Men's Basketball | 3/22/2021 8:28:00 AM

Wednesday, March 24 | 6 p.m. | Ford Center | Evansville, Indiana
No. 7 West Liberty vs. No. 2 Northwest Missouri State

WATCH - NCAA.com
LISTEN - KXCV (Bearcat Radio Network)
STATS - NCAA.com
GAME DAY/EVENTS - Northwest Website
TICKETS - TicketMaster
DIGITAL PROGRAM - www.ncaa.com/DIIMensBasketball

NORTHWEST TO MATCH UP WITH WEST LIBERTY IN ELITE EIGHT
The No. 2-seeded Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (25-2 overall) will match up with the No. 7 seeded West Liberty University Hilltoppers (18-4 overall) in the Elite Eight Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Evansville, Indiana.

CATCH THE ACTION
The Elite Eight quarterfinal games will be streamed on NCAA.com. The games will also be broadcast live on the Bearcat Radio Network.

21ST NCAA APPEARANCE
Northwest is taking part in its 21st NCAA Tournament.
     Northwest is 31-20 all-time in the NCAA Tournament with five appearances in the Elite Eight (2002, 2004, 2017, 2019, 2021).
    The Bearcats have claimed two national championships with titles in 2017 and 2019.

Northwest in National Quarterfinals
2002 - L, 78-72 vs. Indiana Pa.
2004 - L, 88-81 vs. Southern Indiana
2017 - W, 79-70 vs. St. Thomas Aquinas
2019 - W, 55-51 vs. Mercyhurst

ELITE EIGHT EXPERIENCE
This will be Northwest's fifth trip to the Elite Eight. Only West Liberty's six trips to the Elite Eight are more than the Bearcat's total.
    Kentucky Wesleyan holds the record with 19 Division II Elite Eight appearances.
Elite Eight Appearances
6 - West Liberty
5 - Northwest Missouri State
4 - West Texas A&M
3 - Lincoln Memorial
2 - Colorado School of Mines
2 - Truman State
1 - Daemen
1 - Flagler

NORTHWEST VS. ELITE EIGHT PARTICIPANTS
Against this year's Elite Eight field of teams, Northwest holds a winning record against Lincoln Memorial, Colorado School of Mines, Truman State and Daemen.
    West Texas A&M holds a 2-1 series lead over Northwest with the last meeting coming on March 11, 2006, when Northwest posted a 66-51 win in the first round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament.
    Northwest and Truman State have met 195 times with the Bearcats holding a 102-93 edge in the series. The two programs faced each other for years as members of the MIAA. Truman State joined the GLVC in 2013.
    Lincoln Memorial is the only opponent Northwest has faced at a previous Elite Eight. The Bearcats scored a 79-67 national semifinal win over the Railsplitters on March 23, 2017, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
    Northwest has never played West Liberty or Flagler.

Northwest All-Time vs. Elite Eight Field
vs. West Texas A&M - 1-2
vs. Flagler - 0-0
vs. Lincoln Memorial - 2-0
vs. Colorado School of Mines - 1-0
vs. Truman State - 102-93
vs. West Liberty - 0-0
vs. Daemen - 1-0

HIGH SCORING AFFAIR?
West Liberty leads the nation in scoring at 102.0 points per game, while Northwest ranks No. 21 in the nation at 82.6 points per game.
    Northwest ranks No. 15 in the nation in scoring defense giving up 65.9 points per game. West Liberty ranks No. 166 in scoring defense by allowing 79.8 points per game.

GOOD LORD, BYRON DOES NOT MISS
Freshman forward Byron Alexander has taken 10 shots in two NCAA Tournament games and is a perfect 10-of-10 from the field.
    Alexander scored a career-high 21 points in Northwest's 91-86 overtime win over Northern State.
    In fact, going back in his last seven games, Alexander has made 19 consecutive field goals attempts.
    On the season, Alexander is shooting a team-best 79.4%. He has made 54-of-68 shots this year.
    Alexander is averaging 5.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per contest.

EIGHT STRAIGHT BIDS
The Bearcats have been selected to compete in eight consecutive NCAA tournaments.
    Only West Liberty at 12 has a longer streak of consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances among Div. II teams. Colorado School of Mines has also earned eight straight NCAA bids.

Consecutive NCAA Appearances
12, West Liberty
8, Colorado School of Mines
8, Northwest Missouri State

OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY
The Bearcat men's basketball squad ranks No. 1 in the nation among NCAA Division I and II schools in points per offensive possession (1.124) according to Synergy Sports Technology.
    This year's Elite Eight field contains four of the top ranked offenses in the nation.

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. II)
1.    Northwest Mo. St.    1.124
2.    Lubbock Christian    1.114
3.    Lincoln Memorial    1.071
4.    Dallas Baptist    1.068
5.    Charleston (W.Va.)    1.048
6.    West Texas A&M    1.048
7.    West Liberty        1.041
8.     Lees-McRae        1.030
9.    Seattle Pacific    1.026
10.    Hillsdale        1.021
Courtesy: Synergy Sports Technology

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. I)
1.    Gonzaga        1.092
2.    Liberty        1.042
3.    Weber State        1.035
4.    Colgate        1.033
5.    Bellarmine        1.026
6.    Iowa            1.021
7.    Virginia        1.017
8.    South Dakota State    1.013
9.    Baylor        1.011
10.    Loyola Chicago    1.006
Courtesy: Synergy Sports Technology

MCCOLLUM IN NCAA ACTION
It is the Bearcats's ninth trip to the NCAA Tournament under 12th-year head coach Ben McCollum.
    McCollum has guided Northwest to a mark of 20-5 in NCAA Tournament play.
    Northwest has won 14 of its last 15 NCAA Tournament games.

40 WINS IN A ROW ON NEUTRAL COURTS
Northwest has won 40 straight games on neutral floors. It is the longest active win streak among all NCAA Div. I, II and III schools.
    Gonzaga holds the current Div. I mark with eight consecutive neutral floor victories.
    Washington University in St. Louis owns the active Div. III mark with 16 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) – 40
WashU (III) – 16
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (III) – 10
Wittenberg (III) – 10
Gonzaga (I) – 9
Adelphi (II) – 7
Flagler (II) – 7
Scranton (III) – 7
Trinity (III) – 7
Wisconsin-Oshkosh (III) – 7
Last loss - 11/13/15 vs. Upper Iowa (L, 76-72)

40 Straight Wins on Neutral Courts
W, 85-44 vs. Washburn (Aberdeen, S.D. - 3/14/21)
W, 78-76 vs. Missouri Southern (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/8/20)
W, 80-54 vs. Missouri Western (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/7/20)
W, 75-54 vs. Lincoln (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/20)
W, 92-71 vs. MSU Moorhead (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/9/19)
W, 60-52 vs. Minnesota Crookston (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/8/19)
W, 100-88 vs. Southern Nazarene (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/2/19)
W, 85-65 vs. Daemen (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/1/19)
W, 64-58 vs. Point Loma (Evansville, Ind. - 3/30/19)
W, 76-53 vs. Saint Anselm (Evansville, Ind. - 3/28/19)
W, 55-51 vs. Mercyhurst (Evansville, Ind. - 3/27/19)
W, 82-53 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/10/19)
W, 86-69 vs. Lincoln (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/9/19)
W, 82-79 vs. Emporia State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/7/19)
W, 85-66 vs. Illinois-Springfield (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/19/18)
W, 84-59 vs. Winona State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/10/18)
W, 76-59 vs. Upper Iowa (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/9/18)
W, 100-86 vs. Ferris State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/4/18)
W, 72-70 OT vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/3/18)
W, 80-74 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/18)
W, 65-57 vs. Central Oklahoma (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/3/18)
W, 79-73 vs. Pittsburg State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/2/18)
W, 70-56 vs. Lincoln Memorial (Owensboro, Ky. - 12/19/17)
W, 86-78 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/21/17)
W, 71-60 vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/12/17)
W, 89-65 vs. Upper Iowa (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/10/17)
W, 71-61 vs. Fairmont State (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/25/17)
W, 79-67 vs. Lincoln Memorial (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/23/17)
W, 79-70 vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/22/17)
W, 69-61 vs. Central Missouri (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/17)
W, 67-63 vs. Missouri Southern (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/17)
W, 80-76 vs. Lincoln (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/2/17)
W, 76-58 vs. Wayne State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/13/16)
W, 87-52 vs. Upper Iowa (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/11/16)
W, 82-60 vs. Minnesota State (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/13/16)
W, 78-53 vs. Ouachita Baptist (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/12/16)
W, 61-53 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/6/16)
W, 69-51 vs. Fort Hays State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/16)
W, 62-57 vs. Lindenwood (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/16)
W, 89-52 vs. Wayne State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/14/15)

WINNING NUMBERS
Northwest has posted a spectacular mark of 94-3 over the past three seasons.

LIMITED LOSSES IN FIVE YEARS
Northwest has suffered only eight losses in the last five seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 156-8 over the last five years.

35-1 - 2016-17
27-4 - 2017-18
38-0 - 2018-19
31-1 - 2019-20
25-2 - 2020-21

HUDGINS ONE OF SIX IN NATION WITH 1,800 POINTS & 500 ASSISTS
Junior Trevor Hudgins is one of six active players in the nation (all NCAA Divisions) with at least 1,800 points and 500 assists.

1,800 Points & 500 Assists
Colbey Ross (Pepperdine) - 2,199 points/826 assists
Trevor Hudgins (NW Mo. St.) - 1,871 points/521 assists
Mike Smith (Michigan) - 1,890 points/528 assists
Carlik Jones (Louisville) - 1,871 points/554 assists
McKinley Wright (Colorado) - 1,847 points/682 assists
Marreon Jackson (Toledo) - 1,807 points/569 assists

HAWKINS ONE OF FOUR WITH 2,000 POINTS, 900 REBOUNDS
Senior forward Ryan Hawkins is one of four active NCAA men's basketball players to have tallied at least 2,000 points and 900 rebounds.

2,000 Points & 900 Rebounds
Terry Taylor (Austin Peay) - 2,507 points/1,248 rebounds
Luka Garza (Iowa) - 2,270 points/922 rebounds
Andrew Sischo (Daemen) - 2,194 points/1,084 rebounds
Ryan Hawkins (Northwest Mo. St.) - 2,015 points/913 rebounds

TREV CAN DRAIN THE TRIPLES
Junior Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 1 in the nation (all Divisions) among three-point percentage leaders with at least 40 made three-pointers this season. Hudgins has buried 85-of-162 three-pointers (52.5%).

2020-21 NCAA 3-Point FG Pct. Leaders (Min. 40 Made)
1. Trevor Hudgins (NW Mo. St.)        85-162    .525
2. Adam Moussa (Black Hills State)    45-87    .517
3. Eric Carl (Michigan Tech)        64-129    .496
4. Jalen Lewis (Washburn)        71-144    .493
5. Cortez Garland (Albion)        43-88    .489
6. Chris Shelton (Hampton)        67-138    .486
7. M.J. Smith (Muskingum)        43-90    .478
8. Jason Montgomery (Drury)        62-130    .477
9. Spencer Littleson (Toledo)        101-213    .474
10. Jordan Schakel (San Diego State)    78-167    .467

HUDGINS HITTING FROM DEEP
Junior Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 2 among NCAA Division II, and he ranks No. 2 among all active players in three-point field goal percentage in all NCAA divisions by draining 262-of-516 career three-pointers (50.8%).

NCAA D-II Active Career Leaders - 3-Point FG Pct.
1. Mason Stark (Northern State)        .515
2. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Missouri St.)    .508
3. Eric Carl (Michigan Tech)            .492
4. Cal Hartley (Drury)                .465
5. Bryce Butler (Malone)            .463
Minimum 80 3-pt FGs made

NCAA All Active Career Leaders - 3-Point FG Pct.
1. Mason Stark (Northern State)        .515
2. Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Missouri St.)    .508
3. Eric Carl (Michigan Tech)            .492
4. Nate Hale (Suffolk)                .473
5. C.J. Fredrick (Iowa)                .472
Minimum 80 3-pt FGs made

SIX OF SEVEN YEARS IN REGIONAL FINAL
Under the direction of head coach Ben McCollum, Northwest has reached the NCAA Central Region final in six of the last seven seasons.
    After losing the Central Region title game in 2014 (Central Missouri), 2015 (MSU Moorhead) and 2016 (Augustana), Northwest has won the Central Region championship game in 2017 (Southwest Minnesota State), 2019 (Missouri Southern) and 2021 (Northern State).

NORTHWEST REAPS MIAA REWARDS
Junior Trevor Hudgins (Player of the Year, First Team All-MIAA), senior Ryan Hawkins (First Team All-MIAA, All-Defensive Team), junior Diego Bernard (Defensive Player of the Year, Second Team All-MIAA, All-Defensive Team), sophomore Luke Waters (Honorable Mention All-MIAA and head coach Ben McCollum (MIAA Coach of the Year) collected conference accolades following a vote of the league coaches.

HAWKINS, HUDGINS RANK AT TOP OF MIAA SCORING LIST
Senior Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in scoring (22.0 ppg), while junior Trevor Hudgins sits at No. 4 in the league in scoring (20.1 ppg).
    Hawkins has scored 595 points this season to rank as the ninth-best single-season in Northwest history. Hudgins has tallied 543 points this year.

Northwest Points Scored (Single Season)
1.     Joey Witthus (2018-19)        780
2.    Justin Pitts (2016-17)        754
3.    Ryan Hawkins (2019-20)        726
4.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-19)        712
5.    Justin Pitts (2015-16)        693
6.    Trevor Hudgins (2019-20)        626
7.    Kelvin Parker (2003-04)        620
8.    Glenn Phillips (1985-86)        599
9.    Ryan Hawkins (2020-21)        595
10.    David Alvey (1975-76)        571

BEARCATS SPEND PLENTY OF TIME NO. 1
The Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team has been ranked No. 1 in the nation 40 times in program history.
    Northwest's first No. 1 ranking in school history came Jan. 13, 2004.
    Northwest has been ranked No. 1 in the nation in five consecutive seasons.

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

45 STRAIGHT WEEKS IN TOP 5
The March 9, 2021, NABC preseason Division II Top 25 poll marks the 45th straight week that Northwest has been ranked in the top five.

21 MIAA WINS SETS LEAGUE STANDARD
Northwest is the first MIAA school in league history to reach 20 league victories in a single season. The Bearcats completed its 2020-21 MIAA schedule with a mark of 21-1.
    It's the fifth time in program history that Northwest has won 18 or more MIAA games.

MIAA Record for Wins
21, Northwest Mo. St. (2020-21)
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)

10 STRAIGHT 20-WIN SEASONS
Northwest secured its 10th straight 20-win season and 26th in program history.
    Northwest has secured 26 20-win seasons in program history. Head coach Ben McCollum has tied Steve Tappmeyer for the most 20-win seasons for Bearcat head coaches with 10.

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

20-VICTORY YEARS ON THE NATIONAL SCENE
Northwest is currently the only NCAA Division II school to have won 20 or more games in each of the last 10 seasons.
    Northwest is one of five NCAA Division II schools to have won 20 or more games in the previous nine seasons.
    West Liberty (16), Bellarmine (11), Indiana Pa. (12) and Lincoln Memorial (11) extended their steak of 20-win seasons in 2019-2020.
    Lincoln Memorial is 18-3 this season. West Liberty is 18-4 this season. Indiana (Pa.) is not playing basketball this season due to COVID-19. Bellarmine transitioned to Division I and went 13-7 this year.

20-WIN TEAMS IN NCAA DIVISION II
Northwest (25-2 overall) is one of five Division II school to reach 20 wins this season. Northwest leads all Division II men's programs with 25 victories.
    Colorado Mesa is 21-2, Truman State is 20-2 and Hillsdale is 21-3 and Washburn is 20-7.

HOT-HANDED SHOOTING FOR NORTHWEST
Northwest shot 60% or better in four straight games - 67.8% vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 64.0% vs. Fort Hays State, 60.3% vs. Emporia State and 60.0% vs. Central Oklahoma in a stretch from Feb. 25 through March 5.
    The 67.8% shooting vs. UNK ranks as the second-highest team shooting percentage in a game among NCAA Division II teams this season.
    The 67.8% shooting vs. Nebraska-Kearney is the highest for the Bearcats since a 68.8% shooting night vs. Missouri Western (1/27/18). Northwest defeated the Griffons that night, 94-60.    
    Northwest has shot 60% or better in seven games this season.

BEARCATS SHOOT WITH THE NATION'S BEST
Of all the NCAA men's basketball teams that have played 10 games or more this season, only the Gonzaga Bulldogs along with a pair of Division III school sin DeSales and DePauw are shooting at a higher percentage than the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. Gonzaga is shooting 55.1%, DeSales and DePauw are shooting 53.7%, while Northwest is shooting 53.4%.

Field Goal Percentage (NCAA All Divisions; Min. 10 Games)
1.    Gonzaga (I)        .551
2.    DeSales (III)        .537
3.    DePauw (III)        .537
4.    Northwest Mo. St. (II)    .534
5.    Lincoln Memorial (II)    .527
6.    Lubbock Christian (II)    .526
    Dallas Baptist (II)    .524
8.    Charleston, W.Va. (II)    .524
9.    Stephen F. Austin (I)    .521
10.    Coe (III)        .518

HAWKINS TALLIES 12TH 30-POINT GAME
Senior Ryan Hawkins notched his 12th career 30-point scoring game with 30 points and a triple-double vs. Central Oklahoma.
    Hawkins and Hudgins combined for 59 points - the fourth highest combined teammate total in MIAA Tournament history.

HUDGINS GOES FOR 31; HAWKINS 25 VS. ESU
Junior Trevor Hudgins registered his eighth career 30-point scoring game with a 31-point output vs. Emporia State in the MIAA Tournament quarterfinal. Hudgins went 11-of-15 from the field, including a spectacular 7-of-10 from three-point range.
    Senior Ryan Hawkins produced his 39th career 20-point scoring game with a 25-point performance in Northwest's 100-61 win over Emporia State. Hawkins was 10-of-18 from the floor, including 5-of-9 from distance vs. the Hornets.
    The 56 combined points from Hudgins and Hawkins tied for the 10th-best point total by two teammates in an MIAA Tournament game.
    The MIAA Tournament game record for combined points by two teammates is 69 set by Emporia State's Terrence Moore (40) and Kaleb Wright (29) vs. Southwest Baptist March 14, 2014.

Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Trevor Hudgins - 89
Ryan Hawkins - 86
Diego Bernard - 71
Luke Waters - 21
Wes Dreamer - 13
Byron Alexander - 4
Daric Laing - 2
Daniel Abreu - 1

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Trevor Hudgins - 50
Ryan Hawkins - 41
Diego Bernard - 10
Wes Dreamer - 3
Luke Waters - 1

Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Ryan Hawkins - 12
Trevor Hudgins - 8

Career 40-Point Scoring Games
Ryan Hawkins - 2

HAWK DABBLES IN DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Ryan Hawkins recorded a double-double in all three MIAA Tournament games. Hawkins had 25 points and 10 rebounds vs. Emporia State in the quarterfinal. Hawkins tallied 30 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the semifinal vs. Central Oklahoma. Hawkins added 23 points and 10 boards in the MIAA championship game vs. Washburn.

Career Double-Doubles
Ryan Hawkins - 28
Trevor Hudgins - 8
Diego Bernard - 6
Wes Dreamer - 2

BEARCATS AMONG NATION'S LEADERS
Northwest is showcased quite highly among the NCAA Division II national leaders in a few statistical categories.

1st - Field Goal Percentage (53.4%)
2nd - Three-Pointers Made (288)
2nd - Three-Pointers Attempted (676)
2nd - Free Throws Made (404)
3rd - Three-Point Field Goal Percentage (42.6%)
4th - Total Steals (192)
5th - Scoring Margin (+16.7)
5th - Free Throw Attempts (505)
7th - Free Throw Percentage (80.0%)
7th - Total Assists (383)
10th - Total Rebounds (859)
13th - Rebound Margin (+7.0)
15th - Scoring Defense (65.9)
15th - Three-Pointers Made Per Game (10.7)

HUDGINS LEADS NATION IN THREE-POINTERS
Junior Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 1 in the nation in three-pointers made (85). Senior Ryan Hawkins is right behind him at No. 2 in the nation with 75 made three-pointers.
    Hudgins's 85 three-pointers also ranks No. 7 on Northwest's single-season chart.

Northwest Three-Pointers Made (Single Season)
1.     Joey Witthus (2018-19)        114
2.     Zach Schneider (2016-17)        108
3.    Trevor Hudgins (2019-20)        105
4.    Zach Schneider (2014-15)        101
5.    Zach Schneider (2015-16)        91
    Louis Jones (1988-89)        91
7.    Trevor Hudgins (2020-21)        85
8.    Alex Sullivan (2012-13)        84
9.    Ryan Hawkins (2019-20)        81
10.    Justin Pitts (2015-16)        80
    Justin Pitts (2016-17)        80

TREVOR'S NAME IS LITTERED AT THE TOP OF THE MIAA STAT SHEET
Junior point guard Trevor Hudgins finds his name at or near the top of eight different MIAA statistical categories.

1st - Minutes Played (37.2)
1st - 3-Point FG% (52.5)
1st - 3-Pointers Made (3.1)
2nd - Assist-to-Turnover Ratio (2.4)
4th - Assists (4.7)
4th - Scoring (20.1)
4th - Free Throw% (89.2)
6th - Field Goal% (54.5)

HAWKINS AMONG DIVISION'S ELITE PLAYERS
Senior forward Ryan Hawkins is considered among the elite NCAA Division II players in the nation and his name is scattered atop the active career leaders in numerous categories.

1st - Games Played (128)
2nd - Steals (221)
2nd - Rebounds (913)
4th - Field Goals Made (724)
4th - Total Points (2,015)
5th - 3-Point Field Goals Made (273)
6th - Double-Doubles (28)

HAWKINS BECOMES SIXTH MIAA PLAYER TO REACH 2,000 CAREER POINTS
Senior forward Ryan Hawkins became the sixth MIAA player to reach 2,000 career points. He joins Justin Pitts as the only two Northwest players to eclipse the 2,000-point mark.

MIAA's 2,000 Point Scorers
1.     Bill Fennelly (UCM, 1977-81)        2,819 pts.
2.    Harold Robertson (LU, 1974-78)        2,551 pts.
3.    Ron Nunnelly (UCM, 1981-85)        2,468 pts.
4.    Justin Pitts (NW, 2014-18)        2,459 pts.
5.    Cam Martin (MSSU, 2018-21)        2,155 pts.
6.    Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2017-pr.)        2,015 pts.

TEAMMATES WITH 1,800 OR MORE POINTS
Northwest's Ryan Hawkins and Trevor Hudgins are one of only two sets of teammates in the country who have scored at least 1,800 career points.
    Hawkins has tallied 2,015 points, while Hudgins has registered 1,881 points.
    UTSA's Jhivvan Jackson is the nation's active leading scorer with 2,551 points, while his teammate Keaton Wallace has posted 2,080 points.

BERNARD REACHES 1,000 PTS
Junior Diego Bernard became the 26th Bearcat to reach 1,000 career points in the program's history.
    This year's Bearcat team possesses three 1,000-point scorers. Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 2 with 2,015. Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 3 with 1,881. Bernard ranks No. 19 with 1,192.
    Bernard is the 11th Bearcat under head coach Ben McCollum to reach the 1,000-point mark.

Northwest's 1,000 Point Scorers
1.     Justin Pitts (2014-18)            2,459 pts
2.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)        2,015 pts
3.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-pres.)        1,881 pts
4.    Victor Coleman (1980-84)        1,795 pts
5.    David Alvey (1973-77)            1,747 pts
6.    Scott Fleming (1999-2003)        1,727 pts
7.     DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)        1,702 pts
8.    Kelvin Parker (2000-04)            1,692 pts
9.    Hunter Henry (2006-09)            1,592 pts
10.    Joe Hurst (1982-86)            1,580 pts.
11.    Conner Crooker (2012-16)        1,352 pts
12.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)            1,294 pts
13.    Ellijah Allen (2008-11)            1,289 pts
14.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)        1,282 pts
    Russ Miller (1976-80)            1,282 pts
16. Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)            1,203 pts
17. Matt Redd (1996-99)            1,200 pts
18. Gerald Harris (1984-88)            1,198 pts
19.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        1,192 pts
20. Don Sears (1966-70)            1,154 pts
21. Dillon Starzl (2011-14)            1,153 pts
22. Joey Witthus (2017-19)            1,150 pts
23. Glenn Phillips (1985-87)            1,147 pts
24. Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-18)        1,134 pts
25. Bob Sundell (1986-89)            1,082 pts
26. Rick Jolley (1993-96)            1,054 pts

D.B. JOINS 1,000-POINT, 500-REBOUND CLUB
Junior Diego Bernard became the 14th Bearcat to secure at least 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. He and teammate Ryan Hawkins are the only two active members of the club.

Northwest's 1,000 Pts & 500 Rbs
Ryan Hawkins (2017-pr.)    2,015 pts/913 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
Diego Bernard (2018-pr.)    1,192 pts/561 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

HAWKINS SETS CAREER REBOUNDING MARK
Senior Ryan Hawkins became the program's all-time leading rebounder by surpassing Don Sears's career mark of 874 set from 1966-70. Hawkins has secured 913 career rebounds. Junior Diego Bernard is just off the chart with 561 career rebounds.

Northwest's Rebounds in a Career
1.     Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    913
2.     Don Sears (1966-1970)    874
3.     Russ Miller (1976-1980)    837
4.     Hunter Henry (2006-2009)    808
5.     Joe Hurst (1983-1986)    777
6.     David Alvey (1973-1977)    677
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
HAWKINS, HUDGINS SURGING UP CAREER FIELD GOALS MADE LIST
Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 3 on Northwest's all-time field goals made list with 724, while Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 5 with 642 made field goals.

Northwest Field Goals in a Career
1. Justin Pitts (2014-18)        887
2. Victor Coleman (1981-84)    793
3. Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    724
4. David Alvey (1974-77)        644
5. Trevor Hudgins (2018-pres.)    642
6. Joe Hurst (1983-86)        635
7. Hunter Henry (2006-09)        589
8. Kelvin Parker (2001-04)        571
9. DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    546
10. Russ Miller (1977-80)        503

HAWKINS RAKES IN SEVEN STEALS
Senior forward Ryan Hawkins tied a career-high with seven steals in the MIAA Tournament championship game vs. Washburn.
    It is the second time this season that Hawkins has tallied seven steals in a game. He also registered seven steals in Northwest's 87-75 win over Pittsburg State.
    The seven steals in a game ranks as the second-highest single-game total in Bearcat history.
    Mose Howard (vs. St. Mary - 11/15/05), Shakey Harrington (vs. Lincoln - 1/18/98) and Orlando Johnson (vs. Pittsburg State - 1/10/93) each tallied eight steals in a game to set the Northwest single-game steals record.
    Hawkins joins Mike Larson, Andy Peterson, Floyd Farrow, Glenn Marcus and Kareem Preston as the only Bearcats to record seven steals in a game.
    Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 2 on Northwest's all-time steals list with 221 career steals.

Northwest Steals in a Career
1.     Scott Fleming (2000-2003)        305
2.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)        221
3.    Kelvin Parker (2001-2004)        209
4.     Mark Yager (1979-1982)            188
5.    Justin Pitts (2014-2018)            186
6.    Victor Coleman (1981-1984)        174
7.    Matt Wallace (2011-2015)        158
8.    Gerald Harris (1986-1988)        153
9.    Hunter Henry (2006-2009)        146
10.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-2014)        132

TREV CLIMBS CAREER ASSIST CHART
Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 2 on Northwest's all-time assist chart with 521 career dimes.
    Hudgins dished out 191 assists last season, which ranks as the second-best season in Bearcat history. Hudgins set the Northwest single-season assist mark with 203 in 2018-19.

Northwest Assists in a Career
1.     Justin Pitts (2014-18)        575
2.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-pr.)    521
3.     Kelvin Parker (2001-04)        492
4.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    489
5.    Victor Coleman (1981-84)    467
6.    Mark Yager (1979-82)        449
7.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)        435
8.    Matt Wallace (2011-15)        410
9.    Gerald Harris (1986-88)        274
10.    Steve Simon (1992-95)        245

Northwest Assists in a Season
1.     Trevor Hudgins (2018-19)    203
2.    Trevor Hudgins (2019-20)    191
3.    Justin Pitts (2016-17)        183
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

HAWKINS, HUDGINS MAKE THEIR WAY UP NORTHWEST'S 3-POINT CHART
Senior Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 3 on Northwest's all-time three-pointers made chart with 273.
    Junior Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 4 with 262 made three-pointers.

Northwest 3-Pointers Made in a Career
1.     Zach Schneider (2013-17)        370
2.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)        271
3.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    273
4.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-pres.)    262
5.    Ryan Welty (2016-20)        238
5.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)        215
7.    Conner Crooker (2013-16)        205
8.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)        173
9.    Joey Witthus (2017-19)        172
10.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    170

HUDGINS, HAWKINS MOVE INTO CAREER FREE THROWS MADE CHART
Junior guard Trevor Hudgins ranks No. 7 on Northwest's all-time free throws chart with 335. Senior Ryan Hawkins ranks No. 10 with 294 career makes from the free throw line.
    Hudgins would rank No. 1 on Northwest's all-time free throw percentage chart - as he has sank 326 of 379 career free throws (86.3%). Conner Crooker (2013-16) holds the career free throw shooting percentage mark at 86.1% (223-of-259).
    As a freshman, Hudgins tied the MIAA record with 36 consecutive free throws made.

Northwest Free Throws Made in a Career
1.     Scott Fleming (2000-03)        628
2.    David Alvey (1974-77)        459
3.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    440
4.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)        414
5.    Kelvin Parker (2001-04)        402
6.    Hunter Henry (2006-09)        353
7.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-pres.)    335
8.    Elijah Allen (2007-11)        319
9.    Joe Hurst (1983-86)        310
10. Ryan Hawkins (2017-pres.)    294

MCCOLLUM RANKS NO. 4 IN WIN PERCENTAGE
Bearcat 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. 6 among all NCAA basketball head coaches (minimum of 10 years) in win percentage.
    McCollum has guided the Bearcats to a mark of 297-78 (.792 winning percentage) in his 12th season at the helm of the Northwest program.

NCAA Div. II Head Coach Win Percentage (Min. 10 yrs.)
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .841 (428-81, 16 yrs.)
2. Matt Logie (Point Loma)    .837 (226-44, 10 yrs.)
3. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial)    .832 (336-68, 12 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .792 (297-78, 12 yrs.)
5. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .764 (334-103, 14 yrs.)
6. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .761 (224-70, 10 yrs.)
7. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .759 (391-124, 17 yrs.)
8. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .739 (486-172, 19 yrs.)
9. Lonnie Blow (Virginia State)    .729 (212-79, 10 yrs.)
10. Mike Jones (Mississippi College)    .726 (340-128, 17 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics

NCAA All Divisions Head Coach Win Percentage (Min. 10 yrs.)
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .841 (428-81, 16 yrs.)
2. Matt Logie (Point Loma)    .837 (226-44, 10 yrs.)
3. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (625-124, 21 yrs.)
4. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial)    .832 (336-68, 12 yrs.)
5. John Tauer (St. Thomas, Minn.)    .812 (218-50, 10 yrs.)
6. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .792 (297-78, 12 yrs.)
7. Roy Williams (North Carolina)    .774 (903-263, 32 yrs.)
8. Bill Self (Kansas)    .766 (728-222, 28 yrs.)
9. Scott Davenport (Bellarmine)    .765 (375-114, 16 yrs.)
10. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .764 (334-103, 14 yrs.)
 Source: NCAA Statistics

10+ YEARS, LESS THAN 80 TOTAL LOSSES
Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum is one of five active NCAA men's basketball coaches to have registered less than 80 career losses with at least 10 years of head coaching experience.

Name (School) - Losses (Yrs.)
Matt Logie (Point Loma) - 44 losses (10 yrs.)
Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial) - 68 losses (13 yrs.)
Charlie Ernst (Findlay) - 70 losses (10 yrs.)
Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.) - 78 losses (12 yrs.)
Lonnie Blow (Virginia State) - 79 losses (10 yrs.)

MCCOLLUM RANKS NO. 9 IN MIAA WINS
Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum ranks No. 9 on the MIAA's all-time head coaching wins list with 297. Former Bearcat leader Steve Tappmeyer holds down the No. 4 spot with 408 wins when he was at Northwest.

MIAA Coaching Victories
1.     Bob Chipman (Washburn)        569
2.    Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)        516
3.    Robert Corn (Missouri Southern)    413
4.    Steve Tappmeyer (NWMSU)    408
5.    Boyd King (Truman State)        379
6.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    329
7.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
8.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri State)    302
9.    Ben McCollum (NWMSU)    297
10.    Billy Key (Missouri S&T)        278

MCCOLLUM IN MARCH
Head coach Ben McCollum has led Northwest to a mark of 32-3 in March over the last five seasons.
    McCollum and the Bearcats had won 14 straight games in March prior to the 69-68 loss to Washburn in the MIAA Tournament championship game.
    
LESS THAN 50
Northwest improved to 30-2 when holding the opposition to 50 points or less under head coach Ben McCollum following the 85-44 triumph over Washburn in the NCAA Tournament.
    It's the 15th time that a McCollum coached squad has held an MIAA opponent to less than 50 points in a game.

MCCOLLUM HAS BEARCATS DEFENSIVE
Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum can get defensive. When the Bearcats hold an opponent to 59 points or less, McCollum has guided Northwest to a mark of 128-5 in his 12-year career.

90-PLUS = SUCCESS
Northwest has posted a mark of 53-0 when scoring 90 or more points with head coach Ben McCollum.
    Northwest has reached the 90-point mark six times this season in wins over Central Oklahoma (W, 90-68; W, 104-72), Emporia State (W, 92-71; W, 100-61), Nebraska-Kearney (W, 95-59) and Northern State (W, 91-86 OT).


'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG VICTORIES
Under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 116-2 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 114 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.

MCCOLLUM 8-4 IN 1-POINT GAMES
Northwest Missouri State head coach Ben McCollum is 8-4 in one-point games since taking over the Bearcat program.

One-Point Games Under Ben McCollum
L, 69-68 vs. Washburn (3/6/21)
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)

OVERTIME IN MCCOLLUM ERA
Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum is 10-6 in overtime contests since taking over the program in the 2009-10 season.

Overtime Games Under Ben McCollum
W, 91-86 at Northern State (3/16/21)
W, 88-85 at Washburn (2/20/21)
L, 84-82 vs. Washburn (1/7/21)
W, 72-70 vs. Northern State (11/3/18)
W, 79-74 vs. Upper Iowa (3/11/17)
W, 77-73 vs. Southwest Baptist (1/14/15)
L, 60-59 vs. Central Missouri (3/18/14)
W, 73-69 at Nebraska-Kearney (1/9/14)
L, 79-76 vs. Central Missouri (3/10/13)
W, 69-68 at Missouri Southern (1/3/13)
W, 73-66 vs. Lindenwood (12/5/12)
W, 94-87 at Truman State (2/15/12) -- Double Overtime
W, 73-70 vs. Pittsburg State (12/7/11)
L, 85-80 at Nebraska-Omaha (12/11/10)
L, 89-81 vs. Missouri Southern (2/27/10)
L, 92-83 vs. vs. Southwest Baptist (1/16/10)

LATE RALLY PROPELS NW
Northwest overcame an 11-point deficit with 3:01 to play and posted a 91-86 overtime victory over Northern State University to advance to the program's fifth Elite Eight.
    NSU built an 11-point bulge at 76-65 with 3:01 to play.
    Ryan Hawkins cut it to nine with a bucket only to see NSU's Parker Fox hit one of two free throws on the other end to push the NSU lead back to 10 with 2:19 left.
    Trevor Hudgins put the Bearcats on his back as he produced eight points in a 23-second span to slice the NSU lead to 78-75 with 1:38 to play. On Northwest's next possession, Hawkins drove for a shot but was tied up and the jump ball went to NSU. However, Hawkins tallied a steal on the ensuing Wolves possession that led to Diego Bernard making one of two at the line.
    Northwest played defense without fouling but NSU got a team rebound out of bounds with :14.9 left. Freshman Isaiah Jackson fouled NSU's Mason Stark with :12 left and Stark would make only one of two.
    Hudgins took the ball down the floor and calmly sank a step-back three-pointer with :05 left to knot the game at 79-79.

BEARCATS' LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY IN NCAA PLAY
Northwest produced its largest margin of victory in NCAA Tournament play in the 85-44 win over Washburn.
    The 41-point differential topped the 29-point win over Minnesota State (W, 91-62) in the opening  round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
    Northwest broke the game open with a 24-0 run in the first half and then began the second half on a 28-3 run. The Bearcats led by as many as 54 points in the game.

40-POINT WINS IN NCAA DIV. II TOURNAMENT
Northwest became only the 13th team to win an NCAA Division II Tournament game by 40 points or more in its 85-44 triumph over Washburn. The 41-point margin ranks as the 12th-largest margin of victory in a Div. II Tournament contest.

Victory Margin of 40 or more in NCAA Div. II Tournament
53 - Central Missouri 105, Doane 52 (1965 - Regional 3rd Place)
51 - South Dakota 102, Knox 51 (1958 - Regional Final)
51 - North Dakota 107, Parsons 56 (1967 - Regional 3rd Place)
49 - Fresno State 127, Nevada 78 (1966 - Regional 2nd Round)
48 - LIU 114, Central Conn. St. 66 (1967 - Regional 2nd Round)
48 - Jefferson 101, American Int'l 53 (1970 - Elite Eight)
45 - Wagner 109, Albany 64 (1969 - Regional First Round)
44 - Abilene Christian 109, Colorado Coll. 44 (1960 - First Round)
44 - West Liberty 117, Slippery Rock 73 (2011 - Regional 1st Round)
42 - Bellarmine 114, Transylvania 72 (1970 - Regional 3rd Place)
42 - Mo.-St. Louis 114, South Dakota 72 (1972 - Regional 2nd Round)
41 - Northwest Mo. St. 85, Washburn 44 (2021 - Regional 2nd Round)
40 - Metro St. 109, South Dakota St. 69 (2004 - Regional 2nd Round)

NORTHWEST'S BIGGEST WIN OVER AGAINST WASHBURN
Northwest's 41-point win over Washburn in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament marked the largest margin of victory for the Bearcats ever against the Ichabods. The series began in the 1940-41 season and Northwest has recorded 51 total wins - but none bigger then 85-44 score in Aberdeen.
    The previous largest margin of victory for Northwest over Washburn came in a 29-point thrashing of the Ichabods in the 2019 MIAA Tournament championship game won by the Bearcats, 82-53.

NORTHWEST ROAD WIN STREAK REACHES 19
Northwest has won 19 consecutive road games, which ranks as the longest active streak among all NCAA divisions.
    Northwest has won 35 of its last 36 road games.
    Northwest is 12-0 on the road this season. The Bearcats have won at least eight road games in each of the last five seasons.

Active Div. II Road Win Streaks
Northwest Mo. St. – 19
West Texas A&M – 16
Colorado School of Mines – 13
Northern State – 12
Lubbock Christian – 11

Active NCAA Road Win Streaks
Northwest Mo. St. (II) – 18
Yeshiva (III) – 18
Swarthmore (III) – 16
West Texas A&M (II) – 16
Colorado School of Mines (II) – 13
Winthrop (I) – 12
Northern State (II) – 12
Lubbock Christian (II) – 11

NORTHWEST LEADS NATION IN ROAD WINS
Northwest's 12 road wins for the most among all NCAA schools this season.
    Only Northwest (12-0), Lubbock Christian (10-0) and Winthrop (10-0) own perfect road records with at least 10 road victories.
    Northwest is one of seven NCAA Division I or Division II schools to have recorded at least 10 road wins in the 2020-21 season.


NCAA Teams with 10 (or more) Road Wins
Northwest Missouri State (II) – 12-0
Colorado Mesa (II) – 11-1
Winthrop (I) – 10-0
Lubbock Christian (II) – 10-0
Belmont (I) – 10-2
Bowling Green (I) – 10-3
UNC Greensboro (I) – 10-3

100-POINT MARK
Northwest has scored 100 or more points 16 times under head coach Ben McCollum.

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)
100-61 vs. Emporia State (3/3/21)
104-72 vs. Central Oklahoma (3/5/221)

NORTHWEST SETS MIAA MARK WITH 16TH CHAMPIONSHIP GAME APPEARANCE
Northwest set a league record by making its 16th MIAA Tournament championship game appearance.     
    Northwest's 16 title game appearances sets an MIAA record for the most by any school. UCM and Northwest were tied at 15 title game appearances entering the 2021 MIAA Tournament.

Northwest in MIAA Title Games
1984 - UCM 70, Northwest 65
1989 - Northwest 82, UCM 77
1998 - MWSU 65, Northwest 52
1999 - Truman St. 70, Northwest 68
2000 - MSSU 90, Northwest 79
2001 - WU 81, Northwest 74
2002 - Northwest 71, MWSU 58
2004 - Northwest 78, WU 71
2008 - Northwest 57, ESU 51
2013 - UCM 79, Northwest 76 (OT)
2016 - Northwest 61, UNK 53
2017 - Northwest 69, UCM 61
2018 - Northwest 80, WU 74
2019 - Northwest 82, WU 53
2020 - Northwest 78, MSSU 76
2021 - WU 69, Northwest 68

BERNARD, HAWKINS, HUDGINS NAMED TO MIAA ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Northwest was represented on the MIAA All-Tournament team by junior Diego Bernard, senior Ryan Hawkins and junior Trevor Hudgins.
    Hawkins and Hudgins tied for the tournament scoring lead with 78 points apiece. Hawkins averaged a double-double (26.0 ppg/10.3 rpg) and 5.7 assists per game. Hawkins shot 57.4% from the field (27-of-47) and was 20-of-24 at the free throw line.
    Hudgins drained 16-of-30 three-point shots in the three games.
    Bernard shot 56.5% from the floor (13-of-23) and averaged 8.0 rebounds.

BEARCATS ADD TO MIAA TOURNEY RECORDS
Northwest owns the MIAA record for most tournament titles (9), consecutive championships (5), consecutive tournament victories (17) and No. 1 seeds awards (10).

MIAA Tournament Titles
Northwest Missouri State - 9
Central Missouri - 6
Washburn - 6
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

MAC IN MIAA TOURNAMENT
Overall, Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum is 23-5 in the MIAA Tournament. He has guided the Bearcats to seven appearances in the finals with five tournament championships.
    McCollum has guided Northwest to a perfect 10-0 mark in MIAA quarterfinal games.
    McCollum has posted a mark of 7-3 in the MIAA semifinals. McCollum and Northwest has won six consecutive MIAA semifinal matchups.
    McCollum is 5-2 in MIAA championship games.
    McCollum has tied Washburn's Bob Chipman for the league record for most MIAA Tournament championships with five. Chipman won five in 25 tournament appearances. McCollum won five in nine tournament appearances.

Coaches MIAA Tournament Win Percentage
1.    Ben McCollum (NW)    23-5    .821
2.    Kevin Muff (PSU)        7-3    .700
3.    Lynn Nance (UCM/SBU)    8-4    .667
    Terry Evans (UCO)    6-3    .667
    Derrin Hansen (UNO)    4-2    .667

Coaches MIAA Tournament Victories
1.    Bob Chipman (WU)    34-20
2.    Tom Smith (MWSU)    24-17
3.    Steve Tappmeyer (NW)    23-14
    Ben McCollum (NW)    23-5
5.    Robert Korn (MSSU)    18-18

Coaches MIAA Tournament Championships Won
1.    Bob Chipman (WU)        5
    Ben McCollum (NW)        5
2.    Ron Shumate (SEMSU)        4
    Tom Smith (MWSU)        4
    Steve Tappmeyer (NW)        4
    Kim Anderson (UCM/PSU    4

HAWKINS COLLECTS FIRST TRIPLE-DOUBLE IN MIAA TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Northwest senior forward Ryan Hawkins collected the first-ever triple-double in MIAA Tournament history with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
    He is the second Northwest player to ever record a triple-double joining teammate Trevor Hudgins on that elite list.
    It is the fifth triple-double by an NCAA Division II player this season and the third by an MIAA player.
    There have been 29 triple-doubles recorded by NCAA Div. I (20), Div. II (5) and Div. III (4) this season and Hawkins is the only player to have scored 30 or more points in his triple-double.

Triple Doubles in 2020-21 (NCAA Div. II)
Tyler Geiman (Washburn) vs. Northeastern State (17p/11r/11a)
Cameron Potts (Lincoln) vs. Northeastern State (15p/12r/10a)
Branden Maughmer (Cedarville) vs. Tiffin (20p/11r/11a)
Qua Grant (West Texas A&M) vs. Oklahoma Baptist (17p/10r/10a)
Ryan Hawkins (Northwest) vs. Central Oklahoma (30p/11r/11a)

BERNARD, HUDGINS, HAWKINS CLIMB MIAA TOURNEY LEDGERS
Northwest's Diego Bernard, Trevor Hudgins and Ryan Hawkins have been climbing the MIAA Tournament record book.
    Hawkins ranks No. 1 in MIAA tournament rebounds with 74. Hawkins has scored 157 points in 11 tournament games and ranks No. 5 in tournament history.    Hawkins will tie for first place in MIAA Tournament games played with his 12th game Saturday vs. Washburn.
    Hudgins has tallied 183 career MIAA Tournament points to rank tied for No. 2 in points scored. Hudgins ranks No. 8 on the assist list with 40 assists through eight MIAA tourney games.
    Bernard ranks No. 4 in MIAA Tournament history with 68 rebounds through eight games. Bernard captured 19 rebounds in last season's semifinal win over Missouri Western, which ranks as the second-highest single-game rebounding total in MIAA Tournament history. Bernard tallied 32 total rebounds in last year's MIAA tourney to tie for the 10th-best tournament year total.
        
All-Time Points Scored - MIAA Tournament
1.     Justin Pitts (NW, 2015-18)    242 (11 games)
2.    Trevor Hudgins (NW, 2019-pres.)    201 (9 games)
3.    Ron Nunnelly (UCM, 1982-85)    181 (9 games)
4.    Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-pres.)    180 (12 games)
5.    Oscar Gonzalez (PSU, 1996-99)    166 (9 games)
6.    Josh Gibbs (UCO, 2013-14)    162 (7 games)
7.    Connor Beranek (UNK, 2014-16)    156 (7 games)
8.    Ryan Murphy (WU, 2000-03)    154 (10 games)
9.    Will McNeill (WU, 2009-13)    146 (9 games)
10.    Kelvin Parker (NW, 2001-04)    142 (11 games)

All-Time Rebounds - MIAA Tournament
1.    Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-pres.)    84 (12 games)
2.    Diego Bernard (NW, 2019-pres.)    76 (9 games)
3.     Clarence Tyson (WU, 1993-94)    71 (6 games)
    Brady Skeens (WU, 2016-18)    71 (6 games)
5.    Glenn Stanley (SBU, 1990-91)    66 (5 games)
6.    Ryan Murphy (WU, 2000-03)    59 (10 games)
7.    Connor Beranek (UNK, 2014-16)    57 (7 games)
8.    Chris-Ebou Ndow (NW, 2016-18)    55 (9 games)
9.    Mark Bradley (MWSU, 1990-92)    53 (7 games)
    Hunter Henry (NW, 2006-08)    53 (7 games)
    Ethan Brozek (UNK, 2014-16)    53 (7 games)

All-Time Assists - MIAA Tournament
1.     Jordan Canfield (WU, 1993-97)    77 (12 games)
2.    Matt Wallace (NW, 2012-15)    58 (10 games)
3.    Tyler Geiman (WU, 2018-pres.)    54 (10 games)
4.    Eddin Santiago (MSSU, 1999-02)    53 (8 games)
5.    Justin Pitts (NW, 2015-18)    49 (11 games)
6.    Kelvin Parker (NW, 2001-04)    46 (11 games)
7.    Michael Morris (SEMO, 1985-88)    45 (8 games)
8.    Oscar Gonzalez (PSU, 1996-99)    42 (9 games)
9.    Trevor Hudgins (NW, 2019-pres.)    40 (9 games)
10.    Sheldon Pace (SBU, 2005-06)    38 (5 games)

All-Time Games Played - MIAA Tournament
1.     Jordan Canfield (WU, 1993-97)    12 games
    Ryan Welty (NW, 2017-20)    12 games
    Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-pres.)    11 games
4.    Scott Fleming (NW, 2000-03)    11 games
    Kelvin Parker (NW, 2001-04)    11 games
    Seth Heckart (UCO, 2013-16)    11 games
    Brett Dougherty (NW, 2015-18)    11 games
    Justin Pitts (NW, 2015-18)    11 games
9.    Andy Berlin (WU, 1991-95)    10 games
    Phil Simpson (NW, 1997-00)    10 games
    Ryan Murphy (WU, 2000-03)    10 games
    Troy Douglas (WU, 2001-04)    10 games
    Matt Wallace (NW, 2012-15)    10 games
    Greg Renfroe (MSSU, 2013-16)    10 games
    Austin Wright (MSSU, 2013-16)    10 games
    Zach Schneider (NW, 2014-17)    10 games
    David Salach (WU, 2015-19)    10 games
    Tyler Geiman (WU, 2018-21)    10 games
    Jace Williams (WU, 2018-21)    10 games

TOURNEY 3-POINT MARK WITHIN REACH
Junior Trevor Hudgins has sank 29 three-pointers in eight career MIAA Tournament games. Former Bearcat Ryan Welty set the MIAA Tournament record for made three-pointers with 30.
    Senior Ryan Hawkins has drained 20 career three-pointers, including five vs. Emporia State in Wednesday's quarterfinal victory and two more vs. Central Oklahoma in Friday's semifinal win.

TWO 100-POINT GAMES IN MIAA TOURNEY
Northwest is the first school to record two 100-point games in the same MIAA Tournament. Northwest posted a 100-61 win over Emporia State in the quarterfinals and followed it up with a 104-72 victory over Central Oklahoma in the semifinals.
    There have been 15 instances of 100-point games in the MIAA Tournament and Northwest and Washburn have combined for three of them in this year's MIAA Tournament.

100-Point Games - MIAA Tournament
1.     112, MWSU vs. NWMSU (73), 2-27-95 (Q).
        112, UMR vs. WU (104), 2-27-96 (Q).
3.     105, WU vs. MWSU (99), 3-3-94 (S).
4.     104, WU vs. UMR (112), 2-27-96 (Q).
        104, NWMSU vs. UCM (72), 3-5-21 (S).
6.     103, UCM vs. ESU (70), 2-24-97 (Q).
        103, UCM vs. MSSU (86), 3-6-05 (C).  
        103, FHSU vs. MSSU (102), 3-2-12 (Q) [OT].
        103, UCO vs. SBU (89), 3-4-13 (FR).
10.     102, MSSU vs. FHSU (103), 3-2-12 (Q) [OT].
11.     101, PSU vs. NWMSU (98), 2-27-96 (Q) [OT].
          101, MSSU vs. SBU (94), 3-3-11 (Q).
    101, WU vs. Missouri Western (72), 3-5-21 (S)
13.     100, MSSU vs. ESU (75), 3-2-93 (Q).
          100, NWMSU vs. UCM (51), 2-26-02 (Q).
          100, NWMSU vs. ESU (61), 3-3-21 (Q).

NORTHWEST SETS MIAA RECORD FOR LARGEST HALFTIME MARGIN AT 41 VS. EMPORIA STATE
Northwest set the MIAA Tournament record for largest halftime lead at 41 with a 60-19 advantage over Emporia State in the quarterfinal. The previous mark of 31 was set by Northwest in a 50-19 lead over Central Missouri on Feb. 26, 2002.

HIGHEST FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE IN A 1ST HALF OF AN MIAA TOURNAMENT GAME
Northwest set the MIAA Tournament record for highest field goal percentage in a first half with its 72.4% effort against Emporia State. Northwest had set the previous mark of 71.4% vs. Northeastern State on March 3, 2013 - another quarterfinal matchup.

NORTHWEST'S 11 FIRST-HALF TRIPLES TIES TOURNAMENT RECORD
Northwest's 11 made three-pointers in the first half of Wednesday's quarterfinal vs. Emporia State tied the MIAA Tournament record for most three-pointers in a half. Central Oklahoma also made 11 first-half three-pointers in a first-round game vs. Southwest Baptist (March, 4, 2013).

HAWKINS, HUDGINS NOTCH 2ND CAREER 30-POINT MIAA TOURNAMENT SCORING GAMES
Senior forward Ryan Hawkins and junior guard Trevor Hudgins have tallied back-to-back 30-point MIAA Tournament games. Each has now recorded a pair of 30-point scoring games in MIAA tourney action to tie the league record for most 30-point games.

Most MIAA Tournament Games Scoring 30 or More
2, Ronnie Rankin (SEMO), 1985-86
2, Tyron Latimer (UCM), 1994-95
2, Dan Buie (WU), 1996-97
2, Eddie Jackson (PSU), 2004-06
2, Josh Gibbs (UCO), 2013-14
2, Connor Beranek (UNK), 2014-16
2, Trevor Hudgins (NW), 2019-pres.
2, Cam Martin (MSSU), 2019-21
2, Ryan Hawkins (NW), 2018-pres.

A STREAK OF STREAKS
Northwest has had at least one 10-game winning streak in each of the last eight seasons.
    Northwest has also had at least one 12-game winning streak in each of the last six seasons.


LAST 129 MIAA GAMES
Beginning Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest is 120-9 in its last 129 MIAA games. Seven of those nine losses have come on the road.
    In that stretch, Northwest is 63-2 in Bearcat Arena in MIAA matchups.

PRETTY GOOD VS. MIAA FOES
Since Feb. 22, 2018, Northwest has won 72 of its last 75 games against MIAA opponents (regular season/postseason).

BEARCATS CLAIM 8TH STRAIGHT MIAA CROWN
Northwest captured its eighth straight MIAA regular season crown in the 2020-21 season.
    Over the last eight seasons, Northwest has compiled a league mark of 142-16.
    Over the last five seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 92-6 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
2020-21    21-1
Totals    142-16

21ST OVERALL MIAA REGULAR SEASON CROWN
It is the 21st overall MIAA crown for Northwest, which ties it with Central Missouri for the most regular season titles in league history.

MIAA Regular Season Titles
Northwest - 21
Central Missouri - 21
Missouri State - 19
Southeast Missouri State - 13
Washburn - 10
Truman State - 9
Missouri Western - 5
Southwest Baptist - 4
Lincoln - 4
Missouri Southern - 2
Missouri S&T - 2
Fort Hays State - 1
Pittsburg State - 1


FEBRUARY DOMINANCE UNDER MCCOLLUM
Northwest head coach Ben McCollum has helped guide the Bearcats to 28 straight wins in the month of February.
    McCollum has led Northwest to a mark of 58-2 over the program's last 60 February games.

LAING CONTRIBUTES OFF THE BENCH
Senior guard Daric Laing scored a season-high five points and a career-high two assists off the Bearcat bench in their 87-75 win over Pittsburg State. Laing also tallied his first career block against the Gorillas.

HUDGINS VS. MISSOURI SOUTHERN
Junior point guard and reigning MIAA Player of the Year Trevor Hudgins has averaged 25.1 points per game against Missouri Southern, while leading the Bearcats to a 7-0 mark vs. the Lions.
    Hudgins has three 30-point scoring games and has reached 20 or more in five of the seven contests.
    Hudgins and MSSU's Cam Martin each tied the MIAA Tournament championship game scoring record with 31 points in last year's title matchup.

HUDGINS NAMED MIAA ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Northwest Missouri State University junior point guard Trevor Hudgins has been named the MIAA's men's basketball athlete of the week.
    Hudgins (Manhattan, Kansas) had a pair of 30-point performances and averaged 25.7 points per game as Northwest captured three victories.
    It is the third time this season, and seventh time in his career, Hudgins has been honored with the MIAA's top weekly honor.
     Hudgins shot 62.8% from the floor (27-of-43), which included 65.2% from three-point range (15-of-23) and 80.0% from the line (8-of-10). He dished out 14 assists to go against three turnovers as he averaged 38.6 minutes played per game.
    He began the week with 16 points (7-of-11 shooting) in Northwest's 79-56 road win over Missouri Western. Hudgins had six assists and a steal against the Griffons.
     Hudgins buried a game-high 30 points (10-of-17 shooting) in an 87-75 victory over Pittsburg State. Hudgins knocked in five three-pointers and handed out four assists to go along with four rebounds vs. the Gorillas.
    He secured a game-high 31 points (10-of-15 shooting) and tallied eight three-pointers in Northwest's 83-69 triumph over Missouri Southern. Hudgins dished out four assists to go along with three steals against the Lions.

NORTHWEST IN ST. JOSEPH
Northwest has won 19 consecutive games in the city of St. Joseph that includes six victories over Missouri Western.

Northwest's Last 18 Games in St. Joseph
W, 79-56 vs. Missouri Western (2/9/21)
W, 92-69 vs. Missouri Western (2/25/20)
W, 92-71 vs. MSU Moorhead (11/9/19
W, 60-52 vs. Minn.-Crookston (11/8/19)
W, 100-88 vs. Southern Nazarene (11/2/19)
W, 85-65 vs. Daemen (11/1/19)
W, 87-64 vs. Missouri Western (1/19/19)
W, 84-59 vs. Winona State (11/10/18)
W, 76-59 vs. Upper Iowa (11/9/18)
W, 100-86 vs. Ferris State (11/4/18)
W, 72-70 vs. Northern State (11/3/18)
W, 74-60 vs. Missouri Western (12/6/17)
W, 71-60 vs. Northern State (11/12/17)
W, 89-65 vs. Upper Iowa (11/10/17)
W, 74-58 vs. Missouri Western (1/28/17)
W, 76-58 vs. Wayne State (11/13/16)
W, 87-52 vs. Upper Iowa (11/11/16)
W, 66-60 vs. Missouri Western (1/9/16)
W, 89-52 vs. Wayne State (11/14/15)

HAWKINS PUTBACK LIFTS NORTHWEST PAST LINCOLN
Senior forward Ryan Hawkins provided the game-winning tip-in with :01 left in Northwest's 76-74 win over Lincoln at Jason Gym.
    Hawkins earned his 23rd career double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds against the Blue Tigers in Jason Gym.
    Hawkins last basket of the game came as he ran the floor and grabbed a missed shot from Trevor Hudgins and laid it in the basket for the game-winner.

SEASON-HIGH IN BOARDS
Northwest ripped down a season-high 45 rebounds against Lincoln.
    The 45 rebounds are the most for the Bearcats since ripping down 46 in a 72-70 win vs. Northern State (11/3/18).
    The 20 offensive rebounds against the Blue Tigers are the most offensive boards for the Bearcats since grabbing 20 in a 75-56 win vs. William Jewell  (11/17/12).

MORE BOARD WORK
Northwest out-rebounded Central Missouri, 42-17, for a +27 rebound margin in its 80-37 victory.
    The +27 rebound margin is the highest for the Bearcats since a +28 performance against Graceland on Dec. 11, 2011 (45-17).

QUITE SIMPLY A ROMP
Northwest's 43-point win over Central Missouri is the second-largest margin of victory for the Bearcats in the all-time series with the Mules. Only a 100-51 Northwest win on Feb. 26, 2002, was a larger margin of victory for the Bearcats.
    The 37 points scored by Central Missouri is the fewest they have scored against Northwest since the Bearcats scored a 42-35 victory in the 1951-52 season.

HUDGINS FROM DOWNTOWN
Junior Trevor Hudgins buried a career-high eight three-pointers in Northwest's 92-71 victory over Emporia State. Hudgins went 8-of-10 from distance and scored 26 points.
    The eight three-pointers made by Hudgins ties for the highest single-game mark this season in NCAA Division II basketball.

MIAA TABS HAWKINS AS ATHLETE OF WEEK
Senior forward Ryan Hawkins has been named this week's MIAA men's basketball athlete of the week.
    Hawkins averaged 26.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and shot 62.1% from the field, including 64.7% from three-point range in two Bearcat victories. It marks the fifth time in Hawkins's career he has earned the MIAA's athlete of the week award.
    Hawkins poured in a season-high 30 points Thursday against Newman. Hawkins netted his eighth career 30-point game as he drained 11-of-18 field goals and 5-of-9 from deep vs. the Jets.
    Hawkins secured his 22nd career double-double with a 23-point, 17-rebound effort vs. Central Oklahoma. Hawkins made 7-of-11 field goals including 6-of-8 from three-point range. Hawkins handed out three assists vs. the Bronchos.

HUDGINS SHARES MIAA ATHLETE OF WEEK
Junior point guard Trevor Hudgins has been named the MIAA's men's basketball co-athlete of the week. Hudgins will share this week's award with Washburn's Tyler Geiman.
    It is the second time this season, and sixth time in his career, Hudgins has been honored with the MIAA's top weekly honor.
    Hudgins (Manhattan, Kansas) averaged 20.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.0 steals in helping Northwest extend the nation's longest active road winning streak to 12 in a row.
    Hudgins scored a season-high 29 points and added eight rebounds to go along with four assists in a 64-51 triumph at Fort Hays State. Hudgins tallied eight of his 29 points in the final 2:02 as Northwest closed the game on a 15-2 run. Hudgins was a perfect 6-of-6 at the free throw line.
    Hudgins tallied 12 points, including the final six at the free throw line in the last 2:35 to clinch a road victory at Nebraska-Kearney. Hudgins was credited with five assists and three steals against the Lopers.

MCCOLLUM RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE
Northwest head coach Ben McCollum has registered a 8-0 mark in games played on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in his tenure.

HAWKINS TABBED MIAA ATHLETE OF WEEK
Northwest Missouri State University senior forward Ryan Hawkins has been named the MIAA men's basketball athlete of the week.
    Hawkins (Atlantic, Iowa/Atlantic HS) averaged 29.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and shot 56.4% from the floor in leading No. 1-ranked Northwest to a pair of home victories over Central Missouri and Lincoln.
    Hawkins buried a team-best 10 three-pointers in the two contests, while shooting 50% from beyond the three-point arc. He scored a game-high 25 points against Central Missouri. Hawkins went 9-of-18 from the field against the Mules, including 4-of-10 from 3-point range. He also secured six rebounds and handed out two assists.
    Hawkins came back Saturday with his seventh career 30-point game by pouring in a game-high 34 points against the Blue Tigers. Hawkins was 13-of-21 from the field and he sank 6-of-10 from 3-point range. Hawkins tallied a game-high nine rebounds, while accruing two steals and two assists.
    It is the fourth time that Hawkins has earned the MIAA's athlete of the week award.

HUDGINS HONORED AS MIAA'S ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Junior guard Trevor Hudgins was selected as the week's MIAA men's basketball athlete of the week.
    Hudgins (Manhattan, Kansas) scored a game-high 27 points in leading Northwest to a season-opening 86-78 road victory over Rogers State. Hudgins also grabbed five rebounds, handed out four assists, tallied three steals and did not turn the ball over in 38:23 minutes of action. Hudgins was 6-of-10 from the field and 13-of-15 at the free throw line. Hudgins sank 2-of-4 from three-point land in helping Northwest to its 24th consecutive victory.
    It is the fifth time Hudgins's career that has earned the MIAA's top weekly honor.

FOUR DEBUTS AT ROGERS STATE
A quartet of Bearcats saw their first collegiate action in Northwest's 86-78 road win at Rogers State.
    Redshirt freshman Mitch Mascari played 6 1/2 minutes and missed a field goal attempt.
    Freshman Byron Alexander played nearly 20 minutes and scored two points and grabbed a pair of rebounds.
    Freshman Daniel Abreu clocked 18-plus minutes and scored six points, including a three-pointer.
    Freshman Isaiah Jackson played the final minute and a half but did not record a statistic.

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 137-10, including a tally of 90-8 in MIAA play. Northwest has won 64 of its last 66 home MIAA contests,a stretch beginning Jan. 14, 2015.

Year        Record (MIAA Games)
2011-12    12-1 (9-1)
2012-13    12-3 (6-3)
2013-14    12-1 (9-1)
2014-15    13-2 (8-1)
2015-16    13-0 (11-0)
2016-17    18-0 (10-0)
2017-18    12-2 (8-1)
2018-19    17-0 (9-0)
2019-20    16-0 (10-0)
2020-21    12-2 (10-1)

MIAA PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
Northwest was picked at the top of the 2020-21 preseason MIAA coaches' poll.

2020-21 MIAA Coaches Poll
1.     Northwest Missouri (13) - 169
2.     Missouri Southern (1) - 147
3.     Washburn - 140
4.    Rogers State - 123
5.    Missouri Western - 122
6.    Central Oklahoma - 106
T7.    Fort Hays State - 75
    Pittsburg State - 75
9.    Lincoln - 67
10.    Nebraska-Kearney - 64
11.    Central Missouri - 60
12.    Emporia State - 56
13.    Northeastern State - 55
14.     Newman - 17
A TOP 20 PROGRAM THAT INSPIRES
The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat men's basketball program has been recognized by College Athletic Advisor in its Top 20 Programs That Inspire.
    These holistic program rankings are open to all 4-year U.S. collegiate level programs sponsoring each sport outside of NCAA Division I (so this is a top 20 out of over 1,500 colleges & universities that could potentially sponsor a given sport). Rankings are based on a subjective assessment of student experience in four areas:
• Holistic development of student-athletes in the institution
• Academic achievement & support for the academic success of student-athletes
• Overall college experience for participants within the program
• Affordability/Graduation Rates/Student Satisfaction
    These rankings are meant to highlight programs that may not be widely publicized despite having achieved consistent elite status in competition and in elevating the lives of participating student-athletes. While this is a subjective list, we believe these rankings present an informed starting point for a discussion about where student-athletes can excel as "triple-threat" competitors (academics, athletics, and socially) in college and in their future lives.

BASKETBALL TIMES TABS NORTHWEST AT #1
The Basketball Times has pegged the Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team at No. 1 in its 2020-2021 preseason rankings.
    The Basketball Times also lists senior Ryan Hawkins and junior Trevor Hudgins as preseason All-America selections. Both players are contenders for National Player of the Year honors.

SCHNEIDER IS AN IMPACTFUL ASSISTANT
Silver Waves Media presented its 50 most impactful Division II men's basketball assistant coaches and the list contained Northwest Missouri State University's Zach Schneider.
    Silver Waves Media said: Schneider is a young and hard working individual that has made a positive impact on the program from the start. Despite only being an assistant for two seasons, Schneider has already helped lead the team to a perfect 38-0 record and become the NCAA Division II Tournament Champions. He is an unbelievable 69-1 (.986) in two seasons as an assistant coach after spending one season as a graduate assistant coach. Schneider also played four years under Ben McCollum. During his four year career, Schneider was part of four MIAA regular season championships, two MIAA Tournament championships, four NCAA Sweet 16 appearances, and the 2017 NCAA Div. II national championship team.

NOVEMBER BRINGS WINS
Northwest has won its last 30 games it has played in the month of November.
    The Bearcats went 7-0 in November in 2019-20. The Bearcats went 7-0 in November in 2018-19. Northwest was 7-0 in the month of November in 2017-18. The Bearcats were a perfect 7-0 in November in its run to the national championship in the 2016-17 season.
    Northwest's last loss in November came Nov. 19, 2015 at Augustana. The Vikings scored a 79-77 win over the Bearcats in Sioux Falls, S.D.