Sunday, Nov. 20 | 3 p.m. (CT) | Bearcat Arena | Maryville, Mo.
Truman State at No. 1 Northwest Missouri State
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NO. 1 BEARCATS SET FOR HOME OPENER VS TRUMAN
The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team will open its home season Sunday against the Truman State University Bulldogs. Tip is set for 3 p.m. in Bearcat Arena.
ALL-TIME VS. TRUMAN STATE
Northwest and Truman State were long-standing rivals in the MIAA with 196 meetings between the two programs. Northwest holds a 103-93 edge in the all-time series.
The teams met last season in Maryville with Truman State ranked No. 2 and Northwest at No. 3 in the NABC Top 25. Northwest scored an 86-76 victory over the Bulldogs.
Northwest has won four straight games in the series with victories in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021. Truman's last win (81-77) over Northwest came Nov. 30, 2013, in Springfield, Mo.
WIN STREAK SITS AT 15
Northwest owns the nation's longest active win streak at 15 in a row. The Bearcats won their final 11 games of the 2021-22 season on their way to the national title.
Div. II Active Win Streaks
Northwest Missouri State - 15
Bridgeport - 4
Hillsdale - 4
NCAA All Divisions Active Win Streaks
Northwest Missouri State - 15 (Div. II)
Kansas - 14 (Div. I)
St. Thomas (Texas) - 12 (Div. III)
Xavier - 7 (Div. I)
Yale - 4 (Div. I)
Bridgeport - 4 (Div. II)
Hillsdale - 4 (Div. II)
BEARCATS IN HOME OPENERS
Northwest is 11-2 in home-opening games under head coach
Ben McCollum. Northwest has won seven consecutive home-opening games at Bearcat Arena.
Home Openers Under McCollum
W, 105-55 vs. Manhattan Christ. (11/16/09)
L, 72-67 vs. SW Minn. St. (11/14/10)
W, 74-43 vs. Waldorf (11/15/11)
W, 86-65 vs. Graceland (11/11/12)
W, 96-50 vs. Baker (11/20/13)
L, 75-66 vs. MSU Moorhead (11/14/14)
W, 83-72 vs. Central Methodist (11/24/15)
W, 82-71 vs. Augustana (11/17/16)
W, 69-58 vs. MSU Denver (11/17/17)
W, 87-60 vs. Truman State (11/16/18)
W, 92-40 vs. Saint Mary, Kan. (11/14/19)
W, 74-67 vs. Central Missouri (12/3/20)
W, 86-76 vs. Truman State (11/23/21)
WINNING NUMBERS
Northwest has posted a spectacular mark of 135-8 over the past five seasons and has won all three of the national championships that have been contested.
LIMITED LOSSES IN SIX YEARS
Northwest has suffered only 13 losses in the last six seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 197-13 over the last seven years.
35-1 - 2016-17
27-4 - 2017-18
38-0 - 2018-19
31-1 - 2019-20
28-2 - 2020-21
34-5 - 2021-22
4-0 - 2022-23
STIRTZ NAMED MIAA POW
Freshman
Bennett Stirtz was named the MIAA men's basketball player of the week on Nov. 14.
Stirtz began his collegiate career by scoring in double figures in all four contests. He averaged a team-best 14.5 points per game, while shooting 67.7% from the floor (including 7-of-13 from three-point range). He has handed out 16 assists to go against one turnover in 121 minutes of game action.
Stirtz did not miss a field goal in his debut against No. 5-ranked West Texas A&M in Lakeland, Fla. Stirtz went 6-of-6 from the floor, 2-of-2 at the line and sank his only three-point shot. He dished out five assists and did not commit a turnovers against the Buffs in a season-opening 78-62 Northwest victory.
Stirtz tallied 10 points, four assists, four steals and a rebound in an 88-75 victory over Flagler in Lakeland, Fla.
He put up a season-high 17 points and six rebounds in an 81-78 triumph over Northern State in St. Joseph, Mo. Stirtz made 5-of-7 field goals, including 3-of-4 from three-point range against the Wolves. He had three assists and no turnovers in 35 minutes of action.
Stirtz notched 16 points, four rebounds and four assists in a 79-42 blowout of Minnesota Crookston on Saturday in St. Joseph. He made 6-of-10 shots from the floor and went 2-of-4 from three-point range. He did not commit a turnover in 27 minutes of play.
STIRTZ LEADS THE NATION IN ASSIST-TO-TURNOVER RATIO
Freshman
Bennett Stirtz leads the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio at 16-to-1.
Stirtz has played 121 minutes in four games with 16 assists and one turnover.
'CATS SCORING SUPERLATIVES
Senior
Diego Bernard produced his 13th career 20-point scoring game with a 21-point outburst vs. Northern State in St. Joseph.
Sophomore
Daniel Abreu put together back-to-back double-figure games against Northern State (19) and Minnesota Crookston (12).
Freshman
Bennett Stirtz has scored in double figures in all four of his collegiate games.
Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 97
Wes Dreamer - 45
Luke Waters - 45
Daniel Abreu - 12
Byron Alexander - 8
Isaiah Jackson - 7
Bennett Stirtz - 4
Luke Moustakas - 3
Mitch Mascari - 3
Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 13
Wes Dreamer - 8
Luke Waters - 3
Daniel Abreu - 1
Isaiah Jackson - 1
Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 1
WATERS SPLASHING SHOTS
Junior
Luke Waters has produced four straight double-figure scoring games to begin the 2022-23 season.
Waters tallied two 17-point games in Florida at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. Waters then put up 11 points vs. Northern State and an 18-point first half vs. Minnesota Crookston.
Waters is averaging a team-best 15.8 points per game and shooting 58.3% from the field. He also leads the team with 16-of-18 makes at the free throw line (88.9%).
BERNARD HAS PLAYED, WON MORE GAMES THAN ANY OTHER BEARCAT
Diego Bernard has played and won more games than any other Bearcats in program history. He is also the NCAA active leader in games played (all divisions).
Bernard has played in 140 games. Bernard has won 135 games in his career.
He has started 128 games - trailing only Trevor Hudgins's mark of 139 career starts.
Games Played (All NCAA Divisions)
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 140
Victor Bailey Jr. (George Mason) - 137
Connor McCaffery (Iowa) - 136
Darius McGhee (Liberty) - 135
Reggie Chaney (Houston) - 135
Angelo Allegri (Eastern Washington) - 135
BERNARD IN A CLASS ALL BY HIMSELF AT NW
Senior guard
Diego Bernard is in a class all by himself in the Bearcat men's basketball history.
Bernard is the only Northwest player to have accumulated 1,200 points, 600 rebounds and 300 assists in his career.
Victor Coleman nearly became the first Bearcat in that class when he played at Northwest from 1981-84. Coleman posted 1,795 points, 586 rebounds and 467 assists.
Bernard is the only MIAA player to have at least 1,700 points, 800 rebounds, 400 assists and 100 made three-pointers.
Bernard has tallied 1,724 points, 831 rebounds, 422 assists and 133 made three-pointers.
BERNARD IN ELITE NCAA COMPANY
Bearcat senior guard
Diego Bernard is one of our active NCAA men's basketball players with at least 1,700 points and 800 rebounds.
1,700 Points & 800 Rebounds
Cam Martin (Kansas) - 2,155 pts/876 rbs
Jayden Gardner (Virginia) - 2,011 pts/942 rbs
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 1,724 pts/831 rbs
Kevin Obanor (Texas Tech) - 1,713 pts/908 rbs
Bernard is one of six active NCAA men's basketball players with at least 1,700 points and 400 assists.
1,700 Points & 400 Assists
Antoine Davis (Detroit Mercy) - 2,777 pts/486 ast
Sam Sessoms (Coppin St.) - 1,799 pts/413 ast
Marcus Carr (Texas) - 1,770 pts/601 ast
Hunter Maldonado - 1,747 pts/530 ast
JR Clay (Tennessee St.) - 1,726 pts/463 ast
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 1,724 pts/422 ast
DB RANKS NO. 2 AMONG ACTIVE PLAYERS IN SCORING, REBOUNDING & ASSISTS
Senior
Diego Bernard ranks No. 2 among NCAA Div. II players in scoring with 1,724 points. Only Fairmont State's Isaiah Sanders has tallied more career points with 1,894.
Bernard also ranks No. 2 among NCAA Div. II players in rebounding with 831 career boards. Wayne State's Jordan Janssen had tallied 953 career rebounds.
Bernard has tallied 422 career assists to rank behind only Augusta's Tyree Myers, who has posted 523 career assists.
DOUBLE-DOUBLES FOR THIS YEAR'S 'CATS
Senior
Diego Bernard begins the 2022-23 season with 13 career double-doubles. Junior
Wes Dreamer has garnered eight career double-doubles. Sophomore
Byron Alexander owns one double-double.
Career Double-Doubles
Diego Bernard - 13
Wes Dreamer - 8
Byron Alexander - 1
DB RANKS NO. 8 IN CAREER ASSISTS AT NW
Senior guard
Diego Bernard ranks No. 8 in career assists with 413.
Northwest Assists in a Career
1. Trevor Hudgins (2018-22) 700
2. Justin Pitts (2014-18) 575
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.
Diego Bernard (2018-pr.) 413
9. Matt Wallace (2011-15) 410
10. Alan Bubalo (1973-76) 251
DB CLIMBING NORTHWEST'S CAREER FIELD GOALS MADE LIST
Senior guard
Diego Bernard ranks No. 8 in Bearcat history with 615 made field goals.
Northwest Field Goals in a Career
1. Trevor Hudgins (2018-22) 946
2. Justin Pitts (2014-18) 887
3. Victor Coleman (1981-84) 793
4. Ryan Hawkins (2017-21) 743
5. David Alvey (1974-77) 644
6. Joe Hurst (1983-86) 635
7.
Diego Bernard (2018-pres.) 615
8. Hunter Henry (2006-09) 589
9. Kelvin Parker (2001-04) 571
10. DeShaun Cooper (2009-14) 546
DB UP TO NO. 7 IN MADE FREE THROWS
Senior guard
Diego Bernard has drained 361 free throws to rank No. 7 in Bearcat history at the charity stripe.
Northwest Free Throws Made in a Career
1. Scott Fleming (2000-03) 628
2. Trevor Hudgins (2018-22) 502
3. David Alvey (1974-77) 459
4. DeShaun Cooper (2009-14) 440
5. Justin Pitts (2014-18) 414
6. Kelvin Parker (2001-04) 402
7.
Diego Bernard (2018-pres.) 361
8. Hunter Henry (2006-09) 353
9. Elijah Allen (2007-11) 319
10. Joe Hurst (1983-86) 310
BERNARD MOVING UP THE 1,000-POINT, 500-
REBOUND CLUB
Senior
Diego Bernard became the 14th Bearcat to secure at least 1,000 points and 500 rebounds.
Junior
Wes Dreamer is closing in on becoming the 15th Bearcat to do so as well.
Dreamer has 934 points and 471 rebounds heading into this week's action.
Northwest's 1,000 Pts & 500 Rbs
Ryan Hawkins (2017-21) 2,098 pts/948 rbs
Victor Coleman (1980-84) 1,759 pts/586 rbs
David Alvey (1973-77) 1,747 pts/677 rbs
Diego Bernard (2018-pr.) 1,724 pts/831 rbs
Hunter Henry (2006-09) 1,592 pts/808 rbs
Joe Hurst (1982-86) 1,580 pts/777 rbs
Russ Miller (1976-80) 1,282 pts/837 rbs
Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89) 1,203 pts/519 rbs
Matt Redd (1996-99) 1,200 pts/571 rbs
Don Sears (1966-70) 1,154 pts/874 rbs
Dillon Starzl (2011-14) 1,153 pts/518 rbs
Chris Ebou Ndow (2015-18) 1,134 pts/654 rbs
Bob Sundell (1986-89) 1,082 pts/574 rbs
Rick Jolley (1993-96) 1,054 pts/574 rbs
BERNARD BEGINS SEASON RANKED NO. 9 ON BEARCAT ALL-TIME SCORING CHART
Senior
Diego Bernard ranks No. 7 on Northwest's all-time scoring chart with 1,724 points.
Northwest has produced 26 1,000-point scorers in its program. A pair of Bearcats are closing in on the 1,000-point club.
Junior
Wes Dreamer has tallied 934 points in 99 games as a Bearcat. Junior
Luke Waters has posted 956 points through 103 career games.
Northwest's 1,000 Point Scorers
1. Trevor Hudgins (2018-22) 2,829 pts
2. Justin Pitts (2014-18) 2,459 pts
3. Ryan Hawkins (2017-21) 2,098 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.
Diego Bernard (2018-pres.) 1,724 pts
8. DeShaun Cooper (2009-14) 1,702 pts
9. Kelvin Parker (2000-04) 1,692 pts
10. Hunter Henry (2006-09) 1,592 pts
11. Joe Hurst (1982-86) 1,580 pts
12. Conner Crooker (2012-16) 1,352 pts
13. Austin Meyer (2003-06) 1,294 pts
14. Ellijah Allen (2008-11) 1,289 pts
15.
Zach Schneider (2013-17) 1,282 pts
Russ Miller (1976-80) 1,282 pts
17. Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89) 1,203 pts
18. Matt Redd (1996-99) 1,200 pts
19. Gerald Harris (1984-88) 1,198 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
BERNARD CLIMBING BEARCAT REBOUND LIST
Diego Bernard ranks No. 4 Northwest's all-time rebounds list with 831. Bernard is only the fifth Bearcat to reach 800 or more career rebounds.
Northwest's Rebounds in a Career
1. Ryan Hawkins (2017-21) 930
2. Don Sears (1966-1970) 874
3. Russ Miller (1976-1980) 837
4.
Diego Bernard (2018-pres.) 831
5. Hunter Henry (2006-2009) 808
6. Joe Hurst (1983-1986) 777
7. David Alvey (1973-1977) 677
8. Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-2018) 654
9. Victor Coleman (1981-1984) 586
10. Rick Jolley (1993-1996) 574
Mark Adams (1976-1980) 574
Bob Sundell (1986-1989) 574
BERNARD CLIMBING STEALS LIST
Diego Bernard ranks No. 3 on Northwest's all-time steals list with 211. Bernard tallied 75 steals last season, which ranked as the fifth-best single-season total in Bearcat history.
Northwest's Steals in a Career
1. Scott Fleming (2000-03) 305
2. Ryan Hawkins (2017-21) 225
3.
Diego Bernard (2018-pres.) 211
4. Kelvin Parker (2001-04) 209
5. Trevor Hudgins (2018-22) 194
6. Mark Yager (1979-82) 188
7. Justin Pitts (2014-18) 186
8. Victor Coleman (1981-84) 174
9. Matt Wallace (2011-15) 158
10. Gerald Harris (1986-88) 153
MCCOLLUM MOVES CAREER MARK TO 338-83
In 14 seasons at the helm of the Bearcat program, head coach
Ben McCollum has led Northwest to a record of 338-83.
His winning percentage of .803 ranks No. 3 among NCAA Division II coaches and No. 6 among all NCAA Division coaches (minimum of 10 years experience).
MCCOLLUM RANKS NO. 3 IN WIN PERCENTAGE
Bearcat 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 ranks No. 4 among all NCAA basketball head coaches (minimum of 10 years) in win percentage.
He also ranks No. 9 all-time among all NCAA men's basketball coaches with at least 10 years head coaching experience.
NCAA Div. II Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern) .849 (462-82, 18 yrs.)
2. Matt Logie (Point Loma) .822 (250-54, 11 yrs.)
3.
Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.) .803 (338-83, 14 yrs.)
4. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.) .777 (369-106, 17 yrs.)
5. Jeff Young (Walsh) .759 (417-132, 20 yrs.)
6. Charlie Ernst (Findlay) .748 (244-82, 12 yrs.)
7. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.) .729 (500-186, 22 yrs.)
8. Burt Paddock (Davenport) .723 (327-125, 15 yrs.)
9. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.) .714 (202-81, 10 yrs.)
10. Dave Holmquist (Biola) .710 (1,025-418, 46 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)
NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern) .849 (462-82, 17 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga) .837 (660-129, 24 yrs.)
3. Matt Logie (Point Loma) .822 (250-54, 11 yrs.)
4.
Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.) .803 (338-83, 14 yrs.)
5. Josh Schertz (Indiana State) .797 (350-89, 15 yrs.)
6. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.) .777 (369-106, 17 yrs.)
7. Bill Self (Kansas) .770 (766-229, 30 yrs.)
8. John Tauer (St. Thomas, Minn.) .765 (230-71, 12 yrs.)
9. John Calipari (Kentucky) .762 (770-240, 31 yrs.)
10. Jeff Young (Walsh) .759 (417-132, 20 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)
NCAA All Divisions All-Time Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (West Liberty/Nova Southeastern) .849 (462-82, 18 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga) .837 (660-129, 24 yrs.)*
3. Clair Bee (Rider/LIU Brooklyn) .824 (412-88, 21 yrs.)
4. Adolph Rupp (Kentucky) .822 (876-190, 41 yrs.)
5. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma) .822 (250-54, 11 yrs.)*
6. Bucky Harris (Jefferson) .811 (240-56, 13 yrs.)
7. Dolph Stanley (Beloit) .810 (238-56, 12 yrs.)
8. John Wooden (Indiana State/UCLA) .804 (664-162, 29 yrs.)
9.
Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.) .803 (338-83, 14 yrs.)*
10. John Kresse (Coll. of Charleston) .797 (560-143, 23 yrs.)
11. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial/Indiana State) .797 (350-89, 15 yrs.)*
12. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union) .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
13. Jerry Tarkanian (LBSU/UNLV/Fresno St.) .784 (729-201, 31 yrs.)
14. Francis Schmidt (Tulsa/Arkansas/TCU) .782 (258-72, 17 yrs.)
15. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.) .777 (369-106, 17 yrs.)
* - active head coaches
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)
MCCOLLUM RANKS NO. 6 IN MIAA WINS
Bearcat head coach
Ben McCollum ranks No. 6 on the MIAA's all-time head coaching wins list with 338. Former Bearcat leader Steve Tappmeyer holds down the No. 4 spot with 408 wins when he was at Northwest.
Ben McCollum has a mark of 201-59 in MIAA games only. McCollum became only the fifth head coach in league history to record 200 or more MIAA regular season victories. Tappmeyer holds the Northwest record for MIAA wins with a mark of 213-143 in 21 years.
Coaching Victories as MIAA Members (as of 11/6/22)
1. Bob Chipman (Washburn) 569
2. Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU) 516
3. Robert Corn (Mo. Southern) 413
4. Steve Tappmeyer (NW) 408
5. Boyd King (Truman State) 379
6.
Ben McCollum (NW) 338*
7. Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU) 337
8. Willard Sims (Truman State) 310
9. A.J. McDonald (Missouri St,) 302
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.) 302*
* - active head coaches
MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 11/6/22)
Bob Chipman (Washburn) 352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU) 281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern) 234
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest) 213
Ben McCollum (Northwest) 201*
Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU) 191*
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.) 188*
Boyd King (Truman State) 159
Willard Sims (Truman State) 130
A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.) 128
Bill Thomas (Missouri St.) 117
* - active head coaches
MCCOLLUM'S DEFENSIVE APPROACH
When the Bearcats hold an opponent to 59 points or less, head coach
Ben McCollum has guided Northwest to a mark of 150-5 in his 14-year career.
Northwest held Minnesota Crookston to 42 points in a 79-42 trouncing of the Golden Eagles in St. Joseph, Mo., on Nov. 12.
The 42 points allowed vs. Minnesota Crookston is the fifth-lowest point total allowed during McCollum's tenure at Northwest.
Fewest Points Allowed in
Ben McCollum Era
37 vs. Central Missouri (1/30/21)
40 vs. Saint Mary (11/14/20)
41 vs. Graceland (11/18/10)
41 vs. Lindenwood (2/7/19)
42 vs. Minnesota Crookston (11/12/22)
43 vs. Waldorf (11/15/11)
43 vs. Emporia State (2/8/17)
43 vs. Simpson (12/30/17)
43 vs. Lincoln (2/1/18)
43 vs. Tabor (11/23/18)
43 vs. Bentley (3/22/22)
'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG WINS
Under head coach
Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 132-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
Northwest has won 130 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.
NORTHWEST IN ST. JOSEPH
Northwest has won 25 consecutive games in the city of St. Joseph that includes six victories over Missouri Western.
Northwest's Last 25 Games in St. Joseph
W, 79-42 vs. Minnesota Crookston (11/12/22)
W, 81-78 vs. Northern State (11/11/22)
W, 84-61 vs. Missouri Western (2/5/22)
W, 78-65 vs. Missouri-St. Louis (11/19/21)
W, 64-59 vs. Seattle Pacific (11/7/21)
W, 68-55 vs. Northern State (11/6/21)
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)
'CATS FIND NEUTRAL COURT DOMINANCE
Northwest has won 59 of its last 60 games on neutral floors.
Northwest had a streak of 45 straight neutral court wins snapped this season by Sioux Falls in Municipal Auditorium on Nov. 13. USF scored an 83-77 win over Northwest.
Northwest - 59-1 in Last 60 Neutral Court Games
W, 79-42 vs. Minnesota Crookston (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/12/22)
W, 81-78 vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/11/22)
W, 88-75 vs. Flagler (Lakeland, Fla. - 11/6/22)
W, 78-62 vs. West Texas A&M (Lakeland, Fla. - 11/5/22)
W, 67-58 vs. Augusta (Evansville, Ind. - 3/26/22)
W, 70-57 vs. Black Hills State (Evansville, Ind. - 3/24/22)
W, 61-43 vs. Bentley (Evansville, Ind. - 3/22/22)
W, 70-55 vs. Washburn (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/13/22)
W, 69-54 vs. MSU Moorhead (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/12/22)
W, 84-76 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/6/22)
W, 53-50 vs. Fort Hays State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/22)
W, 72-50 vs. Rogers State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/3/22)
W, 78-65 vs. Missouri-St. Louis (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/19/21)
W, 75-52 vs. Arkansas-Monticello (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/14/21)
L, 83-77 vs. Sioux Falls (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/13/21)
W, 64-59 vs. Seattle Pacific (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/7/21)
W, 68-55 vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/6/21)
W, 80-54 vs. West Texas A&M (Evansville, Ind. - 3/27/21)
W, 77-46 vs. Flagler (Evansville, Ind. - 3/25/21)
W, 98-77 vs. West Liberty (Evansville, Ind. - 3/24/21)
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)
JACKSON'S SCORING TOUCH
Sophomore guard
Isaiah Jackson had a scoring explosion with a career-high 26-point scoring night against Flagler.
Jackson buried 9-of-13 shots from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range.
His previous career high in scoring was 13 points against Washburn last season in the Central Region Tournament.
Jackson knocked in his first three 3-point shots of the game and scored 11 first-half points. After Flagler had cut a 23-point deficit down to nine points, Jackson reignited his scoring outburst and scored the final 16 points of the game for the Bearcats.
Jackson came into the contest having made a total of two 3-point shots in his collegiate career.
LORD BYRON RETURNS
Sophomore
Byron Alexander put up performances of 12 points and six rebounds against West Texas A&M and 10 points and five rebounds (all offensive) against Flagler.
ALL POSITIVE FOR STIRTZ
True freshman
Bennett Stirtz had a +24 plus/minus in his debut against West Texas A&M and followed it up with a +14 vs. Flagler.
Stirtz played 26 minutes against West Texas A&M and produced a stat line of 15 points, five assists, one steal and a rebound. He did not miss a shot as he went 5-of-5 from the field and 2-of-2 at the free throw line.
Stirtz played 32 minutes vs. Flagler and again reached double-figure scoring with 10 points. Stirtz added four steals, four assists and a rebound against the Saints.
MITCH CAME OUT FIRING
Sophomore
Mitch Mascari scored a career-high 18 points off the bench in Northwest's season-opening win over West Texas A&M.
Mascari entered after an ankle injury to
Wes Dreamer and proceeded to knock in 5-of-7 three-point shots. Mascari ended the game shooting 6-of-9 from the floor in 35 minutes of action.
BERNARD IS PERFECT IN NCAA TOURNEY PLAY
Senior guard
Diego Bernard has helped Northwest to a perfect record in NCAA Tournament play since he arrived at Northwest in the 2018-19 season. Bernard is 16-0 in NCAA Tournament action, while Northwest is 17-0 in that stretch.
Diego Bernard (16 NCAA Games)
10.5 Points Per Game (168 points)
47.4% Field Goal Percentage (55-116)
80.9% Free Throw Percentage (55-68)
93 Rebounds
38 Assists
22 Steals
LADDERS, SCISSORS, NETS, TROPHIES
Diego Bernard has worn out his share of ladders, scissors, nets and trophies.
Bernard is on a 13-of-14 run when it comes to cutting down the nets to celebrate titles and championships.
The only title that Bernard has not celebrated was the 2021 MIAA Tournament title when Washburn's Tyler Geiman made a 55-foot shot at the buzzer to defeat Northwest, 69-68.
2018-19
MIAA Regular Season Title
MIAA Tournament Title
NCAA Central Region Title
2019 NCAA Championship
2019-20
MIAA Regular Season Title
MIAA Tournament Title
NCAA Tournament - Canceled by COVID-19
2020-21
MIAA Regular Season Title
NCAA Central Region Title
2021 NCAA Championship
2021-22
MIAA Regular Season Title
MIAA Tournament Title
NCAA Central Region Title
2022 NCAA Championship
'CATS HAVE SIX 30-WIN SEASONS
Northwest reached the 30-win mark for the sixth time in program history last year and has done so in four of the last six seasons.
Northwests's 34 wins in 2021-22 ranks as the third-best single-season total in program history.
Northwest set its single-season win mark in 2018-19 when the Bearcats won 38 games en route to the national championship.
Northwest's 30-Win Seasons
38-0 - 2018-19 (National Champions)
35-1 - 2016-17 (National Champions)
34-5 - 2021-22 (National Champions)
31-0 - 1929-30 (NCAA Tournament not contested)
31-6 - 1930-31 (NCAA Tournament not contested)
31-1 - 2019-20 (NCAA Tournament not contested)
11 STRAIGHT 20-WIN SEASONS
Northwest has recorded 11 consecutive 20-win seasons under head coach
Ben McCollum.
It is the longest active 20-win season streak among NCAA Division II programs.
McCollum's 11 20-win seasons are the most among Northwest men's basketball coaches. McCollum passed Steve Tappmeyer, who held the previous mark of 10 20-win seasons on the Bearcat sidelines.
Northwest has produced 28 20-win seasons in program history.
Northwest Coaching 20-Win Seasons
Ben McCollum - 11
Steve Tappmeyer - 10
Hank Iba - 3
Lionel Sinn - 3
Sparky Stalcup - 1
90-PLUS = SUCCESS
Northwest has posted a mark of 58-0 when scoring 90 or more points with head coach
Ben McCollum. The Bearcats have reached the 90-point mark four times this season with 98 vs. Briar Cliff, 90 vs. Rogers State, 101 vs. Missouri Western and 96 vs. Lincoln.
90-PLUS = SUCCESS
Northwest has posted a mark of 58-0 when scoring 90 or more points with head coach
Ben McCollum. The Bearcats have reached the 90-point mark four times this season with 98 vs. Briar Cliff, 90 vs. Rogers State, 101 vs. Missouri Western and 96 vs. Lincoln.
100-POINT MARK
Northwest has scored 100 or more points 17 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 (3/5/21)
101-63 vs. Missouri Western (12/18/21)
MCCOLLUM 8-7 IN 1-POINT GAMES
Northwest Missouri State head coach
Ben McCollum is 8-7 in one-point games since taking over the Bearcat program.
One-Point Games Under
Ben McCollum
L, 76-75 vs. Emporia State (2/21/22)
L, 60-59 vs. Washburn (2/19/22)
L, 76-75 OT at Central Oklahoma (1/20/22)
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 10-7 in overtime contests since taking over the program in the 2009-10 season.
Overtime Games Under
Ben McCollum
L, 76-75 at Central Oklahoma (1/20/22)
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)
BEARCATS IN THE NABC POLL
Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll in 101 straight weeks - the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II schools.
Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll 210 times in this history of its program.
Consecutive weeks ranked in NABC Top 25
149, West Liberty (2/2/2010-12/10/2019)
100, Northwest Missouri State (1/26/2016-3/8/2022)
95, Lincoln Memorial (12/7/2010-12/13/2016)
91, Bellarmine (11/18/2014-2/11/2020)
78, West Texas A&M (11/15/2017-3/8/2022)
76, Salem (1/21/1997-3/11/2003)
76, Grambling (1/5/1961-3/9/1967)
71, Kentucky Wesleyan (11/24/1997-12/16/2003)
66, Cal State-Bakersfield (1/27/1992-12/7/1998)
65, Augusta (1/30/2007-3/8/2011)
65, Stephen F. Austin (12/12/1968-3/8/1973)
Active streaks ranked in NABC Top 25
100, Northwest Missouri State
78, West Texas A&M
48, Lincoln Memorial
28, Mercyhurst
26, Lubbock Christian
21, West Liberty
17, Fairmont State
16, Augusta
16, Cal State San Bernardino
16, Chico State
16, Indiana (Pa.)
16, Nova Southeastern
16, Queens (N.C)
Consecutive weeks in NABC Top 10
104, West Liberty (12/13/2011-2/27/2018)
92, Northwest Missouri State (3/8/2016-2/22/2022)
76, Grambling (1/5/1961-3/9/1967)
70, Kentucky Wesleyan (11/24/1997-3/11/2003)
47, Kentucky Wesleyan (12/29/1966-2/5/1970)
45, West Texas A&M (2/5/2019-1/25/2022)
43, Evansville (1/10/1963-3/3/1966)
40, Wittenberg (3/9/1961-2/4/1965)
39, Ashland (12/12/1968-3/11/1971)
38, Salem (1/28/1997-2/21/2000)
Consecutive weeks in NABC Top 5
60, Northwest Missouri State (3/6/2018-2/15/2022)
40, Grambling (3/2/1961-1/28/1965)
36, West Liberty (1/10/2012-2/11/2014)
35, Evansville (1/24/1963-1/20/1966)
32, Kentucky Wesleyan (12/29/1966-1/23/1969)
26, Bentley (12/12/2006-3/11/2008)
26, Southern Illinois (2/18/1965-3/9/1967)
25, Northwest Missouri State (11/15/2016-1/16/2018)
24, Jefferson (2/24/1992-1/22/1995)
24, Ashland (12/12/1968-2/19/1970)
Most weeks ranked
356, Kentucky Wesleyan
277, Southern Indiana
232, Florida Southern
212, Virginia Union
210, Northwest Missouri State
204, West Liberty
201, Indiana (Pa.)
179, Bellarmine
169, MSU Denver
167, Findlay
164, Lincoln Memorial
Most weeks ranked in top 10
258, Kentucky Wesleyan
161, West Liberty
153, Southern Indiana
150, Virginia Union
135, Bellarmine
131, Northwest Missouri State
124, Florida Southern
114, Indiana (Pa.)
106, MSU Denver
102, Lincoln Memorial
Most weeks ranked in top 5
161, Kentucky Wesleyan
116, Northwest Missouri State
111, West Liberty
100, Bellarmine
98, Virginia Union
76, Florida Southern
75, Southern Indiana
72, MSU Denver
64, Indiana (Pa.)
63, Lincoln Memorial
Most weeks ranked No. 1
52, Kentucky Wesleyan
48, Northwest Missouri State
46, West Liberty
33, Virginia Union
27, Bellarmine
26, Evansville
25, Cal State-Bakersfield
22, Florida Southern
20, MSU Denver
18, Kentucky State
FOR OPENERS
Northwest has produced a 11-3 mark in season openers for head coach
Ben McCollum.
The Bearcats have won their last seven season openers.
Season Openers Since 2009-10
W, 78-62 vs. West Texas A&M (11/5/22)
W, 68-55 vs. Northern St. (11/6/21)
W, 86-78 at Rogers State (11/21/20)
W, 85-65 vs. Daemen (11/1/19)
W, 72-70 OT vs. Northern St. (11/3/18)
W, 89-65 vs. Upper Iowa (11/10/17)
W, 87-52 vs. Upper Iowa (11/11/16)
L, 76-72 vs. Upper Iowa (11/13/15)
L, 75-66 vs. MSU-Moorhead (11/14/14)
W, 91-78 vs. Upper Iowa (11/9/13)
W, 86-65 vs. Graceland (11/11/12)
W, 66-62 at UMKC (11/11/11)
L, 72-67 vs. SW Minn. St. (11/14/10)
W, 105-55 vs. Manhattan Christian (11/16/09)
NORTHWEST TALLIES LEAGUE-BEST 22ND MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLE
Northwest captured its ninth straight MIAA regular season title and a league-record 22nd overall crown.
MIAA Regular Season Titles
Northwest - 22
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
BEARCATS HAVE CLAIMED NINE STRAIGHT MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLES
Northwest captured its ninth straight MIAA regular season crown in the 2021-22 season.
Only Gongaza has a longer conference title winning streak with 10 in a row. The Zags have won 10 straight West Coast Conference titles at the NCAA Division I level.
Over the last nine seasons, Northwest has compiled a league mark of 160-20.
Over the last six seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 110-10 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
2021-22 18-4
Totals 160-20
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 149-13, including a tally of 99-10 in MIAA play.
Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 106-6. In that same stretch, Northwest is 73-4 in home MIAA contests.
Northwest is 11-2 in Bearcat Arena this season.
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)
2021-22 12-2 (9-2)
EIGHT LOSSES IN 143 GAMES FOR BEARCATS
Northwest has dropped only eight games in its last 143 contests.
Northwest has lost by double digits only five times since the start of the 2015-16 season.
The 19-point margin at Emporia State on Feb. 8, 2022, is Northwest's largest losing margin since a 22-point loss at Southwest Minnesota State (72-50) on Nov. 10, 2013.
Northwest Losses (Margin) Since (2015-16)
19 - 75-56 at Emporia State (2/8/22)
1 - 76-75 OT at Central Okla. (1/20/22)
6 - 83-77 vs. Sioux Falls (11/13/21)
1 - 69-68 vs. Washburn (3/6/21)
2 - 84-82 OT vs. Washburn (1/7/21)
12 - 72-60 at Central Missouri (12/7/19)
10 - 60-50 vs. Minnesota State (3/10/18)
3 - 73-70 vs. Missouri Southern (2/17/18)
7 - 66-59 at Neb.-Kearney (1/18/18)
6 - 83-77 at Missouri Southern (1/4/18)
17 - 88-71 at Missouri Southern (2/18/17)
2 - 80-78 at Augustana (3/15/16)
7 - 70-63 at Emporia State (1/13/16)
16 - 68-52 at Lindenwood (12/20/15)
5 - 79-74 at Lincoln (12/18/15)
4 - 76-72 vs. Upper Iowa (11/13/15)
NORTHWEST IS NAT'L NAME
Northwest is 40-20 all-time in the NCAA Tournament with six appearances in the Elite Eight (2002, 2004, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022).
Northwest became the first NCAA Division II school to capture three straight national titles.
The Bearcats have claimed four national championships with titles in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022.
NCAA Div. II National Titles
8, Kentucky Wesleyan
5, Evansville
4, Northwest Missouri State
3, Virginia Union
2, Central Missouri
2, MSU Denver
2, North Alabama
2, Winona State
MIAA PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
Northwest Missouri State has again been picked first in the 2022-23 MIAA preseason men's basketball coaches and media polls.
2022-23 MIAA Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri State [11] – 167 Points
2. Central Oklahoma [3] – 158 Points
3. Fort Hays State – 137 Points
4. Washburn – 131 Points
5. Emporia State – 125 Points
6. Northeastern State – 100 Points
7. Missouri Western – 93 Points
8. Missouri Southern – 85 Points
9. Central Missouri – 73 Points
10. Pittsburg State – 63 Points
Rogers State – 63 Points
12. Nebraska Kearney – 36 Points
13. Lincoln – 26 Points
14. Newman – 17 Points
Coaches Are Not Allowed To Vote For Their Own Team
2022-23 MIAA Media Poll
1. Northwest Missouri State [14] – 261 Points
2. Central Oklahoma [4] – 243 Points
3. Fort Hays State – 216 Points
4. Washburn – 209 Points
5. Emporia State – 181 Points
6. Missouri Western – 163 Points
7. Missouri Southern – 146 Points
8. Northeastern State – 135 Points
9. Central Missouri – 112 Points
10. Pittsburg State – 106 Points
11. Rogers State – 92 Points
12. Nebraska Kearney – 67 Points
13. Newman – 33 Points
14. Lincoln – 31 Points
PRESS CONFERENCE TUESDAY AT PIZZA RANCH
Northwest head coach
Ben McCollum will be available each Tuesday from Noon - 1 p.m. for a press conference at the Maryville Pizza Ranch.
