Friday, Nov. 17 | 5 p.m. (CT) | Wachs Arena | Aberdeen, S.D.
Upper Iowa vs. No. 1 Northwest Missouri State
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Saturday, Nov. 18 | 5 p.m. (CT) | Wachs Arena | Aberdeen, S.D.
Emmanuel, Ga. vs. No. 1 Northwest Missouri State
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NORTHWEST HEADS TO SCB CHAMPIONS CLASSIC
The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball squad will travel to Aberdeen, S.D., to take part in the Small College Basketball Champions Classic on Friday and Saturday.
    Northwest will take on Upper Iowa (Friday, 5 p.m.) and Emmanuel, Ga. (Saturday, 5 p.m.) at Wachs Arena in the Northern State Barnett Center.

SCOUTING UPPER IOWA
The Peacocks began the season with a loss to Northern Michigan (L, 85-75) and a victory over Michigan Tech (W, 93-87) at the Wisconsin Dells.
    UIU guard Jake Hilmer scored a pair of 30-point games for the Peacocks. Hilmer put up 30 points against Northern Michigan, before filling up the bucket with 39 points against Michigan Tech. Hilmer is the nation's leading scorer at 34.5 points per game.

ALL-TIME VS. UPPER IOWA
Northwest enjoys a 10-1 lead in the all-time series with the Upper Iowa University Peacocks.
    The programs last met on Nov. 9, 2018, in St. Joseph, Mo., when the Bearcats scored a 76-59 win over the Peacocks.

Northwest vs. Upper Iowa Series
11/9/18 - W, 76-59 vs. Upper Iowa
    St. Joseph, Mo.
11/10/17 - W, 89-65 vs. Upper Iowa
    St. Joseph, Mo.
3/11/17 - W, 79-74 OT vs. Upper Iowa
    Maryville, Mo. (NCAA Tournament)
11/11/16 - W, 87-52 vs. Upper Iowa
    St. Joseph, Mo.
11/13/15 - L, 76-72 vs. Upper Iowa
    St. Joseph, Mo.
11/15/14 - W, 91-83 vs. Upper Iowa
    St. Joseph, Mo.
11/9/13 - W, 91-78 vs. Upper Iowa
    Marshall, Minn.
11/24/12 - W, 59-52 vs. Upper Iowa
    Maryville, Mo.
11/17/06 - W, 86-41 vs. Upper Iowa
    Maryville, Mo.
11/20/04 - W, 72-54 vs. Upper Iowa
    Maryville, Mo.
1940-41 - W, 43-12 vs. Upper Iowa
    Site unknown

SCOUTING EMMANUEL (GA)
The Lions went 1-1 last weekend at the Crossover Tournament held in Anderson, S.C. The Lions fell to Clayton State, 74-59. Emmanuel scored a 104-79 victory over Coker University on Sunday.
    KJ Jones II led NCAA Div. II men's basketball in scoring last year at 26.2 points per game. Jones is averaging 23.0 points per game this season after putting up 12 points vs. Clayton State and 34 against Coker over the weekend.

ALL-TIME VS. EMMANUEL
Saturday's matchup will Emmanuel (Ga.) will be the first meeting on the hardwood between the two programs.

NO. 5 IN SCORING DEFENSE
The Bearcats are ranked No. 5 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 55.0 points per game.
    Northwest leads the MIAA in scoring defense. The Bearcats gave up 47 points to No. 21-ranked Northern State and 63 vs. Southwest Minnesota State.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.     Lee            45.0
2.    Wayne St. (Neb.)        45.5
3.    California (Pa.)        52.0
4.    Winona St.        54.0
5.    Northwest Mo. St.        55.0
6.    Central Oklahoma        55.8
7.    Northeastern St.        57.5
8.    Univ. of Mary        58.0
9.    Mississippi College        58.5
    Minot St.        58.5

BEARCATS BEGIN YEAR AT #1
For the sixth time in program history, Northwest will begin the season at No. 1 in the NABC's Preseason Top 25 Poll. The Bearcats were also tabbed No. 1 in the preseason polls in 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

LIMITED LOSSES IN 8 YEARS
Northwest has suffered only 17 losses in the last eight seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 225-17 over the last eight 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
31-3 - 2022-23
1-1 - 2023-24

SCORING SUPERLATIVES
Sophomore Bennett Stirtz tallied a career-high 29 points against Southwest Minnesota State for his third 20-point game of his career. Stirtz notched double figures in both games to move his career mark of scoring 10 or more points to 26 games.
    Stirtz also drained a career-best six three-pointers against the Mustangs.
    Senior Wes Dreamer has secured 65 games of scoring 10 or more points.
    Junior Byron Alexander put up 11 points against Northern State to move his double figure mark to 14.

Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 65
Bennett Stirtz - 26
Daniel Abreu - 20
Byron Alexander - 14
Mitch Mascari - 12
Isaiah Jackson - 8
Luke Moustakas - 4
Jack Ratigan - 1

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 14
Bennett Stirtz - 3
Daniel Abreu - 1
Isaiah Jackson - 1
Mitch Mascari - 1

Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 1

RATIGAN NEARLY DOUBLES UP IN DEBUT
Redshirt freshman Jack Ratigan nearly posted a double-double in his collegiate debut vs. Northern State.
    Ratigan came off the bench and played 22 minutes as he contributed with 12 points and eight rebounds in the 18-point win.

DREAMER AMONG ACTIVE NCAA LEADERS
Bearcat senior Wes Dreamer is the NCAA Div. II active career leader in games played (130). Dreamer ranks No. 5 among active NCAA Div. II players in three-pointers made (257) and three-pointers attempted (645). He ranks No. 11 in rebounds (641).

NORTHWEST IS NATIONAL NAME
Northwest is 41-22 all-time in the NCAA Tournament with six appearances in the Elite Eight (2002, 2004, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022).
    Northwest is 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

DEFENSE, MAKING SHOTS
Only two times in the history of NCAA Div. II men's basketball had a program led the nation in scoring defense and field goal percentage. In 1977-78, Green Bay shot 55.7% from the field and held opponents to 55.7 ppg.
    Last year, the Bearcats led the nation in field goal percentage (52.4%) and scoring defense (56.3 ppg).

12 STRAIGHT 20-WIN SEASONS
Northwest has recorded 12 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 12 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 29 20-win seasons in program history.

Northwest Coaching 20-Win Seasons
Ben McCollum - 12
Steve Tappmeyer - 10
Hank Iba - 3
Lionel Sinn - 3
Sparky Stalcup - 1

'CATS HAVE SEVEN 30-WIN SEASONS
Northwest reached the 30-win mark for the seventh time in program history last year and has done so in five of the last seven seasons.
    Northwest'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)
31-3 - 2022-23 (NCAA Tournament - 2nd Round)

'CATS FIND NEUTRAL COURT DOMINANCE
Northwest has won 63 of its last 65 games on neutral floors.
    Northwest had a streak of 18 straight neutral court victories snapped in a 63-56 loss to Southwest Minnestoa State in St. Joseph, Mo., on Saturday.
    Northwest had a streak of 45 straight neutral court wins snapped this season by Sioux Falls in Municipal Auditorium on Nov. 13, 2021. USF scored an 83-77 win over Northwest.

Northwest - 63-2 in Last 65 Neutral Court Games
L, 63-56 vs. Southwest Minnesota St. (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/11/23)
W, 65-45 vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/10/23)
W, 61-53 vs. Central Oklahoma (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/23)
W, 63-52 vs. Emporia State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/23)
W, 65-52 vs. Missouri Western (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/2/23)
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)

DREAMER ONE OF 15 BEARCATS IN 1,000-POINT 500-REBOUND CLUB
Senior forward Wes Dreamer is one of 15 Bearcats to have secured 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds at Northwest.

Northwest's 1,000 Pts & 500 Rbs
Diego Bernard (2018-pr.)    2,191 pts/958 rbs
Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)    2,098 pts/948 rbs
Victor Coleman (1980-84)    1,759 pts/586 rbs
David Alvey (1973-77)    1,747 pts/677 rbs
Hunter Henry (2006-09)    1,592 pts/808 rbs
Joe Hurst (1982-86)    1,580 pts/777 rbs
Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    1,338 pts/641 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

DREAMER RANKS NO. 9 ON ALL-TIME
BEARCAT REBOUNDING CHART
Senior forward Wes Dreamer has tallied 641 rebounds to rank No. 9 on the program's all-time boards list.
Northwest's Rebounds in a Career
1.     Diego Bernard (2018-23)            958    
2.     Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)            948
3.     Don Sears (1966-1970)            874
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.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pres.)            641
10.     Victor Coleman (1981-1984)            586

DREAMER AMONG TOP-10 3-POINT SHOOTERS IN PROGRAM HISTORY
Senior Wes Dreamer has knocked in 257 career three-pointers to rank No. 7 in school history. Dreamer ranked third last season in the MIAA in three-pointers made (79).

Northwest 3-Pointers Made in a Career
1.     Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)    435
2.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)    370
3.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)    285
4.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)        271
5.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    257
6.    Ryan Welty (2016-20)        238
7.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)    215
8.    Conner Crooker (2013-16)    205
9.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)    173
10.    Joey Witthus (2017-19)    172

DREAMER IS ONE OF 28 1,000-POINT SCORERS IN BEARCAT HISTORY
Bearcat senior forward Wes Dreamer is one of 28 1,000-point scorers in school history. Dreamer ranks No. 13 in program history with 1,338 points in 130 career games (10.3 ppg).

Northwest's 1,000 Point Scorers
1.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)        2,829 pts
2.     Justin Pitts (2014-18)            2,459 pts
3.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        2,191 pts
4.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)        2,098 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. Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)        1,338 pts
14.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)        1,294 pts
15.    Ellijah Allen (2008-11)            1,289 pts
16.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)        1,282 pts
    Russ Miller (1976-80)            1,282 pts
18. Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)        1,203 pts
19. Matt Redd (1996-99)            1,200 pts
20. Gerald Harris (1984-88)        1,198 pts
21. Don Sears (1966-70)            1,154 pts
22. Dillon Starzl (2011-14)        1,153 pts
23. Joey Witthus (2017-19)        1,150 pts
24. Glenn Phillips (1985-87)        1,147 pts
25. Luke Waters (2019-pr.)        1,135 pts
26. Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-18)        1,134 pts
27. Bob Sundell (1986-89)        1,082 pts
28. Rick Jolley (1993-96)            1,054 pts

ACTIVE DOUBLE-DOUBLES LIST
Senior forward Wes Dreamer has garnered eight career double-doubles. Junior foward Byron Alexander owns one double-double.

Career Double-Doubles
Wes Dreamer - 8
Byron Alexander - 1

MCCOLLUM's CAREER MARK AT 366-87
In his 15th season at the helm of the Bearcat program, head coach Ben McCollum has led Northwest to a record of 366-87.
    His winning percentage of .808 ranks No. 2 among NCAA Division II coaches and No. 4 among all NCAA Division coaches (minimum of 10 years experience).

MAC RARELY SUFFERS 10-POINT PLUS LOSSES
In 14 seasons as the Bearcat head coach, Ben McCollum has suffered only 30 double-figure point losses. He has posted a career mark of 366-87.
    In MIAA play, McCollum led teams have only dropped 26 games by 10 points or more since the start of the 2009-10 season.
    Over the last nine seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has dropped six games by a final margin of 10 points or more.
    In the last 10 seasons, Northwest has not lost more than one 10-point game in a single season.
    Of the 30 double-figure losses in McCollum's career, only three of them have come by 20 or more points.

MCCOLLUM RANKS NO. 2 IN WIN PERCENTAGE
Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum ranks No. 2 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. 8 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)    .858 (497-82, 19 yrs.)
2. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .809 (366-87, 14 yrs.)
3. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .807 (239-57, 10 yrs.)
4. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .814 (455-104, 17 yrs.)
5. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .787 (401-109, 18 yrs.)
6. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .757 (437-140, 21 yrs.)
7. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .734 (261-95, 13 yrs.)
8. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .722 (228-88, 11 yrs.)
9. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .710 (505-206, 23 yrs.)
10. Dave Holmquist (Biola)    .708 (1,042-430, 47 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .858 (497-82, 19 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .836 (689-135, 25 yrs.)
3. Matt Logie (Montana State)    .826 (277-59, 13 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .808 (366-87, 14 yrs.)
5. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .807 (239-57, 10 yrs.)
6. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .794 (489-127, 20 yrs.)
7. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .787 (401-109, 18 yrs.)
8. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .783 (372-103, 16 yrs.)
9. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .766 (356-109), 17 yrs.)
10. Bill Self (Kansas)    .766 (774-237, 31 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)    .858 (497-82, 19 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .836 (689-135, 25 yrs.)*
3. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma/Montana St.)    .826 (277-59, 13 yrs.)*
4. Clair Bee (Rider/LIU Brooklyn)    .824 (412-88, 21 yrs.)
5. Adolph Rupp (Kentucky)    .822 (876-190, 41 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.)    .808 (366-87, 14 yrs.)*
9. John Wooden (Indiana State/UCLA)    .804 (664-162, 29 yrs.)
10. John Kresse (Coll. of Charleston)    .797 (560-143, 23 yrs.)
11. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .787 (401-109, 18 yrs.)
12. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)    .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
13. Jerry Tarkanian (LBSU/UNLV/Fresno St.)    .784 (729-201, 31 yrs.)
14. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial/Indiana State)    .783 (372-103, 16 yrs.)*
15. Francis Schmidt (Tulsa/Arkansas/TCU)    .782 (258-72, 17 yrs.)
* - active head coaches
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

RARE COMPANY - LESS THAN 100 LOSSES WITH 10 YEARS OF HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE
Ben McCollum is one of 13 active NCAA men's basketball head coaches to have less than 100 losses with at least 10 years of head coaching experience.

Matt Logie (Montana State)    59 losses (13 yrs.)
Josh Merkel (Randolph-Macon)    82 losses (13 yrs.)
Jim Crutchfield (Nova SE)    82 losses (18 yrs.)
John Tauer (St. Thomas)    85 losses (13 yrs.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)    85 losses (11 yrs.)
Ben McCollum (NWMSU)    87 losses (15 yrs.)
Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    88 losses (11 yrs.)
Jim Rullo (Neumann)        91 losses (11 yrs.)
Charlie Ernst (Findlay)        95 losses (13 yrs.)
Rick Croy (California Baptist)    96 losses (11 yrs.)
Mike Fuline (Mt. Union)    98 losses (13 yrs.)
Chris Beard (Ole Miss)        98 losses (12 yrs.)
Andy Newman (Cal St. S.B.)    99 losses (11 yrs.)

MCCOLLUM VS. CURRENT MIAA FOES
Head coach Ben McCollum has a winning record against all 13 of Northwest's current MIAA foes.
    McCollum has recorded 20 or more wins against four MIAA opponents: Missouri Western (28), Lincoln (25), Washburn (22) and Pittsburg State (21).
    He is undefeated against Northeastern State (14-0), Rogers State (6-0) and Newman (4-0).

McCollum vs. Current MIAA Foes
Missouri Western    28-2
Lincoln            25-2
Washburn        22-10
Pittsburg State        21-5
Missouri Southern    19-11
Fort Hays State        18-6
Emporia State        18-7
Central Missouri    16-12
Nebraska-Kearney    14-1
Northeastern State    14-0
Central Oklahoma    13-3
Rogers State        6-0
Newman        4-0

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 366. 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 221-61 in MIAA games only. McCollum is one of six head coaches in league history to record 200 or more MIAA regular season victories.

Coaching Victories as MIAA Members (as of 11/13/23)
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)    366*
7.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    337
8.    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    325*
9.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
10.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    302
* - active head coaches

MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 11/13/23)
Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
Ben McCollum (Northwest)    221*
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    213
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    203*
Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    191
Boyd King (Truman State)    159
Willard Sims (Truman State)    130
A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    128
Bill Thomas (Missouri St.)    117
* - active head coaches

SUFFOCATING DEFENSE FROM THE 'CATS
The Bearcats produced some of the lowest scoring defensive games in the Ben McCollum coaching era in the 2022-23 season.
    Northwest held Nebraska-Kearney to the lowest output of the McCollum era with 36 points on Jan. 26.
    Northwest limited Lincoln to 38 points for the third-lowest on the McCollum defensive chart.
    The Bearcats gave up only 40 points in a Valentine's Day win at Washburn. The 40 points allowed ranks tied for the fourth-lowest in the McCollum era.
    The Bearcats allowed Northeastern State to score only 43, which ranks tied for the ninth-lowest scoring total in the last 14 years of Northwest hoops.
    The lowest scoring output in the MIAA since the 1985-86 season (advent of the shot clock) was 32 points by Central Missouri against Missouri S&T (Feb. 13, 2002).

Fewest Points Allowed in Ben McCollum Era
36 at Nebraska-Kearney (1/26/23)
37 vs. Central Missouri (1/30/21)
38 vs. Lincoln (1/21/23)
40 vs. Saint Mary (11/14/20)
40 at Washburn (2/14/23)
41 vs. Graceland (11/18/10)
41 vs. Lindenwood (2/7/19)
42 vs. Minn. 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)
43 vs. Northeastern State (2/11/23)

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)

'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG WINS
Under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 146-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 145 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 61-0 when scoring 90 or more points with head coach Ben McCollum.
    Northwest set a season scoring high with 94 points against Southern Arkansas. Northwest also reached 90 points against Truman State (92) and Clarke (93).

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 12-3 mark in season openers for head coach Ben McCollum.
    The Bearcats have won their last eight season openers.

Season Openers Since 2009-10
W, 65-47 vs. Northern State (11/10/23)
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 23RD MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLE
Northwest captured its 10th straight MIAA regular season title and a league-record 23rd overall crown.

MIAA Regular Season Titles
Northwest - 23
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 10 STRAIGHT MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLES
Northwest captured its 10th straight MIAA regular season crown in the 2022-23 season.
    Only Gongaza has a longer conference title winning streak with 11 in a row. The Zags have won 11 straight West Coast Conference titles at the NCAA Division I level.
    Over the last 10 seasons, Northwest has compiled a league mark of 180-22.
    Over the last seven seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 130-12 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
2023-23    20-2
Totals    180-22

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 164-14, including a tally of 109-10 in MIAA play.
    Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 119-7. In that same stretch, Northwest is 84-4 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    15-1 (11-0)

ONLY 19 LOSSES SINCE START OF 2015-16
Northwest has dropped only 19 games since the start of the 2015-16 season.
    Northwest has lost by double digits only six 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
4 - 61-57 vs. Southern Nazarne (3/12/23)
11 - 69-58 at Central Oklahoma (1/12/23)
9 - 74-65 at Emporia State (12/17/22)
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)

BEARCATS IN THE NABC POLL
Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll in 117 straight weeks - the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II schools.
    Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll 227 times in this history of its program.
    
Consecutive weeks ranked in NABC Top 25
149, West Liberty (2/2/2010-12/10/2019)
117, Northwest Missouri State (1/26/2016-3/27/2023)  ACTIVE
95, Lincoln Memorial (12/7/2010-12/13/2016)
91, Bellarmine (11/18/2014-2/11/2020)
83, West Texas A&M (11/15/2017-12/13/2022)
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)
68, Cal State-Bakersfield (1/27/1992-12/7/1998)
65, Augusta (1/30/2007-3/8/2011)
65, Stephen F. Austin (12/12/1968-3/8/1973)

Active Consecutive weeks ranked in NABC Top 25
117, Northwest Missouri State
62, Lincoln Memorial
39, West Liberty
33, Cal State San Bernardino
33, Indiana (Pa.)
33, Nova Southeastern
28, UNC Pembroke
26, Bentley
26, Central Oklahoma
18, Black Hills State

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)
30, Nova Southeastern (12/7/2021-3/27/2023) ACTIVE
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, Ashland (12/12/1968-2/19/1970)
24, Jefferson (2/24/1992-1/22/1995)
24, Indiana (Pa.) (1/18/2022-3/7/2023

Consecutive weeks in NABC #1 Ranked Team
19, Evansville (1/30/1964-3/4/1965)
15, Findlay (11/25/2008-3/10/2009)
15, Northwest Missouri State (1/28/2020-3/2/2021)
14, Winona State (11/28/2006-3/6/2007)
14, Bentley (11/28/2007-3/11/2008)
11, Indiana (Pa.) (1/1/1995-12/18/1995)
10, Northwest Missouri State (12/6/2016-2/14/2017)
10, Bellarmine (11/13/2018-1/29/2019)
10, Northwest Missouri State (1/29/2019-12/3/2019)
10, Lubbock Christian (11/23/2021-2/1/2022)

Most weeks ranked 
356, Kentucky Wesleyan
277, Southern Indiana
237, Florida Southern
227, Northwest Missouri State
221, West Liberty
219, Virginia Union
218, Indiana (Pa.)
181, Lincoln Memorial
179, Bellarmine
169, MSU Denver
167, Findlay

Most weeks ranked in top 10 
258, Kentucky Wesleyan
174, West Liberty
153, Southern Indiana
150, Virginia Union
148, Northwest Missouri State
135, Bellarmine
131, Indiana (Pa.)
124, Florida Southern
117, Lincoln Memorial
106, MSU Denver

Most weeks ranked in top 5 
161, Kentucky Wesleyan
130, Northwest Missouri State
118, West Liberty
100, Bellarmine
98, Virginia Union
81, Indiana (Pa.)
76, Florida Southern
75, Southern Indiana
72, MSU Denver
68, Lincoln Memorial

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

MIAA PRESEASON POLLS
Northwest Missouri State has been picked first in the 2023-24 MIAA preseason men's basketball coaches and media polls.

2023-24 MIAA Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri State [11] – 166 points
2. Emporia State [1] – 151 points
3. Fort Hays State [1] – 147 points
4. Central Oklahoma [1] – 138 points
5. Missouri Southern – 120 points
6. Washburn – 106 points
7. Missouri Western – 92 points
8. Rogers State – 88 points
9. Northeastern State – 60 points
10. Central Missouri – 59 points
11. Pittsburg State – 55 points
12. Lincoln – 46 points
13. Newman – 24 points
14. Nebraska Kearney – 22 points
Coaches Are Not Allowed To Vote For Their Own Team

2023-24 MIAA Media Poll
1. Northwest Missouri State [19] – 291 points
2. Central Oklahoma [2] – 260 points
3. Emporia State – 252 points
4. Fort Hays State – 229 points
5. Missouri Southern – 193 points
6. Lincoln – 163 points
7. Washburn – 162 points
8. Missouri Western – 141 points
9. Rogers State – 138 points
10. Central Missouri – 110 points
11. Pittsburg State – 96 points
12. Northeastern State – 87 points
13. Newman – 47 points
14. Nebraska Kearney – 36 points

PRESS CONFERENCE TUESDAY AT THE PALMS
Northwest head coach Ben McCollum will be available each Tuesday from Noon - 1 p.m. for a press conference at The Palms in Maryville.