Western (W, 65-56; W, 92-69) this season.
    The title game will be played Sunday at 3:15 p.m.

DRIVE FOR FIVE STRAIGHT MIAA CROWNS
Under the direction of 11th-year head coach Ben McCollum, the Bearcats have won four straight MIAA tournament championships.
    Northwest became the first MIAA school to win four straight league tournament titles in 2019.
    Overall, Northwest holds the league mark with eight MIAA tournament titles.

MIAA Tournament Titles
Northwest Missouri State - 8
Central Missouri - 6
Washburn - 5
Missouri Western - 4
Southeast Missouri State - 4
Missouri Southern - 3
Southwest Baptist - 2
Truman State - 2
Fort Hays State - 1
Pittsburg State - 1
Missouri S&T - 1
Missouri St. Louis - 1
Nebraska-Omaha - 1

BEARCATS IN MIAA TOURNEY
All-Time - MIAA Tournament
Overall - 44-25
First Round - 1-0
Quarterfinals - 21-7
Semifinals - 14-12
Championships - 8-6
Overtime Games - 0-4

Northwest Record When Seeded:
No. 1 - 14-4
No. 2 - 14-4
No. 3 - 9-8
No. 4 - 1-1
No. 5 - 2-3
No. 6 - 0-1
No. 7 - 0-0
No. 8 - 0-3

Northwest Record Against:
Central Missouri - 4-5
Central Oklahoma - 1-0
Emporia State - 3-0
Fort Hays State - 2-0
Lincoln - 4-0
Lindenwood - 1-0
Missouri-Rolla - 1-0
Missouri Southern - 4-2
Missouri-St. Louis - 1-1
Missouri Western - 5-4
Nebraska-Kearney - 1-0
Northeastern State - 1-0
Pittsburg State - 6-4
Southeast Missouri State - 1-1
Southwest Baptist - 1-3
Truman - 1-2
Washburn - 7-3

MAC IN MIAA TOURNAMENT
Overall, Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum is 19-4 in the MIAA Tournament. He has guided the Bearcats to five appearances in the finals with four tournament championships.
    With a win over Lincoln on Thursday, Bearcat McCollum has guided Northwest to a perfect 9-0 mark in MIAA quarterfinal games.
    McCollum has posted a mark of 5-3 in the MIAA semifinals. McCollum and Northwest has won four consecutive MIAA semifinal matchups.

DOUGHERTY, WELTY LOOKING TO MATCH MIAA TITLE GAME APPEARANCE RECORD
With a victory on Saturday, Northwest's Tyler Dougherty and Ryan Welty would match the MIAA record for most championship game appearances at four.
    Dougherty and Welty would equal the mark of four set by Southeast Missouri State's Michael Morris (1985-88), Central Missouri's Ron Nunnelly (1982-85) and Tyrone Lee (1982-85) and Washburn's Jordan Canfield (1993-95, 97). Morris helped Southeast Missouri State to three titles in his four title game appearances. Nunnelly, Lee and Canfield each won two MIAA tourney crowns.
    Dougherty and Welty are looking to win their fourth MIAA tourney titles.

WELTY NEARING MIAA TOURNEY TRIPLE MARK
Northwest senior Ryan Welty has sank 25 three-pointers in 10 MIAA tournament games. Pittsburg State's Oscar Gonzalez holds the career mark in MIAA tourneys with 28 made three-pointers from 1996-1999.

Welty's Three-Point Shooting at MIAA Tournament
2017        6-of-8
2018        11-of-14
2019        6-of-13
2020        2-of-5
Career    25-of-40

WELTY NEARS MIAA TOURNEY GAMES PLAYED RECORD
Northwest's Ryan Welty has played in 10 career MIAA Tournament games. With his next game on Saturday, Welty would move into a tie for second among all-time MIAA players with 11 games played.
    Washburn's Jordan Canfield holds the MIAA mark with 12 tournament games played from 1993-1995 and 1997.

MIAA Tournament Games Played (Career)
12, Jordan Canfield, WU, 1993-95, 97
11, Scott Fleming, NW, 2000-03
11, Kelvin Parker, NW, 2001-04
11, Seth Heckart, UCO, 2013-16
11, Brett Dougherty, NW, 2015-18
11, Justin Pitts, NW, 2015-18
10, Andy Berlin, WU, 1991-92, 94-95
10, Phil Simpson, NW, 1997-00
10, Ryan Murphy, WU, 2000-03
10, Ryan Tomlins, WU, 2000-03
10, Troy Douglas, WU, 2001-04
10, Matt Wallace, NW, 2012-15
10, Greg Renfroe, MSSU, 2013-16
10, Austin Wright, MSSU, 2013-16
10, Zach Schneider, NW, 2014-17
10, David Salach, WU, 2015, 17-19
10, Ryan Welty, NW, 2017-20

21-GAME WIN STREAK FOR NW
The Bearcats are in the midst of a 21-game win streak, which is tied for the second-longest active win streak among NCAA Division II teams. Lincoln Memorial owns the nation's longest win streak at 30.
    Earlier this season, Northwest had a 46-game win streak snapped. The Bearcats are 67-1 over the last two seasons.

Active Div. II Win Streaks
Lincoln Memorial – 30
Northwest Mo. St. – 21
Azusa Pacific – 20
West Texas A&M – 20
UC San Diego – 20
Valdosta State – 18
Florida Southern – 16

37 IN A ROW ON NEUTRAL COURTS
Northwest has won 37 straight games on neutral floors. It is the longest active win streak among all NCAA Div. I, II and III schools.
    Virginia holds the current Div. I mark with eight consecutive neutral floor victories.
    Washington University in St. Louis owns the active Div. III mark with 15 straight neutral floor wins.
    Northwest's last loss on a neutral floor came Nov. 13, 2015, vs. Upper Iowa (L, 76-72).

Current Neutral Court Win Streaks (All NCAA Divisions)
Northwest Missouri State (II) – 36
WashU (III) – 15
Claremont-M-S (III) – 10
Wittenberg (III) – 10
Virginia (I) – 8
Adelphi (II) – 7
Colby (III) – 7
Scranton (III) – 7
Trinity (III) – 7
Last loss - 11/13/15 vs. Upper Iowa (L, 76-72)

15 STRAIGHT WINS AT MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM
Northwest has won 15 consecutive games at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.
    The Bearcats have won four straight MIAA tourney titles and added two non-conference wins over Illinois-Springfield (Nov. 19, 2019) and Washburn (Nov. 21, 2018).
    Northwest's last loss at Municipal came March 7, 2015, in a 65-58 setback vs. Pittsburg State.

PRETTY GOOD AGAINST MIAA FOES
Northwest has won 44 of its last 45 games against MIAA opponents (regular season/postseason).

DOUGHERTY, WELTY, FINLEY ALL-TIME WINS LEADERS
Seniors Tyler Dougherty, Kirk Finley and Ryan Welty have led Northwest to a mark of 129-6 in their careers.
    The trio broke the previous mark of 127 wins 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 29-1 in the 2019-20 season.

WHAT A FOUR-YEAR RUN
Northwest's 129 wins over the past four years is of historic proportions.
    
Division I (Most Wins Four-Year Period
1.     Villanova        136 (2015-2018)
2.     Duke        133 (1998-2001)
3.     Duke        132 (1999-2002)
     Kentucky        132 (1995-1998)
     Kansas        132 (2008-2011)
    Kentucky        132 (1996-1999)
    Gonzaga        132 (2015-2018)
8.    Kansas        131 (2010-2013)
    Gonzaga     131 (2017-pres.)

Division II (Most Wins Four-Year Period
1.     West Liberty        130 (2011-2014)
2.    Winona State        129 (2005-2008)
    Winona State        129 (2006-2009)
    Northwest Mo. St.    129 (2017-pres.)

BEARCATS POSSESS NATION'S TOP OFFENSE
The Bearcat men's basketball squad ranks No. 1 in the nation in all NCAA divisions in points per possession (1.144) according to Synergy Sports Technology.

Points Per Possession
1.    Northwest Mo. St.    1.144
2.     UC San Diego    1.097
3.     Lincoln Memorial    1.090
4.    Olivet Nazarene    1.072
5.     Nova Southeastern    1.071
6.    Indiana Wesleyan    1.068
7.     Marian    1.065
8.    West Liberty    1.064
9.    St. Thomas (Minn.)    1.058
10.    Morningside    1.057

Division I Leaders
14.     BYU    1.048
22.     Gonzaga    1.040
24.    Dayton    1.037
Courtesy: Synergy Sports Technology

LOOKING TO HOST REGIONAL FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE SEASON
Northwest solidified its hold on the No. 1 spot in the NCAA Division II Central Region rankings.
    The Bearcats (29-1 overall, 25-1 vs. Div. II opponents, 24-1 vs. Central Region foes) are looking to serve as the Central Region host for the fourth consecutive season.
    The 2020 Central Region Tournament will be held March 14 (first round), March 15 (second round) and March 17 (regional final). The top eight teams in each region will qualify for the 2020 NCAA Division II Tournament.
    Northwest has secured victories this season over No. 2 Southern Nazarene (W, 100-88), No. 5 Rogers State (W, 74-55), No. 6 Missouri Southern (W, 96-75; W, 77-76).

CENTRAL            D-II    Region
1    Northwest Mo. St.    25-1    24-1
2    Southern Nazarene    22-7    22-7
3    SE Oklahoma State    20-7    19-6
4    Northern State        24-6    24-6
5    Rogers State        20-5    20-5
6    Missouri Southern    18-7    18-6
7    Minnesota Duluth    22-8    21-8
8    Oklahoma Baptist    19-8    19-8
9    Henderson State    18-8    18-8
10    Sioux Falls        21-8    21-8

BEARCATS CLAIM 7TH STRAIGHT MIAA CROWN
Northwest claimed its seventh consecutive MIAA regular season title with a 77-76 win over No. 17 Missouri Southern on Feb. 20.
    Over the last seven seasons, Northwest has compiled a league mark of 121-15.
    Over the last four seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 71-5 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    18-1
Totals    121-15

20TH MIAA CROWN
Northwest earned its 20th MIAA regular season title. The Bearcats's 20 MIAA crowns rank second to Central Missouri's league mark of 21 MIAA regular season titles.

MIAA Regular Season Titles
Central Missouri - 21
Northwest Missouri State - 20
Missouri State - 19
Southeast Missouri State - 12
Washburn - 10
Truman State - 9
Missouri Western - 5
Lincoln - 4
Southwest Baptist - 4
Missouri S&T - 2
Missouri Southern - 2
Fort Hays State - 1
Pittsburg State - 1

ROAD DOMINANCE
Northwest has gone 34-4 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 8-1 on the road in MIAA play in 2019-2020.
    Northwest has won its last seven road games for the league's best active unbeaten streak.

HIGH PERCENTAGE PLAY ON THE ROAD
Northwest has posted a 8-1 road mark this season while shooting an MIAA-best 54.1% from the field as the visitor. Northwest is actually shooting a higher percentage on the road (54.1%) than at home (52.6%).
    Northwest is also averaging an-MIAA best 84.0 points per game on the road in 2019-2020.

MIAA FG% - Road Teams
1.    Northwest Mo. St.    54.1%
2.    Missouri Southern    48.6%
3.    Pittsburg State        46.7%
4.    Rogers State        45.8%
5.    Fort Hays State        44.9%
6.    Nebraska-Kearney    44.5%
7.    Central Missouri        44.4%
8.    Missouri Western    43.9%
9.    Northeastern State    43.6%
10.    Lincoln            43.1%
11.    Washburn        43.0%
12.    Central Oklahoma    42.2%
13.    Emporia State        41.5%
14.    Newman            41.5%

MCCOLLUM MOVES TO 8-3 IN 1-POINT GAMES
Northwest Missouri State head coach Ben McCollum moved his record to 8-3 in one-point games since taking over the Bearcat program.
    McCollum is also 4-0 against Missouri Southern in one-point games, including the 77-76 buzzer-beater from Trevor Hudgins on Thursday night.

One-Point Games Under Ben McCollum
W, 77-76 vs. Missouri Southern (2/20/20)
W, 76-75 vs. Missouri Southern (1/27/16)
W, 66-65 at Augustana (3/15/15)
W, 59-58 at Missouri Western (2/4/15)
L, 60-59 vs. Central Missouri (3/18/14)
W, 79-78 vs. Missouri Southern (1/22/14)
L, 59-58 at Fort Hays State (2/16/13)
W, 52-51 vs. Emporia State (2/2/13)
W, 69-68 OT at Missouri Southern (1/3/13)
W, 65-64 vs. Pittsburg State (2/5/11)
L, 47-46 at Southwest Minnesota State (11/27/11)

LUKE IN THE LINEUP
Redshirt freshman Luke Waters has upped his game since joining the starting lineup.
    Over his 13 starts, Waters is averaging 10.7 points per game and has eclipsed the double-figuring scoring mark in seven of the contests (including a career-high 19 points at Missouri Southern). Waters is shooting 68.9% from the field (51-of-74). He has also drained 16-of-26 three-pointers.
    For the season, Waters is averaging 8.3 points per game and shooting 59.7% from the field.

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 32 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
32, Northwest Missouri State
26, Evansville
25, Cal State-Bakersfield
22, Bellarmine
22, Florida Southern
20, MSU Denver
18, Kentucky State

30 STRAIGHT WEEKS IN TOP 5
The March 3 NABC Division II Top 25 poll marks the 30th 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.
    Northwest was one of five NCAA Division II schools to have won 20 or more games in nine straight seasons. Northwest (9), West Liberty (16), Bellarmine (11), Indiana Pa. (12) and Lincoln Memorial (11) have extended their steak of 20-win seasons in 2019-2020.
    It marks the 26th 20-win season in program history and ninth under head coach Ben McCollum.

Northwest Coaching 20-Win Seasons
Steve Tappmeyer - 10
Ben McCollum - 9
Hank Iba - 3
Lionel Sinn - 3
Sparky Stalcup - 1

HUDGINS, HAWKINS SCORING AT HIGH RATES
Sophomore Trevor Hudgins and junior Ryan Hawkins are pouring in points at a high rate as both have eclipsed the 500-point scoring mark this season. Hawkins has posted 661 points, while Hudgins sits at 568 entering the MIAA Tournament.
    Hudgins lit up Lincoln for a career-high 36 points and followed it up with a game-high 33 points at No. 14 Missouri Southern.
    Hawkins has scored 20 or more in nine of his last 11 games. Hawkins collected three consecutive double-double performances, while also reaching 20-plus points in his double-doubles against Central Missouri, Lincoln and Missouri Southern. Hawkins secured his fifth 30-point game of the season with 31 points in Northwest's 75-54 win over Lincoln in Kansas City.

20-Point Scoring Games in 2019-20
Ryan Hawkins - 19
Trevor Hudgins - 17
Diego Bernard - 4
Wes Dreamer - 1

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Trevor Hudgins - 37
Ryan Hawkins - 25
Diego Bernard - 7
Ryan Welty - 3
Wes Dreamer - 1

30-Point Scoring Games in 2019-20
Ryan Hawkins - 5
Trevor Hudgins - 3

Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Ryan Hawkins - 6
Trevor Hudgins - 4

HAWK GOES FOR ANOTHER DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Junior forward Ryan Hawkins collected his eighth double-double of the season and 20th of his career with 24 points and 11 rebounds in a 69-61 victory over Washburn.

Double-Double Games in 2019-20
Ryan Hawkins - 8
Trevor Hudgins - 4
Diego Bernard - 3
Wes Dreamer - 1

Career Double-Doubles
Ryan Hawkins - 20
Trevor Hudgins - 8
Diego Bernard - 4
Wes Dreamer - 1

HAWK TOPS BEARCATS IN SCORING
Junior Ryan Hawkins tops the Bearcats in scoring at 23.1 points per game.
    Hawkins is shooting 55.9% from the field, including 45.5% from three-point range.
    Hawkins leads the team in rebounds (228), steals (66) and blocks (23).

Northwest Points in a Season
1.     Joey Witthus (2018-19)    780
2.    Justin Pitts (2016-17)    754
3.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-19)    712
4.    Justin Pitts (2015-16)    693
5.    Ryan Hawkins (2019-20)    692
6.    Kelvin Parker (2003-04)    620
7.    Glenn Phillips (1985-86)    599
8.    Trevor Hudgins (2019-20)    582
8.    David Alvey (1975-76)    571
10.    DeShaun Cooper (2013-14)    563

Northwest Rebounds in a Season
1.     Ryan Hawkins (2018-19)    339
2.    Don Sears (1967-68)    305
3.    Byron Jackson (2003-04)    272
4.    Russ Miller (1979-80)    248
5.    Joe Hurst (1985-86)    246
6.    Joe Hurst (1983-84)    238
7.    Hunter Henry (2008-09)    235
8.    Hunter Henry (2006-07)    234
9.    Hunter Henry (2007-08)    233
10.    Ryan Hawkins (2019-20)    228        

HAWKINS MOVES UP REBOUNDING CHART
Junior Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 6 on Northwest's all-time rebounding list with 675 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.     Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    675
7.     Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-2018)    654
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 168 career steals.

Northwest Steals in a Season
1.     Scott Fleming (2000-01)            92
2.    Ryan Hawkins (2018-19)            83
3.    Benji Burke (1989-90)            80
4.    Scott Fleming (2001-02)            78
5.    Scott Fleming (1999-2000)        74
6.    Gerald Harris (1987-88)            70
7.    Mose Howard (2005-06)            69
    Kelvin Parker (2002-03)            69
9.    Shakey Harrington (1997-98)        67
10.    Orlando Johnson (1992-93)        66
    Ryan Hawkins (2019-20)            66

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.)        168
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. 9 on Northwest's all-time scoring list with 1,386 points.
    Hawkins ranks No. 6 on Northwest's all-time rebounding list with 675 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
Ryan Hawkins (2017-pr.)    1,386 pts/675 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
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. Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)        1,386 pts
10.    Conner Crooker (2012-16)        1,352 pts
11.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)            1,294 pts
    Trevor Hudgins (2018-pres.)        1,294 pts
12.    Ellijah Allen (2008-11)            1,289 pts
13.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)        1,282 pts
    Russ Miller (1976-80)            1,282 pts

HUDGINS, HAWKINS PRECISE FROM DEEP
Trevor Hudgins leads the nation in three-point field goal percentage accuracy at 53.2%. Hudgins has sank 100-of-114 three-point attempts.
    Hudgins actually leads all NCAA divisions in three-point field goal accuracy. The Div. I leader is Stefan Gonzalez (UC Davis) at 49.1% and the Div. III leader is Sam Jefferson (FDU-Florham) at 49.7%.
    Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 21 in NCAA Div. II in three-point field goal percentage accuracy at 45.5%.

NCAA Div. II Three-Point Field Goal Percentage
1.    Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Mo. St.)    53.2% (100-188)
2.    Tobin Karlberg (Alaska Anchorage)    52.0% (78-150)
3.    Dawson Bilski (Michigan Tech)    49.3% (70-142)
4.    DJ Brooks (North Greenville)    47.6% (78-164)
5.    Kayo Goncalves (Southeastern Ok.)    47.2% (94-199)
6.    Miles Tention (St. Anselm)    47.1% (66-140)
7.    Darryl Straughter (Walsh)    46.9% (98-209)
8.    Gedi Juozapaitis (Flagler)    46.8% (110-235)
9.    Jhonathan Dunn (Southern Nazarene)    46.8% (109-233)
10.    Quay Kimble (Lees-McRae)    46.7% (77-165)

HUDGINS MOVING UP 3-POINTERS CHART
Trevor Hudgins has buried a team-best 100 three-pointers this season. He ranks No. 4 on the single-season chart. Ryan Hawkins is tied for No. 9 with 80 made three-pointers this season.

Northwest 3-Pointers in a Season
1.     Joey Witthus (2018-19)        114
2.    Zach Schneider (2016-17)    108
3.    Zach Schneider (2014-15)    101
4.    Trevor Hudgins (2019-20)    100
5.    Louis Jones (1988-89)        91
    Zach Schneider (2015-16)    91
7.    Alex Sullivan (2012-13)        84
8.    Ryan Hawkins (2018-19)        81
9.    Justin Pitts (2015-16)        80
    Justin Pitts (2016-17)        80
    Ryan Hawkins (2019-20)        80

TREV LEADS MIAA IN ASSIST-TO-TURNOVER RATIO
Trevor Hudgins leads the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio and ranks No. 3 in the nation at 3.73. Hudgins has handed out 179 assists to go against only 48 turnovers in 1,085 minutes of action.
    Hudgins ranks No. 15 in the nation in total assists (179). He has seven double-figure assist games.

NCAA Div. II Assist to Turnover Ratio
1. Luke Dyer (West Liberty)            5.85
2. Devin Whitelow (Winona State)        4.73
3. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Mo. St.)    3.73
4. Kerry Kirkwood (District Columbia)        3.59
5. Connor Hill (Hillsdale)            3.59
6. Turner Scott (Truman State)            3.58
7. Jayce McCain (Cal St. San Marcos)        3.50
    Kerney Lane (Alabama Huntsville)        3.50
9. Tommy Schmock (Findlay)            3.49
10. Anthony Brown (Lincoln Memorial)        3.35

TREV CLIMBS NORTHWEST'S CAREER, SEASON ASSIST CHARTS
Trevor Hudgins is already in Northwest's career top-10 list for assists in his second season as a Bearcat.
    Hudgins has amassed 382 career assists, which ranks as the eighth-best total in school history.
    Hudgins has dished out 179 assists this season, which as the third-best season in Bearcat history. Hudgins set the Northwest single-season assist mark with 203 last season.

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.)    382
9.    Gerald Harris (1986-88)        274
10.    Steve Simon (1992-95)        245

Northwest Assists in a Season
1.     Trevor Hudgins (2018-19)    203
2.    Justin Pitts (2016-17)        183
3.    Trevor Hudgins (2019-20)    179
4.    Kelvin Parker (2003-04)        174
5.    Justin Pitts (2015-16)        160
6.    Matt Wallace (2012-13)        151
7.    James Williams (1983-84)    144
8.    Mark Yager (1979-80)        143
9.    Justin Pitts (2017-18)        140
10.    Victor Coleman (1981-82)    136
    DeShaun Cooper (2010-11)    136

WELTY, HUDGINS KNOCKING DOWN THREES AT AN UNBELIEVABLY HIGH RATE
Senior Ryan Welty is the nation's No. 2-ranked active career leader in three-point field goal percentage. Welty has made 50.9 percent of his three-point shots (233-of-458).
    Sophomore Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 3 among all NCAA divisions by draining 172-of-345 three-pointers (49.6%).

NCAA D-II Active Career Leaders - 3-Point FG Pct.
1. Mason Stark (Northern State)        .545
2. Ryan Welty (Northwest Missouri St.)    .509
3. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Missouri St.)    .499
4. Trystan Pratapas (Mercyhurst)        .486
5. Will Yoakum (West Liberty)            .485
6. Mikkel Kolstad (Nova Southeastern)    .479
7. Tobin Karlberg (Alaska Anchorage)    .476
8. Jesus Castillo (Illinois-Springfield)        .465
9. Leif Anderson (Western Washington)    .464
10. Zane Paddon (San Francisco State)    .462
Minimum 80 3-pt FGs made

NCAA All Active Career Leaders - 3-Point FG Pct.
1. Mason Stark (Northern State)        .545
2. Ryan Welty (Northwest Missouri St.)    .509
3. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Missouri St.)    .499
4. Trystan Pratapas (Mercyhurst)        .486
5. Dru Kuxhausen (McNeese State)        .486
6. Will Yoakum (West Liberty)            .485
7. Nick Penny (Carroll)                .483
8. Mikkel Kolstad (Nova Southeastern)    .479
9. Tobin Karlberg (Alaska Anchorage)    .476
10. Alex Jacovides (Suffolk)            .474
Minimum 80 3-pt FGs made

WELTY, HAWKINS CLIMB 3-POINT CHART
Senior Ryan Welty has made 233 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 195 made three-pointers.
    Sophomore Trevor Hudgins ranks T-No. 8 with 172 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.)        233
4.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)        215
5.    Conner Crooker (2013-16)        205
6.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    195
7.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)        173
8.    Joey Witthus (2017-19)        172
    Trevor Hudgins (2018-pres.)    172
10.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    170

IRON MEN
Northwest has four players averaging 31.9 minutes or more per game this season.

Player            Minutes Per Game
Trevor Hudgins    36.2
Ryan Hawkins    34.4
Ryan Welty        34.7
Diego Bernard    31.9

FULL 40 MINUTES
For the season, Northwest has had 35 instances of players going the full 40 minutes in a game.
    Trevor Hudgins has played the full 40 minutes in 13 games. Ryan Welty has played the full 40 minutes in nine games.    
    Ryan Hawkins has played the entire 40 minutes in eight games. Diego Bernard played all 80 minutes in four 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
Ryan Welty at Missouri Southern
Ryan Hawkins at Missouri Southern
Trevor Hudgins at Missouri Southern
Ryan Welty vs. Missouri Southern
Trevor Hudgins vs. Missouri Southern
Diego Bernard vs. Missouri Southern
Ryan Welty vs. Pittsburg State
Trevor Hudgins vs. Pittsburg State
Ryan Hawkins vs. Washburn
Trevor Hudgins vs. Washburn

HIGH PERCENTAGE PLAYS
Northwest has shot 50% or better in 20 of its 30 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 Missouri (Feb. 6)
53.8% vs. Lincoln (Feb. 8)
61.7% at Missouri Southern (Feb. 13)
62.1% at Pittsburg State (Feb. 15)
58.3% vs. Lincoln (March 5)

THIEVERY
The Bearcats have posted 218 steals through 30 games. Northwest has allowed only 139 steals.

'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG VICTORIES
Northwest recorded its 15th victory by 20 or more points this season in its 92-69 win at Missouri Western.
    Under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 104-2 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 102 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 48.6% or better from the field this season. As a squad, the Bearcats are shooting 52.8% from the field, 45.8% from 3-point range and 80.9% from the free throw line.

Name        FG%    3FG%    FT%    PPG
Hawkins    55.9    45.5    81.1    23.1
Hudgins    52.0    53.2    877    19.4
Bernard    48.6    36.5    77.9    13.8
Waters        58.0    47.3    75.6    7.8
Welty        54.3    51.0    93.1    7.6
Dreamer    51.3    37.8    78.6    5.9
Dougherty    53.4    30.8    69.0    4.9

NO. 1 FROM DISTANCE
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the nation in three-point field goal percentage at 45.8%. Northwest has drained 336-of-734 three-pointers this season.

NCAA Div. II Team 3-Point Field Goal%
1.     Northwest Mo. St.    45.8% (336-734)
2.    Michigan Tech    43.7% (298-682)
3.    Colorado Mesa    42.8% (232-542)
4.    Stonehill    42.0% (245-583)
5.    Walsh    41.9% (332-793)
6.    Lincoln Memorial    41.5% (357-836)
7.    Nova Southeastern    41.3% (252-610)
8.    West Liberty    41.2% (333-808)
9.    Mercyhurst    41.1% (237-577)
10.    Jefferson    41.1% (239-582)

NO. 3 IN SCORING MARGIN
Northwest has been winning comfortably this season with 15 of its 29 wins coming by 20 or more points. Northwest ranks No. 3 in the nation scoring margin (+21.0).

NCAA Div. II Team Scoring Margin
1.    West Liberty    +25.3
2.     Lincoln Memorial    +23.5
3.    Northwest Mo. St.    +21.0
4.    West Texas A&M    +20.5
5.    Indiana (Pa.)    +19.3
6.    Nova Southeastern    +18.2
7.    UC San Diego    +16.9
8.    Walsh    +16.6
9.    St. Edward's    +16.6
10.    Azusa Pacific    +14.8

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 30 games in 2019-20, Northwest ranks No. 3 in the nation in turnovers per game (9.4).

NCAA Div. II Team Fewest Turnovers Per Game
1.    Winona State    8.7
2.    Northern Michigan    8.9
3.    Northwest Mo. St.    9.4
4.    Hillsdale    9.5
5.    Northern State    9.7
6.    Shepherd    9.8
    Michigan Tech    9.8
8.    UC San Diego    9.9
9.    St. Cloud State    10.0
10.    Missouri-St. Louis    10.1

NO. 4 IN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
The Bearcats have made 52.8% of their field goal attempts in 2019-20, which ranks No. 4 in the nation. Northwest trails only Nova Southeastern, who is knocking down shots at a 53.9% clip this season.

NCAA Div. II Team Field Goal%
1.     Nova Southeastern    53.9%
2.    Belmont Abbey    53.1%
3.    Bellarmine    52.7%
4.     Northwest Mo. St.    52.8%
5.    Colorado Mesa    52.3%
6.    Lincoln Memorial    52.1%
7.    Charleston (W.Va.)    51.8%
8.    West Liberty    50.9%
9.    Findlay    50.6%
10.    Pittsburg-Johnstown    50.5%

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 62.5 points per game.
    Northwest has held 12 of its opponents to less than 60 points scored.
    
NCAA Div. II Team Scoring Defense
1.    Miles    57.6 ppg
2.     West Alabama    59.4 ppg
3.    Missouri-St. Louis    62.1 ppg
4.    Northwest Mo. St.    62.5 ppg
5.    Cal Poly Pomona    62.9 ppg
6.    Mercyhurst    63.2 ppg
7.    Winston-Salem    64.7 ppg
8.    Bellarmine    64.8 ppg
9.    Hillsdale    65.2 ppg
10.    Indiana (Pa.)    65.4 ppg

TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF CHARITY STRIPE
The Bearcats rank No. 5 in the nation in team free throw percentage at 80.9%. The Bearcats have made 428-of-529 free throws this season, while the opposition has attempted only 343 free throws.

NCAA Div. II Team Free Throw%
1.     Western Oregon    82.4% (305-370)    
2.    Rogers State    80.7% (444-550)
3.    Cedarville    80.7% (360-446)
4.    Ohio Dominican    80.7% (280-347)
5.     Northwest Mo. St.    80.9% (428-529)
6.    Seattle Pacific    80.2% (402-501)
7.    Minnesota-Crookston    79.8% (400-501)
8.    Wilmington    79.8% (300-376)
9.    Jefferson    79.6% (403-506)
10.    Minnesota Duluth    79.6% (477-599)

NO. 6 IN FEWEST PERSONAL FOULS PER GAME
The Bearcats rank No. 6 in the nation in fewest personal fouls per game (13.0).

NCAA Div. II Team Fewest Fouls Per Game
1.    Bentley    12.2
2.    Hillsdale    12.6
3.    Southeastern Okla.    12.7
4.    Montana St.-Billings    13.0
5.    Ashland    13.1
6.    Northwest Mo. St.    13.0
7.    USciences    13.4
8.    Wisconsin-Parkside    13.4
9.    Walsh    13.8
10.    Maryville    13.9

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. 4 among all NCAA basketball head coaches (minimum of 10 years) in win percentage.
    McCollum has guided the Bearcats to a mark of 270-76 (.780 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)    .843 (428-80, 16 yrs.)
2. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial)    .829 (316-65, 12 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .780 (270-76, 11 yrs.)
4. Scott Davenport (Bellarmine)    .771 (364-108, 14 yrs.)
5. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .767 (379-115, 17 yrs.)
6. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .764 (331-102, 14 yrs.)
7. Burt Paddock (Davenport)    .757 (305-98, 12 yrs.)
8. Rodney Watson (Southern Indiana)    .755 (250-81, 11 yrs.)
9. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .752 (485-160, 19 yrs.)
10. Mike Jones (Mississippi College)    .735 (338-122, 17 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics

NCAA All Divisions Head Coach Win Percentage (Min. 10 yrs.)
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .843 (428-80, 16 yrs.)
2. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial)    .829 (316-65, 12 yrs.)
3. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .828 (597-124, 21 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .780 (270-76, 11 yrs.)
5. Roy Williams (North Carolina)    .779 (884-251, 32 yrs.)
6. Steve Moore (Wooster)    .775 (867-252, 39 yrs.)
7. John Calipari (Kentucky)    .773 (732-215, 28 yrs.)
8. Scott Davenport (Bellarmine)    .771 (364-108, 14 yrs.)
9. Bill Self (Kansas)    .768 (707-214, 27 yrs.)
10. Mike Krzyzewski (Duke)    .768 (1,156-350, 45 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics

BEARCATS SIGN FOUR FOR 2020-21 SEASON
Northwest head coach Ben McCollum has signed four recruits for the 2020-21 season.
    Daniel Abreu, a 6'6" small forward, will join the Bearcats after completing his senior season with Jeremy Dresslaer and the Willard Tigers. Abreu led Willard High School to 17-10 record and a berth into the district final as a junior while averaging 27.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 55% shooting from the field and 45% shooting from three-point range. Abreu was tabbed as the Central Ozark Conference Player of the Year while also being selected to the MBCA Class 5 All-State Team.
    Byron Alexander, a 6'4" shooting guard, will join the Bearcats after completing his senior season with Chris Neff and the Staley Falcons. As a junior, Alexander averaged 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.8 steals. In the summer, Alexander competed with the MoKan Select AAU Program out of Kansas City.
    Isaiah Jackson, a 6-2 guard from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri, will join the Bearcats for the 2020-2021 season. Last year, Jackson led the Chrisman Bears to a 20-11 record and an appearance in the MSHSAA Class 5 Quarterfinals. This year, the Bears are 13-7 and Jackson is averaging 14 points per game on 55% shooting from the field and 36% shooting from three-point range. He is also pulling in eight rebounds per game and dishing out four assists per game. On Jan. 21 against Center High School, Jackson recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals.
    Spencer Schomers, a 6'5" shooting guard, will join the Bearcats after completing his senior season with Josh Luedtke and Creighton Prep. As a junior, Schomers averaged 7.7 points while knocking down 43 three-pointers for the Junior Jays en route to a 22-5 record and Nebraska Class A State Tournament appearance.

2020-21 Northwest Missouri State Men's Basketball Signees
Name    Ht.    Pos.    Hometown/High School
Daniel Abreu     6'6"     SF    Springfield, Missouri/Willard
Byron Alexander    6'4"    SG           Kansas City, Missouri/Staley
Isaiah Jackson    6'2"    PG    Independence, Mo./William Chrisman
Spencer Schomers     6'5"    SG    Omaha, Nebraska/Creighton Prep