Saturday, Dec. 17 | 7:30 p.m. (CT) | White Auditorium | Emporia, Kan.
No. 1 Northwest Missouri State at No. 22 Emporia State
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John Coffey - Play-by-Play
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TOP-RANKED 'CATS TAKE TO ROAD VS. EMPORIA STATE
The No. 1 Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (10-0 overall, 4-0 MIAA) will travel to No. 22 Emporia State (8-1 overall, 2-1 MIAA). The Bearcats and Hornets will meet Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at White Auditorium in Emporia, Kan.

ALL-TIME VS. EMPORIA STATE
Northwest holds a 48-25 lead in the all-time series with Emporia State. The Hornets have won two straight in the series. ESU last won three in a row over Northwest in the 1995-96 and 1996-97 seasons. Only two schools in the MIAA, Central Missouri and Missouri Southern, have defeated Bearcat head coach McCollum three straight times. Head coach Ben McCollum is 16-6 vs. Emporia State.

ONE OF 12 UNBEATENS
Northwest is one of 12 remaining unbeaten schools at the NCAA Div. II level. The Bearcats are among four Div. II teams to have won 10 games and remain undefeated.

NCAA Div. II Unbeaten Teams
Black Hills State        10-0
Fort Lewis        10-0
Hillsdale            10-0
Northwest Mo. St.    10-0
Missouri-St. Louis        9-0
West Liberty        9-0
Claflin                8-0
East Stroudsburg        8-0
Nova Southeastern    8-0
Indiana, Pa.        8-0
Young Harris        8-0
UT Tyler            6-0

'CATS MOVE NATION'S LONGEST WIN STREAK TO 21
Northwest moved the nation's longest active win streak to 21 in a row with wins over Nebraska-Kearney and Fort Hays State at home. 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 - 21
Black Hills State - 10
Fort Lewis - 10
Hillsdale - 10
Missouri-St. Louis - 9
West Liberty - 9
St. Edward's, Texas - 9

MIAA Active Win Streaks
Northwest Missouri State - 21
Missouri Western - 4
Rogers State - 2
Missouri Southern - 2

NCAA All Divisions Active Win Streaks
Northwest Missouri State - 21 (Div. II)
UConn - 11 (Div. I)
UNLV - 10 (Div. I)
Purdue - 10 (Div. I)
Fordham - 10 (Div. I)
Black Hills State - 10 (Div. II)
Fort Lewis - 10 (Div. II)
Hillsdale - 10 (Div. II)
Kean - 10 (Div. III)
Keene St. - 10 (Div. III)

YET ANOTHER 20-GAME WIN STREAK FOR BEARCATS
Northwest is in the midst of yet another 20-plus game win streak. Under head coach Ben McCollum, Northwest has tallied five streaks of 20 wins or more. Since the inception of men's basketball at Northwest in 1914-15, the Bearcats have produced eight win streaks of 20 or more.

20-Game Win Streaks in School History
46 - Nov. 3, 2018 to Dec. 5, 2019
42 - 1929-30 season into 1930-31 season
28 - Dec. 16, 2019 to Jan. 7, 2021
24 - Nov. 11, 2016 to Feb. 16, 2017
23 - Feb. 23, 2017 to Dec. 30, 2017
21 - Feb. 23, 2022 to present
20 - 1931-32 season
20 - 1939-40 season

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 152-13, including a tally of 101-10 in MIAA play. Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 109-6. In that same stretch, Northwest is 75-4 in home MIAA contests.

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)
2022-23    3-0 (2-0)

WINNING NUMBERS
Northwest has posted a spectacular mark of 141-8 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 203-13 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
10-0 - 2022-23

NORTHWEST TOPS COUNTRY IN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
Northwest is the best field goal shooting team in the country at 55.0% through games on Dec. 12.
    Northwest has made 283-of-515 field goals to rank No. 1 in the nation among NCAA Div. II teams.
    Northwest has shot 50.0% or better in eight of its 10 games.
    The Bearcats have hit on 60.0% or better in three of its six contests this season.
    Northwest buried 60.7% of its shots against Morningside, drained 66.7% of its field goals against Truman State and 69.8% of its shots vs. West Texas A&M.

NCAA Div. II Field Goal Percentage
1.    Northwest Mo. St.        55.0%
2.    Northeastern St.        53.1%
3.    Lincoln Memorial        52.7%
4.    North Georgia        52.6%
5.    Seattle Pacific        52.2%
6.    Nova Southeastern        51.2%
7.    East Stroudsburg        51.2%
8.    Missouri-St. Louis        51.2%
9.     Saint Leo        50.9%
10.    Belmont Abbey        50.8%

THREE-POINT ACCURACY
The Bearcats rank No. 11 in the nation in three-point field goal percentage at 41.5% through Dec. 12. Northwest is 85-of-205 from distance.

NCAA Div. II 3FG Percentage
1.    Rollins        47.5%
2.    Dominican        44.2%
3.    UVA Wise        43.5%
4.    Arkansas-Monticello        43.4%
5.    Northeastern St.        42.8%
6.    Southern Nazarene        42.7%
7.    Ferris St.        42.7%
8.    Black Hills St.        42.0%
9.    Bentley        41.9%
10.    Flagler        41.7%
11.    Northwest Mo. St.        41.5%
    Seattle Pacific        41.5%

THE POINT IS TO OUTSCORE
Northwest ranks No. 7 in the nation in scoring margin +22 through Dec. 12.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Margin
1.    Nova Southeastern        29.1
2.    Central Oklahoma        27.6
3.    East Stroudsburg        27.1
4.    West Liberty        24.7
5.    Indiana, Pa.        21.9
6.    Lander        21.5
7.    Northwest Mo. St.        20.1
8.    West Alabama        19.2
9.    Western Washington        19.0
10.    Northeastern St.        18.2

BEARCATS RANK 8TH IN SCORING DEFENSE
Northwest has continued its defensive approach in the 2022-23 season. Northwest ranks No. 8 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 59.2 points per game.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.    Indiana, Pa.        56.1
2.    Fort Hays St.        56.8
3.    West Alabama        56.9
4.    Miles            57.2
5.    Central Oklahoma        57.4
6.    UT Tyler        58.3
7.    UIndy        58.9
8.    Northwest Mo. St.        59.2
9.    Missouri-St. Louis        59.2
10.    Hillsdale        59.9

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 154-5 in his 14-year career.
    The Bearcats have limited five opponents to 59 points or less this season.
    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)

BEARCATS DISH AND RARELY TURN IT OVER
Northwest ranks No. 17 in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio at 1.41 with 155 assists and 110 turnovers.
    Freshman Bennett Stirtz is tops on the Bearcats in assist-to-turnover ratio at 2.92 with 35 assists and 12 turnovers. Stirtz ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio.
    Senior Diego Bernard ranks No. 6 in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio at 1.9 with 42 assists against 22 turnovers.

BERNARD NAMED MIAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior guard Diego Bernard has been named the MIAA men's basketball player of the week for the first time in his career.
    Bernard was off the charts efficient in leading Northwest to a pair of home conference victories over Nebraska-Kearney and Fort Hays State. Bernard shot 70.0% from the floor (92.3% from the line) and averaged 21.0 points per game along with 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals.
    Bernard went 7-of-11 from the field and tallied 19 points in an 84-74 win over Nebraska-Kearney. Bernard drained all four of his free throw attempts handed out four assists and nabbed four steals against the Lopers.
    Bernard buried 7-of-9 field goals and 8-of-9 free throws as he posted 23 points in a 64-49 win against Fort Hays State.
    Bernard is the second Bearcat to win the MIAA's weekly honor this season following Bennett Stirtz taking home the award in week one.

'CATS SCORING SUPERLATIVES
Senior Diego Bernard put up his 15th career 20-point scoring game with 23 points in Northwest's 64-49 win over Fort Hays State.

Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 102
Luke Waters - 48
Wes Dreamer - 47
Daniel Abreu - 15
Byron Alexander - 8
Isaiah Jackson - 7
Bennett Stirtz - 7
Luke Moustakas - 3
Mitch Mascari - 5

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 15
Wes Dreamer - 9
Luke Waters - 3
Daniel Abreu - 1
Isaiah Jackson - 1
Mitch Mascari - 1

Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 1

EIGHT IN THE ROTATION ARE MAJOR PLUSES
All eight of Northwest's players that see the majority of the minutes are on the high side of the plus/minus.

Name            +/-    +/- (Per 40)
Bennett Stirtz        +160    +27.23
Isaiah Jackson        +143    +24.01
Luke Waters        +175    +22.91
Wes Dreamer        +107    +22.77
Diego Bernard        +155    +20.54
Mitch Mascari        +110    +19.39
Daniel Abreu        +94    +18.15
Byron Alexander    +60    +15.21
NORTHWEST OWNS NATION'S BEST OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY ACCORDING TO SYNERGY
The Bearcat men's basketball squad ranks No. 1 in the nation among NCAA Division II schools in points per offensive possession (1.113) according to Synergy Sports Technology. Northeastern State ranks No. 3.

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. II)
1.    Northwest Mo. St.    1.113
2.    Seattle Pacific    1.084
3.    Black Hills State    1.077
4.    Bentley    1.065
5.    Northeastern St.    1.063
6.    Lincoln Memorial    1.056
7.    Fort Lewis    1.054
8.    East Stroudsburg    1.052
9.    Lander    1.041
10.    Minnesota St.    1.032
    Northern St.    1.032

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. I)
1.    Colorado St.    1.053
2.    Arizona    1.049
3.    Utah St.    1.047
4.    Notre Dame    1.040
5.    Tulane    1.026
6.    New Mexico    1.024
7.    UConn    1.023
    Missouri    1.023
    Chattanooga    1.023
10.    Penn St.    1.021

TOP EFFECTIVE FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE IN THE NATION
Northwest possesses the nation's top effective field goal percentage at 62.5% courtesy of Synergy Sports Technology. Northeastern State University is the second-best NCAA Div. II school at 61.5%.
    The Arizona Wildcats have the top NCAA Div. I effective field goal percentage at 60.6%.

Effective Field Goal Percentage (All NCAA Divisions)
1.    Northwest Mo. St.    62.5%
2.    New York Univ.    61.5%
3.    Dordt    61.1%
4.    Jamestown    60.9%
5.    Lincoln Memorial    60.7%
6.    Arizona    60.6%
7.    Flagler    60.1%
    Seattle Pacific    60.1%
9.    Northeastern St.    59.9%
10.    Cornerstone Univ.    59.7%

NORTHWEST NO. 80 IN MASSEY RATINGS
The Bearcats are ranked No. 80 in all of NCAA men's basketball in the latest Massey Ratings. Northwest is the top-ranked NCAA Div. II program as well.

STIRTZ IS A HIGH PERCENTAGE PLAYER
Freshman Bennett Stirtz ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in field goal percentage at 64.7%. Stirtz has made 44-of-68 field goal attempts this season.
    Stirtz ranks No. 5 in the MIAA in free throw percentage (86.5%). Stirtz has knocked in 32-of-37 at the charity stripe.
    He has also drained 13-of-29 from three-point range. Stirtz has made at least one three-pointer in eight of 10 games played.
    He leads the team in minutes played per game (32.3). Stirtz played his first full 40-minute game in Northwest's 73-62 win at Pittsburg State.

STIRTZ HAS A STEAL IN EVERY GAME
Freshman Bennett Stirtz is tied for No. 8 in the nation and leads the MIAA in total steals (24).
    Stirtz has recorded at least one steal in every game this season. He tallied a season-high four thefts against Flagler.

MITCH IS MAKING TREYS AT A HIGH CLIP
Sophomore Mitch Mascari leads the Bearcats in three-pointers made (24) and in three-point field goal percentage (.558). He would rank No. 4 in the nation if he had enough makes to qualify for the NCAA stats (min. of 2.5 made three-pointers per game).

BERNARD RANKS NO. 4 ON BEARCAT ALL-TIME SCORING CHART
Senior Diego Bernard ranks No. 4 on Northwest's all-time scoring chart with 1,828 points. Bernard trails only Trevor Hudgins (2,829), Justin Pitts (2,459) and Ryan Hawkins (2,098) on Northwest's scoring chart.

WATERS JOINS 1,000-POINT CLUB
Junior Luke Waters became the 27th Bearcat to reach 1,000 career points with a 19-point effort in an 84-74 win over Nebraska-Kearney.
    Fellow Junior Wes Dreamer is also closing in on the 1,000-point club. Dreamer has tallied 981 points in 103 games as a Bearcat.

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.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        1,828 pts
5.    Victor Coleman (1980-84)        1,795 pts
6.    David Alvey (1973-77)            1,747 pts
7.    Scott Fleming (1999-2003)        1,727 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
27. Luke Waters (2019-pr.)        1,020 pts

BERNARD IS THE BEARCATS SENIOR LEADER
Senior guard Diego Bernard is tops on the team in scoring (16.0 ppg), rebounding (52 total), assists (42 total) and free throws made (35).

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 146 games. Bernard has won 141 games in his career.
    He has started 134 games - trailing only Trevor Hudgins's mark of 139 career starts.

Games Played (All NCAA Divisions)
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 146
Victor Bailey Jr. (George Mason) - 144
Connor McCaffery (Iowa) - 144
Andrew Platek (Siena) - 142
Darius McGhee (Liberty) - 142
Reggie Chaney (Houston) - 142
Garrett Sturtz (Drake) - 142
Damien Daniels (Abilene Christian) - 141
Angelo Allegri (Eastern Washington) - 141

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 1,800 points, 800 rebounds, 400 assists and 100 made three-pointers.
    Bernard has tallied 1,828 points, 849 rebounds, 446 assists and 136 made three-pointers.

BERNARD IN ELITE NCAA COMPANY
Bearcat senior guard Diego Bernard is one of six active NCAA men's basketball players and the only Div. II player with at least 1,800 points and 800 rebounds.

1,800 Points & 800 Rebounds (Active NCAA MBB)
Dalton Bolon (Coll. of Charleston) - 2,407 pts/872 rbs
Cam Martin (Kansas) - 2,155 pts/876 rbs
Jayden Gardner (Virginia) - 2,092 pts/979 rbs
KJ Williams (LSU) - 1,835 pts/957 rbs
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 1,828 pts/849 rbs
Timmy Allen (Texas) - 1,811 pts/807 rbs

Bernard is one of nine active NCAA men's basketball players (and the only Div. II player) with at least 1,800 points and 400 assists.

1,800 Points & 400 Assists (Active NCAA MBB)
Antoine Davis (Detroit Mercy) - 3,001 pts/512 ast
Joel Murray (Long Beach St.) - 2,297 pts/513 ast
Taevion Kinsey (Marshall) - 2,144 pts/433 ast
Sam Sessoms (Coppin St.) - 1,992 pts/462 ast
Marcus Carr (Texas) - 1,886 pts/632 ast
Hunter Maldonado (Wyoming) - 1,829 pts/547 ast
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 1,828 pts/446 ast
JR Clay (Tennessee St.) - 1,822 pts/498 ast
Branden Maughmer (Morehead St.) - 1,802 pts/435 ast

DB RANKS AMONG ACTIVE D-II LEADERS IN SCORING, REBOUNDING, ASSISTS & STEALS
Senior Diego Bernard ranks No. 3 among NCAA Div. II players in scoring with 1,828 points. Only Fairmont State's Isaiah Sanders (2,014 points) and Black Hills State's Joel Scott (1,874 points) have tallied more career points.
    Bernard ranks No. 2 among NCAA Div. II players in rebounding with 849 career boards. Wayne State's Jordan Janssen had tallied 1,020 career rebounds.
    Bernard has tallied 446 career assists to rank third behind Augusta's Tyree Myers (549) and Mount Olive's Michael Brown (471).
    Bernard has accumulated the most career steals among NCAA Div. II active players with 221.

ACTIVE DOUBLE-DOUBLES LIST
Senior Diego Bernard has collected 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. 7 IN CAREER ASSISTS AT NW
Senior guard Diego Bernard ranks No. 7 in career assists with 446.

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.    Diego Bernard (2018-pr.)    446
8.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)    435
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. 5 in Bearcat history with 653 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. Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        653
6. David Alvey (1974-77)            644
7. Joe Hurst (1983-86)            635
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 386 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.)        386
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 989 points and 501 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
Diego Bernard (2018-pr.)    1,828 pts/849 rbs
David Alvey (1973-77)    1,747 pts/677 rbs
Hunter Henry (2006-09)    1,592 pts/808 rbs
Joe Hurst (1982-86)    1,580 pts/777 rbs
Russ Miller (1976-80)    1,282 pts/837 rbs
Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)    1,203 pts/519 rbs
Matt Redd (1996-99)    1,200 pts/571 rbs
Don Sears (1966-70)    1,154 pts/874 rbs
Dillon Starzl (2011-14)    1,153 pts/518 rbs
Chris Ebou Ndow (2015-18)    1,134 pts/654 rbs
Bob Sundell (1986-89)    1,082 pts/574 rbs
Rick Jolley (1993-96)    1,054 pts/574 rbs

BERNARD CLIMBING BEARCAT REBOUND LIST
Diego Bernard ranks No. 3 Northwest's all-time rebounds list with 849. 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.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        849
4.     Russ Miller (1976-1980)            837
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 221. 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.)    221
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 344-83
In 14 seasons at the helm of the Bearcat program, head coach Ben McCollum has led Northwest to a record of 344-83.
    His winning percentage of .806 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)    .851 (467-82, 18 yrs.)
2. Matt Logie (Point Loma)    .818 (255-57, 11 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .806 (344-83, 14 yrs.)
4. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .780 (376-106, 17 yrs.)
5. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .756 (419-135, 20 yrs.)
6. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .747 (249-84, 12 yrs.)
7. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .723 (501-192, 22 yrs.)
8. Burt Paddock (Davenport)    .717 (329-130, 15 yrs.)
9. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .715 (208-83, 10 yrs.)
10. Greg Kamansky (Cal Poly Pomona)    .711 (436-177, 22 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .851 (467-82, 17 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (663-132, 24 yrs.)
3. Matt Logie (Point Loma)    .818 (255-57, 11 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .806 (344-83, 14 yrs.)
5. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .798 (356-90, 15 yrs.)
6. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .780 (376-106, 17 yrs.)
7. Bill Self (Kansas)    .770 (771-230, 30 yrs.)
8. John Tauer (St. Thomas, Minn.)    .763 (235-73, 12 yrs.)
9. John Calipari (Kentucky)    .763 (774-241, 31 yrs.)
10. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .762 (333-104), 16 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)    .851 (467-82, 18 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (663-132, 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)    .818 (255-57, 11 yrs.)*
6. Bucky Harris (Jefferson)    .811 (240-56, 13 yrs.)
7. Dolph Stanley (Beloit)    .810 (238-56, 12 yrs.)
8. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .806 (344-83, 14 yrs.)*
9. John Wooden (Indiana State/UCLA)    .804 (664-162, 29 yrs.)
10. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial/Indiana State)    .798 (356-90, 15 yrs.)*
11. John Kresse (Coll. of Charleston)    .797 (560-143, 23 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.)    .780 (376-106, 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 344. 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 205-59 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 12/12/22)
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)    344*
7.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    337
8.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    310*
10.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    302
* - active head coaches

MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 12/12/22)
Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    213
Ben McCollum (Northwest)    205*
Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    191
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    190*
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 VS. CURRENT MIAA FOES
Head coach Ben McCollum has a winning record against all 13 of its current MIAA foes.
    McCollum has recorded 20 or more wins against four MIAA opponents: Missouri Western (25), Lincoln (24), Pittsburg State (21) and Washburn (20).
    He is undefeated against Northeastern State (12-0), Rogers State (4-0) and Newman (3-0).

McCollum vs. Current MIAA Foes
Missouri Western    25-2
Lincoln            24-2
Pittsburg State        21-5
Washburn        20-10
Missouri Southern    18-11
Fort Hays State        17-6
Emporia State        16-6
Central Missouri    15-12
Nebraska-Kearney    13-1
Northeastern State    12-0
Central Oklahoma    11-2
Rogers State        4-0
Newman        3-0

BEARCATS IN THE NABC POLL
Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll in 104 straight weeks - the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II schools.
    Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll 213 times in this history of its program.
    
Consecutive weeks ranked in NABC Top 25
149, West Liberty (2/2/2010-12/10/2019)
104, Northwest Missouri State (1/26/2016-12/13/2022)
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)

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
214, Northwest Missouri State
212, Virginia Union
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
135, Northwest Missouri State
124, Florida Southern
114, Indiana (Pa.)
106, MSU Denver
102, Lincoln Memorial

Most weeks ranked in top 5 
161, Kentucky Wesleyan
120, 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
52, 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

BEARCATS IN HOME OPENERS
Northwest moved to 12-2 in home-opening games under head coach Ben McCollum. Northwest has won eight 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)
W, 92-47 vs. Truman State (11/20/22)

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.

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)

NORTHWEST TIED FOR NATION'S TOP WIN STREAK ON NEUTRAL COURTS
Northwest has won 17 consecutive games on neutral courts, which his tied for the longest active streak among all NCAA men's basketball divisions. Washington University, an NCAA Division III school, has also won 17 straight neutral court games.

NCAA All Div. Neutral Court Win Streak
Northwest Missouri State - 17 (Div. II)
WashU - 17 (Div. III)
Claremont-M-S - 11 (Div. III)
Adelphi - 10 (Div. II)
Wesleyan (Conn.) - 10 (Div. III)

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.

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

'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG WINS
Under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 135-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 133 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, Mo.

90-PLUS = SUCCESS
Northwest has posted a mark of 59-0 when scoring 90 or more points with head coach Ben McCollum.
    Northwest reached 92 points against Truman State for its first 90-point game of the 2022-23 season.

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)

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 163-20.
    Over the last six seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 113-10 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
2022-23    3-0
Totals    163-20

EIGHT LOSSES IN 148 GAMES FOR BEARCATS
Northwest has dropped only eight games in its last 148 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.