Saturday, Dec. 10 | 3:30 p.m. (CT) | Bearcat Arena | Maryville, Mo.
Nebraska-Kearney at No. 1 Northwest Missouri State
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Sunday, Dec. 11 | 3:30 p.m. (CT) | Bearcat Arena | Maryville, Mo.
Fort Hays State State at No. 1 Northwest Missouri State
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Bearcat Radio Network/MIAA Network
John Coffey - Play-by-Play
Matt Tritten - Analyst

NO. 1 BEARCATS TO DEFEND HOME FLOOR VS UNK, FHSU
The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (8-0 overall, 2-0 MIAA) will look to defend its home floor this Saturday and Sunday.
    Northwest will play host to Nebraska-Kearney (2-6 overall, 0-2 MIAA) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Bearcat Arena.
    The Bearcats will then take on Fort Hays State  (7-1 overall, 2-0 MIAA) Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

ALL-TIME VS. NEB.-KEARNEY
Northwest holds a 12-1 lead in the all-time series with the Lopers.
    Northwest is 6-0 at home all-time vs. Nebraska-Kearney.
    UNK's only win in the series came Jan. 18, 2018 in Kearney, Neb. when the Lopers posted a 66-59 victory over the then No. 2-ranked Bearcats.

ALL-TIME VS. FORT HAYS STATE
Northwest owns a 20-10 lead in the all-time series with Fort Hays State.
    Northwest has won 13 straight games in the series, including five consecutive victories in Bearcat Arena.
    Head coach Ben McCollum is 15-6 vs. Fort Hays State since taking over the Bearcat program.

'CATS EXTEND NATION'S LONGEST WIN STREAK TO 19
Northwest owns the nation's longest active win streak at 19 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 - 19
Hillsdale - 9
Minnesota State - 9
Fort Lewis - 8
Black Hills State - 8
Colorado School of Mines - 8
Missouri-St. Louis - 8
MIAA Active Win Streaks
Northwest Missouri State - 19
Central Oklahoma - 7
Emporia State - 7
Fort Hays State - 7
Missouri Western - 4

NCAA All Divisions Active Win Streaks
Northwest Missouri State - 19 (Div. II)
Missouri - 9 (Div. I)
UConn - 9 (Div. I)
Hillsdale - 9 (Div. II)
Minnesota State - 9 (Div. II)
Auburn - 8 (Div. I)
Maryland - 8 (Div. I)
Mississippi State - 8 (Div. I)
UNLV - 8 (Div. I)
Houston - 8 (Div. I)
Purdue - 8 (Div. I)
Black Hills State - 8 (Div. II)
Colorado School of Mines - 8 (Div. II)
Fort Lewis - 8 (Div. II)
Kean - 8 (Div. III)
Wisconsin-La Crosse - 8 (Div. III)
Berry - 8 (Div. III)
Bridgewater St. - 8 (Div. III)
Catholic - 8 (Div. III)
Chris.-Newport - 8 (Div. III)

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 150-13, including a tally of 99-10 in MIAA play.
    Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 107-6. In that same stretch, Northwest is 73-4 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    1-0 (0-0)

WINNING NUMBERS
Northwest has posted a spectacular mark of 139-8 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 201-13 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
8-0 - 2022-23

NORTHWEST LEADS NATION IN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
Northwest is the top field goal shooting team in the country at 56.5% through the Bearcats's first eight games.
    Northwest has made 236-of-418 field goals to rank No. 1 in the nation among NCAA Div. II teams.
    Northwest has shot 50.0% or better in seven of its eight 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.        56.5%
2.    Northeastern St.        54.6%
3.    North Georgia        53.7%
4.    East Stroudsburg        52.2%
5.    Missouri-St. Louis        52.0%
6.    Flagler        51.9%
7.    Lincoln Memorial        51.9%
8.    Seattle Pacific        51.7%
9.    Nova Southeastern        51.6%
10. Saint Leo        51.6%

THREE-POINT ACCURACY
The Bearcats rank No. 9 in the nation in three-point field goal percentage at 42.6%. Northwest is 69-of-162 from distance.

NCAA Div. II 3FG Percentage
1.    Rollins        46.7%
2.    Ferris St.        46.0%
3.    Dominican        45.2%
4.    UVA Wise        44.6%
5.    Minnesota State        43.4%
6.    Southeastern Okla. St.    43.2%
7.    Arkansas-Monticello        42.8%
8.    Bentley        42.7%
9.    Northwest Mo. St.        42.6%
10.    Northeastern St.        42.6%

THE POINT IS TO OUTSCORE
Northwest ranks No. 6 in the nation in scoring margin +22 through its first eight games of the season.
    Central Oklahoma lead the nation in scoring margin at +33.9.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Margin
1.    Central Oklahoma        33.9
2.    Nova Southeastern        30.1
3.    West Liberty        29.0
4.    East Stroudsburg        27.2
5.    Lander        25.0
6.    Northwest Mo. St.        22.0
7.    West Alabama        21.6
8.    Northeastern St.        21.0
9.    Bentley        20.4
10.    Claflin        19.8

BEARCATS DISH AND RARELY TURN IT OVER
Northwest ranks No. 12 in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio at 1.49.
    Northwest has been credited with 134 assists against 90 turnovers this season.

'CATS SCORING SUPERLATIVES
Senior Diego Bernard matched his career high with a 25-point night against Missouri Southern. It was his 14th 20-point scoring contest. Bernard added 14 points against Pittsburg State for his 100th career double-figure scoring contest.

Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 100
Wes Dreamer - 46
Luke Waters - 46
Daniel Abreu - 15
Byron Alexander - 8
Isaiah Jackson - 7
Bennett Stirtz - 6
Luke Moustakas - 3
Mitch Mascari - 4

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 14
Wes Dreamer - 9
Luke Waters - 3
Daniel Abreu - 1
Isaiah Jackson - 1
Mitch Mascari - 1

Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 1

ONLY PLUSES, NOT A MINUS
In regard to plus/minus minutes on the season, Northwest's entire men's basketball roster is a plus through eight games.

Name            +/-    +/- (Per 40)
Luke Waters        +140    +24.49
Isaiah Jackson        +129    +25.82
Bennett Stirtz        +125    +30.68
Mitch Mascari        +108    +21.81
Diego Bernard        +107    +18.60
Daniel Abreu        +93    +20.14
Wes Dreamer        +88    +27.75
Byron Alexander    +61    +17.75
Luke Moustakas    +10    +12.53
Spencer Schomers    +7    +14.31
Christian Stanislav    +6    +14.97
Blake Danitschek    +5    +9.98
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 (1.128) according to Synergy Sports Technology. Northeastern State ranks No. 3.

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. II)
1.    Northwest Mo. St.    1.128
2    Black Hills State    1.096
3.    Northeastern St.    1.094
4.    Bentley    1.088
5.    Lincoln Memorial    1.076
6.    Fort Lewis    1.073
7.    Seattle Pacific    1.069
8.    East Stroudsburg    1.064
9.    UVA-Wise    1.063
10.    Minnesota St.    1.061

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. I)
1.    Missouri    1.053
2.    Arizona    1.051
3.    Stetson    1.048
4.    Utah St.    1.046
5.    Notre Dame    1.042
6.    James Madison    1.040
    Virginia Tech    1.040
8.    Virginia    1.036
    Penn St.    1.036
10.    Indiana St.    1.027

TOP EFFECTIVE FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE IN THE NATION
Northwest possesses the nation's top effective field goal percentage at 64.1% 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 61.0%.

Effective Field Goal Percentage (All NCAA Divisions)
1.    Northwest Mo. St.    64.1%
2.    Dordt    62.5%
3.    New York University    62.1%
4.    Northeastern St.    61.5%
5.    LSU Alexandria    61.1%
6.    Arizona    61.0%
7.    Lincoln Memorial    60.9%
8.    Black Hills State    60.8%
9.    Utah State    60.5%
    Peru State    60.5%

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.

'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, Missouri.

STIRTZ IS A HIGH PERCENTAGE PLAYER
Freshman Bennett Stirtz ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in field goal percentage at 66.1%. Stirtz has made 37-of-56 field goal attempts this season.
    Stirtz ranks No. 6 in the MIAA in free throw percentage (86.7%). Stirtz has knocked in 26-of-30 at the charity stripe.
    He has also drained 11-of-24 from three-point range. Stirtz has made at least one three-pointer in seven of eight games played.
    Stirtz ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.1). Stirtz has 31 assists to go against 10 turnovers in 250 minutes of game action.
    He leads the team in minutes played per game (31.3). 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. 13 in the nation in total steals (20). Stirtz is tied with Rogers State's Chris Whitaker for the MIAA lead in steals.
    Stirtz has recorded at least one steal in all eight games 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 (20) and in three-point field goal percentage (.541). Mascari ranks No. 4 the nation in three-point field goal accuracy.

NCAA Div. II Three-Point Field Goal Percentage
1.    P.J. Hayes (Black Hills St.)    57.1% (24-42)
2.    Ben Davidson (Ferris St.)    56.8% (21-37)
3.    Ethan Erickson (Ferris St.)    55.3% (26-47)
4.    Mitch Mascari (Northwest Mo. St.)    54.1% (20-37)
5.    Tyson Edmondson (Lake Superior St.)    53.8% (21-39)
6.    Landon Condiff (Southeastern Okla. St.)    53.3% (16-30)
7.    Matt Becht (Southern New Hampshire)    52.2% (24-46)
8.    Augustin Reede (Northern St.)    51.8% (29-56)
9.    Isaiah Sanders (Fairmont St.)    51.2% (21-41)
10. Jaden Wells (Central Oklahoma)    50.9% (29-57)

BERNARD IS THE BEARCATS SENIOR LEADER
Senior guard Diego Bernard is tops on the team in scoring (14.8 ppg), rebounding (5.6 rpg.) and assists (35 total).

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 144 games. Bernard has won 139 games in his career.
    He has started 132 games - trailing only Trevor Hudgins's mark of 139 career starts.

Games Played (All NCAA Divisions)
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 144
Victor Bailey Jr. (George Mason) - 143
Connor McCaffery (Iowa) - 141
Darius McGhee (Liberty) - 140
Andrew Platek (Siena) - 140
Reggie Chaney (Houston) - 140
Damien Daniels (Abilene Christian) - 140

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 1,786 points, 842 rebounds, 439 assists and 134 made three-pointers.

BERNARD IN ELITE NCAA COMPANY
Bearcat senior guard Diego Bernard is one of seven active NCAA men's basketball players (and one of two Div. II players) with at least 1,700 points and 800 rebounds.

1,700 Points & 800 Rebounds (Active NCAA MBB)
Cam Martin (Kansas) - 2,155 pts/876 rbs
Jayden Gardner (Virginia) - 2,078 pts/971 rbs
KJ Williams (LSU) - 1,800 pts/947 rbs
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 1,786 pts/842 rbs
Kevin Obanor (Texas Tech) - 1,768 pts/928 rbs
Jordan Janssen (Wayne St., Neb.) - 1,730 pts/1,002 rbs
Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana) - 1,716 pts/857 rbs

Bernard is one of nine active NCAA men's basketball players (and the only Div. II player) with at least 1,700 points and 400 assists.

1,700 Points & 400 Assists (Active NCAA MBB)
Antoine Davis (Detroit Mercy) - 2,942 pts/507 ast
Taevion Kinsey (Marshall) - 2,099 pts/421 ast
Sam Sessoms (Coppin St.) - 1,946 pts/448 ast
Marcus Carr (Texas) - 1,840 pts/618 ast
Hunter Maldonado (Wyoming) - 1,807 pts/537 ast
JR Clay (Tennessee St.) - 1,790 pts/486 ast
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 1,786 pts/439 ast
Camren Wynter (Penn St.) - 1,750 pts/594 ast
Tyree Appleby (Wake Forest) - 1,717 pts/553 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 1,786 points. Only Fairmont State's Isaiah Sanders (1,970 points) and Black Hills State's Joel Scott (1,826) have tallied more career points.
    Bernard ranks No. 2 among NCAA Div. II players in rebounding with 842 career boards. Wayne State's Jordan Janssen had tallied 1,002 career rebounds.
    Bernard has tallied 439 career assists to rank third behind Augusta's Tyree Myers (539) and Mount Olive's Michael Brown (468).
    Bernard has accumulated the most career steals among NCAA Div. II active players with 216.

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 439.

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.)    439
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. 6 in Bearcat history with 639 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. Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        639
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 374 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.)        374
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 966 points and 489 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.)    1,786 pts/842 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 RANKED NO. 5 ON BEARCAT ALL-TIME SCORING CHART
Senior Diego Bernard ranks No. 5 on Northwest's all-time scoring chart with 1,786 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 Luke Waters has posted 986 points through 107 career games. Junior Wes Dreamer has tallied 966 points in 102 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.    Victor Coleman (1980-84)        1,795 pts
5.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        1,786 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

BERNARD CLIMBING BEARCAT REBOUND LIST
Diego Bernard ranks No. 3 Northwest's all-time rebounds list with 842. 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.)        842
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 216. 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.)    216
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 342-83
In 14 seasons at the helm of the Bearcat program, head coach Ben McCollum has led Northwest to a record of 342-83.
    His winning percentage of .805 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)    .850 (466-82, 18 yrs.)
2. Matt Logie (Point Loma)    .816 (253-57, 11 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .805 (342-83, 14 yrs.)
4. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .779 (374-106, 17 yrs.)
5. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .759 (419-133, 20 yrs.)
6. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .747 (247-84, 12 yrs.)
7. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .725 (501-190, 22 yrs.)
8. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .720 (208-81, 10 yrs.)
9. Burt Paddock (Davenport)    .718 (328-129, 15 yrs.)
10. Greg Kamansky (Cal Poly Pomona)    .711 (435-177, 22 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .850 (466-82, 17 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (663-132, 24 yrs.)
3. Matt Logie (Point Loma)    .816 (253-57, 11 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .805 (342-83, 14 yrs.)
5. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .798 (356-90, 15 yrs.)
6. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .779 (374-106, 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)    .850 (466-82, 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)    .816 (253-57, 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.)    .805 (342-83, 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.)    .779 (374-106, 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 342. 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 203-59 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 12/5/22)
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)    342*
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 12/5/22)
Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    213
Ben McCollum (Northwest)    203*
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'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 153-5 in his 14-year career.
    The Bearcats have limited four 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 IN THE NABC POLL
Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll in 103 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)
103, Northwest Missouri State (1/26/2016-12/6/2022)
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
213, 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
134, Northwest Missouri State
124, Florida Southern
114, Indiana (Pa.)
106, MSU Denver
102, Lincoln Memorial

Most weeks ranked in top 5 
161, Kentucky Wesleyan
119, 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
51, 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

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 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

EIGHT LOSSES IN 147 GAMES FOR BEARCATS
Northwest has dropped only eight games in its last 147 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.