Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7:30 p.m. (CT) | Bearcat Arena | Maryville, Mo.
Washburn at Northwest Missouri State
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Saturday, Dec. 16 | 3:30 p.m. (CT) | Bearcat Arena | Maryville, Mo.
No. 15 Emporia State State at Northwest Missouri State
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Bearcat Radio Network/MIAA Network
John Coffey - Play-by-Play
Matt Tritten - Analyst

BEARCATS TO PLAY HOST TO WASHBURN, EMPORIA STATE
The Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (6-3 overall, 3-1 MIAA) will play host to the Washburn Ichabods (5-3 overall, 1-1 MIAA) on Wednesday and the No. 15-ranked Emporia State Hornets (9-1 overall, 3-0 MIAA) on Saturday in Bearcat Arena.
    Following Saturday's game vs. Emporia State, Northwest will not play again until Dec. 30 at home vs. Clarke.

ALL-TIME VS. WASHBURN
Washburn holds a 66-56 lead over Northwest in the all-time series.
    Northwest has won 18 of the last 21 meetings between the two schools, although all three of Washburn's wins in that stretch have come in Bearcat Arena.
    Northwest has defeated Washburn in four straight matchups.
    Head coach Ben McCollum is 22-10 vs. Washburn.

SCOUTING THE ICHABODS
The Ichabods are 1-1 in conference play after a 71-69 loss at Emporia State and a 93-71 home victory over Rogers State.
    Washburn is led in scoring by Sam Ungashick (15.4 ppg) and Andrew Orr (14.6 ppg). Ungashick also leads the Ichabods in three-pointers made (17), assists (29) and steals (10).

ALL-TIME VS. EMPORIA STATE
Northwest holds a 50-26 lead in the all-time series with Emporia State.
    The Bearcats have won two in a row after dropping three straight to the Craig Doty-led Hornets. Ben McCollum is 18-7 vs. the Hornets.
    Overall, Northwest has won 17 of the last 21 meetings between the two programs.

SCOUTING THE HORNETS
Emporia State begins the week on top of the MIAA standings as the only league school to have not dropped a conference game. The Hornets are 3-0 in the MIAA with three home victories over Washburn (W, 71-69), Rogers State (W, 85-74) and Northeastern State (W, 89-77).
    ESU will play at Missouri Western on Thursday before making the trip to Maryville on Saturday.
    The Hornets have four players averaging double-figure scoring in Alijah Comitheir (18.7 ppg), Owen Long (17.7 ppg), Solomon Oraegbu (17.7 ppg) and Atavian Butler (15.5 ppg). Long has drained a league-best 32 three-pointers.

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 166-14, including a tally of 111-10 in MIAA play.
    Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 121-7. In that same stretch, Northwest is 86-4 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)
2023-24    2-0 (2-0)

LIMITED LOSSES IN 8 YEARS
Northwest has suffered only 19 losses in the last eight seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 230-19 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
6-3 - 2023-24

WINS AFTER LOSSES
Head coach Ben McCollum has produced a mark of 21-1 in his last 22 games after a loss.
    The Bearcats are 3-0 in the games after losses this season.
    Northwest's only set of back-to-back losses in that 22-game stretch came against Emporia State on Feb. 21, 2022.

STIRTZ, DREAMER LEAD THE 'CATS IN SCORING
Sophomore Bennett Stirtz and senior Wes Dreamer are the Bearcats top two scorers and each ranks in the top seven in the MIAA in scoring.
    Stirtz ranks No. 6 in the MIAA in scoring at 16.8 points per contest. Stirtz ranks No. 2 in the league in minutes played per game (36:52).
    Dreamer ranks No. 7 in the MIAA in scoring at 16.7 points per game. Dreamer also ranks No. 3 in the MIAA in rebounding at 7.7 boards per contest.
    
Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 71
Bennett Stirtz - 32
Daniel Abreu - 22
Byron Alexander - 17
Mitch Mascari - 15
Isaiah Jackson - 8
Luke Moustakas - 4
Jack Ratigan - 2
Spencer Schomers - 1

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 18
Bennett Stirtz - 5
Daniel Abreu - 1
Isaiah Jackson - 1
Mitch Mascari - 1

Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 2

MITCH IS HEATING UP
Junior guard Mitch Mascari leads the Bearcats with 19 made three-pointers. Mascari has made at least one triple in seven straight contests.
    Mascari eclipsed the century mark in made three-pointers at Nebraska-Kearney. Mascari dropped in five made three-pointers and scored 17 points against the Lopers.
    Mascari has sank 102 career three-pointers. He is 19-of-41 from three-point range this season.
    Mascari is averaging 8.8 points per game. Mascari has reached double-figure scoring this season against Emmanuel (18 pts.), UMSL (15 pts.) and Nebraska-Kearney (17 pts.).

BYRON BARELY MISSES FROM ANYWHERE
Since the start of MIAA play, junior forward Byron Alexander has found his scoring touch from the field and the free throw line.
    Alexander is shooting 78.9% from the field (15-of-19 FGs) in MIAA play. He is also shooting 81.3% from the charity stripe (13-of-15 FTs). Alexander is averaging 10.8 points per game through four MIAA contests.
    Overall on the season, Alexander ranks No. 3 on the team in scoring at 9.7 points per game. He also ranks third on the team with 18 assists. Alexander has scored in double figures in four games this season (11 vs. Northern State; 18 vs. Upper Iowa; 14 vs. Pittsburg State; 11 at Nebraska-Kearney).
    Alexander has knocked in 87.9% of his free throws by sinking 29-of-33 at the charity stripe.

ISAIAH IS DROPPING DIMES
Junior guard Isaiah Jackson handed out a career-high eight assists in Northwest's 83-53 win at Nebraska-Kearney. Jackson ranks second on the squad with 26 assists. He has turned the ball over only 11 times for a 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio.
 
BLAKE BURIES TRIPLES OFF THE BENCH
Sophomore Blake Danitschek sank a trio of three-pointers on three attempts to score a career-high nine points off the bench in an 83-53 win at Nebraska-Kearney.

DREAMER AMONG ACTIVE NCAA LEADERS
Bearcat senior Wes Dreamer is the NCAA Div. II active career leader in games played (137).
    Dreamer ranks No. 5 among active NCAA Div. II players in three-pointers made (271) and No. 5 in three-pointers attempted (670).
    He ranks No. 9 in rebounds (694) and No. 17 in points (1,463).

BEARCATS BURY SEASON-BEST 31 FGS AT UNK
One game after its fewest made field goals in the Ben McCollum coaching era, Northwest put up a season-high 31 made field goals in an 83-53 win at Nebraska-Kearney.
    Northwest shot a season-best 59.6% from the floor and knocked in a season-high 11 three-pointers against the Lopers.

LIMITED BUCKETS AT FORT HAYS STATE
Northwest was held to 14 made field goals in its 57-49 loss at Fort Hays State. It marked the fewest field goals made by Northwest in the 15 years under the direction of head coach Ben McCollum.
    It was the fewest made field goals in a game since Northwest was held to 13 made baskets in a 62-52 loss at Washburn on Feb. 12, 2003.

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 11 seasons, Northwest has compiled a league mark of 183-23.
    Over the last eight seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 133-13 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
2023-24    3-1
Totals    183-23

SCORING DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 9 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 62.1 points per game.
    The Bearcats rank third in the MIAA in scoring defense behind Fort Hays State (55.6 ppg) and Central Oklahoma (59.4 ppg).
    Under the direction of head coach Ben McCollum, the Bearcats are 173-6 when holding the opposition to less than 60 points.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.     Fort Hays State        55.6
2.    Florida Tech        57.9
3.    Miles            58.7
4.    Alaska-Anchorage        59.0
5.    Central Oklahoma        59.4
6.    Kentucky Wesleyan        60.3
7.    Cal St San Bernadino        60.8
8.    Fresno Pacific        61.8
9.    Northwest Mo. St.        62.1
10.    West Alabama        62.3

SECOND-BEST FT SHOOTERS IN THE NATION
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in the free throw percentage. The Bearcats lead the MIAA in free throw shooting at 81.5%, having made 172-of-211.
    A quartet of Bearcats are shooting 80.0% or better at the line in Jack Ratigan (18-of-22, 81.8%), Bennett Stirtz (47-of-53, 88.7%), Byron Alexander (29-of-33, 87.9%) and Daniel Abreu (11-of-12, 91.7%).

NCAA Div. II Free Throw %
1.     Pittsburgh-Johnstown    .857
2.    Northwest Mo. St.        .815
3.    Cedarville        .813
4.    St. Edward's, Texas        .809
5.    Central Washington        .807
6.    Shorter        .807
7.    Concordia-University Irvine    .801
8.    Fort Lewis        .801
9.    Southeastern Okla. St.    .798
10.    Oklahoma Christian        .798

NO. 12 IN FREE THROWS MADE
Northwest ranks No. 12 in the nation in free throws made per game (19.1). Emporia State ranks No. 10 at 19.2 free throws made per game.

NCAA Div. II FTs Made/Game
1.    Nova Southeastern        24.1
2.     Gannon        23.9
3.    East Stroudsburg        23.7
4.    Barry            22.2
5.    Fort Valley St.        20.4
6.    Coker        19.9
7.    West Virginia St.        19.4
8.    St. Mary's, Texas        19.4
9.    Kentucky St.        19.3
10.    Emporia St.        19.2
    Shaw            19.2
12.    Northwest Mo. St.        19.1
13.    Clark            19.0
14.    St. Edward's, Texas        18.8
    Eastern New Mexico        18.8

NOT MANY REBOUNDS FOR THE OPPOSITION
Northwest has allowed the fewest rebounds per game in the nation by its opponents (24.1). Northwest held Upper Iowa and Missouri-St. Louis to only 17 rebounds each.

NCAA Div. II Fewest Rebounds/Game
1.     Northwest Mo. St.        24.1
2.    Texas Permian Basin        26.6
3.    Johnson C. Smith        27.3
4.    Southern Nazarene        27.7
5.    Arkansas-Monticello        28.1
6.    Cal Poly Humboldt        28.1
7.    Ferris St.        28.2
8.    Chadron St.        28.2
9.    Tuskegee        28.3
10.    Texas A&M-International    28.3

LIMITED MISCUES
Northwest ranks No. 19 in the nation and is second MIAA in fewest turnovers per game (10.0).
    Northwest has had 10 or fewer turnovers on six occasions this season, including a season-low of five against Northern State.

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.)    1,463 pts/694 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. 7 ON ALL-TIME
BEARCAT REBOUNDING CHART
Senior forward Wes Dreamer has tallied 694 rebounds to rank No. 7 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.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pres.)            694
8.     David Alvey (1973-1977)            677
9.     Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-2018)    654
10.     Victor Coleman (1981-1984)            586

DREAMER AMONG TOP-10 3-POINT SHOOTERS IN PROGRAM HISTORY
Senior Wes Dreamer has knocked in 270 career three-pointers to rank T-No. 4 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
    Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    271
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 is only the 12th Bearcat to reach 1,400 career points. He ranks No. 12 in program history with 1,463 points in 135 career games (10.7 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. Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)        1,463 pts
13.    Conner Crooker (2012-16)        1,352 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

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 with a mark of 371-89 in 15 years at Northwest.
    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)    .860 (502-82, 19 yrs.)
2. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .807 (371-89, 14 yrs.)
3. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .807 (243-58, 10 yrs.)
4. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .794 (493-128, 20 yrs.)
5. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .785 (405-111, 18 yrs.)
6. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .756 (441-142, 21 yrs.)
7. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .726 (262-99, 13 yrs.)
8. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .721 (233-90, 11 yrs.)
9. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .709 (508-208, 23 yrs.)
10. Dave Holmquist (Biola)    .707 (1,046-433, 47 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .860 (502-82, 19 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .835 (695-137, 25 yrs.)
3. Matt Logie (Montana State)    .816 (279-63, 13 yrs.)
4. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .807 (243-58, 10 yrs.)
5. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .807 (371-89, 14 yrs.)
6. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .793 (494-129, 20 yrs.)
7. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .787 (380-103, 16 yrs.)
8. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .785 (405-111, 18 yrs.)
9. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .768 (361-109), 17 yrs.)
10. Bill Self (Kansas)    .766 (781-238, 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)    .860 (502-82, 19 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .835 (693-137, 25 yrs.)*
3. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma/Montana St.)    .816 (279-63, 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. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .807 (243-58, 10 yrs.)*
9. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .807 (371-89, 14 yrs.)*
10. John Wooden (Indiana State/UCLA)    .804 (664-162, 29 yrs.)
11. John Kresse (Coll. of Charleston)    .797 (560-143, 23 yrs.)
12. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .793 (494-129, 20 yrs.)*
13. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .787 (380-103, 16 yrs.)*
14. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)    .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
15. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .785 (405-111, 18 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 12 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)    63 losses (13 yrs.)
Jim Crutchfield (Nova SE)    82 losses (18 yrs.)
Josh Merkel (Randolph-Macon)    84 losses (13 yrs.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)    86 losses (11 yrs.)
John Tauer (St. Thomas)    88 losses (13 yrs.)
Ben McCollum (NWMSU)    89 losses (15 yrs.)
Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    90 losses (11 yrs.)
Jim Rullo (Neumann)        97 losses (11 yrs.)
Rick Croy (California Baptist)    98 losses (11 yrs.)
Chris Beard (Ole Miss)        98 losses (12 yrs.)
Mike Fuline (Mt. Union)    99 losses (13 yrs.)
Charlie Ernst (Findlay)        99 losses (13 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 five MIAA opponents: Missouri Western (28), Lincoln (25), Washburn (22), Pittsburg State (22) and Missouri Southern (20).
    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        22-5
Missouri Southern    20-11
Fort Hays State        18-7
Emporia State        18-7
Central Missouri    16-12
Nebraska-Kearney    15-1
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 371. 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 223-62 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 12/11/23)
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)    370*
7.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    337
8.    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    330*
9.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
10.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    302
* - active head coaches

MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 12/11/23)
Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
Ben McCollum (Northwest)    224*
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    213
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    206*
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

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)

90-PLUS = SUCCESS
Northwest has posted a mark of 62-0 when scoring 90 or more points with head coach Ben McCollum. Northwest put up its first 90-point scoring game of the season in a 91-82 win over Upper Iowa.

'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG WINS
Under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 148-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 146 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.

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)

SUFFOCATING DEFENSE FROM THE 'CATS
Northwest held Missouri-St. Louis to 41 points in a 30-point win on Nov. 22 in St. Louis.
    The 41 points allowed tied for the sixth-lowest output allowed under the leadership of head coach Ben McCollum.
    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)
41 vs. Missouri-St. Louis (11/22/23)
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)

STIRTZ NAMED MIAA ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Bennett Stirtz has been named the MIAA Men's Basketball Athlete of the Week.
    Stirtz averaged 20.0 points, 5.0 assists and 2.0 steals in leading Northwest to a 2-0 start to MIAA play. Stirtz buried 17-of-18 free throws (94.4%) in the two games.
    Stirtz put up 17 points, five assists and a steal in Northwest's 78-74 win over Missouri Southern. Stirtz connected on 9-of-10 free throws, including 8-of-8 in the second half vs. the Lions.
    Stirtz collected his fifth career 20-point scoring game with a 23-point performance Saturday against Pittsburg State. Stirtz dished out five assists and collected three steals as he played all 40 minutes of the 10-point victory over the Gorillas. Stirtz made all eight of his free throw attempts, including six in the second half.
    It is the second MIAA player of the week honor for Stirtz as he previously captured the league's top weekly honor last season on Nov. 14, 2022.

9TH CAREER DOUBLE-DOUBLE FOR DREAMER
Wes Dreamer captured his ninth career double-double with a 22-point, 13-rebound effort against Emmanuel.

Career Double-Doubles
Wes Dreamer - 9
Byron Alexander - 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.

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)

BEARCATS BEGIN YEAR AT #1
For the sixth time in program history, Northwest began 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.

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

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)

ONLY 25 LOSSES SINCE START OF 2015-16
Northwest has dropped only 25 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
8 - 57-49 at Fort Hays State (12/7/23)
3 - 75-72 vs. Emmanuel (11/18/23)
7 - 63-56 vs. Southwest Minnesota State (11/11/23)
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)
1 - 76-75 vs. Emporia State (2/21/22)
1 - 60-59 vs. Washburn (2/19/22)
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)
2 - 79-77 at Augustana (11/19/15)
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 120 straight weeks - the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II schools.
    Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll 230 times in this history of its program.

Consecutive weeks ranked in NABC Top 25
149, West Liberty (2/2/2010-12/10/2019)
120, 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
120, Northwest Missouri State
65, Lincoln Memorial
42, West Liberty
36, Cal State San Bernardino
36, Nova Southeastern
29, Central Oklahoma

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)
36, Nova Southeastern (12/14/2021-pres.) ACTIVE

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)
33, Nova Southeastern (1/4/2021-pres.) ACTIVE
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, 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)
12, Nova Southeastern (1/17/2023-pres.) ACTIVE
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
238, Florida Southern
230, Northwest Missouri State
224, West Liberty
219, Virginia Union
219, Indiana (Pa.)
184, Lincoln Memorial
179, Bellarmine
172, MSU Denver
167, Findlay

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

Most weeks ranked in top 5 
161, Kentucky Wesleyan
130, Northwest Missouri State
120, 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
18, Nova Southeastern

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

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.