Thursday, Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m. (CT) | Gross Auditorium | Hays, Kan.
No. 17 Northwest Missouri State at Fort Hays State
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Saturday, Dec. 9 | 4 p.m. (CT) | Health & Sports Center | Kearney, Neb.
No. 17 Northwest Missouri State at Nebraska-Kearney
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Bearcat Radio Network
John Coffey - Play-by-Play
Matt Tritten - Analyst

BEARCATS TO PLAY FIRST TRUE ROAD GAMES OF SEASON
The No. 17-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (5-2 overall, 2-0 MIAA) will play its first true road games of the season Thursday at Fort Hays State (5-2, 1-1 MIAA) and at Saturday at Nebraska-Kearney (3-3, 1-1 MIAA).

ALL-TIME VS. FORT HAYS STATE
Northwest owns a 23-10 lead in the all-time series with Fort Hays State.
    Northwest has won 15 straight games in the series, including six in a row in Hays, Kan.
    Head coach Ben McCollum is 17-6 vs. Fort Hays State.

SCOUTING THE TIGERS
The Tigers opened MIAA play on the road with a win at Northeastern State and a loss at Rogers State.
    The Tigers are 2-0 at home this season having claimed victories over Central Christian (W, 63-44) and Manhattan Christian (W, 75-46).
    FHSU has won seven of its last eight games at home with its only setback coming against the Bearcats last season, 57-52 (Jan. 28, 2023).

ALL-TIME VS. NEBRASKA-KEARNEY
Northwest holds a 14-1 lead in the all-time series with the Lopers. Northwest has won eight consecutive games in the series. Northwest is 6-1 in games in Kearney, Neb.
    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.

SCOUTING THE LOPERS
Nebraska-Kearney dropped its MIAA opener at Rogers State (L, 79-68), but bounced back to score an 85-82 win at Northeastern State on Saturday.
    The Lopers are 2-0 at home this year with wins over Chadron State (W, 113-101) and Western Colorado (W, 76-75).

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.

STIRTZ, DREAMER TAKE CHARGE OF 'CATS 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 and Dreamer have each scored in double figures in all seven of Northwest's games this season.     
    Stirtz ranks No. 3 in the MIAA in scoring at 18.7 points per contest. Stirtz collected his fifth career 20-point scoring game with a 23-point effort in a 77-67 win over Pittsburg State.
    Dreamer ranks No. 7 in the league in scoring at 17.7 points per game. He also ranks No. 3 in the MIAA in rebounds per game (8.4). Dreamer put up his 17th career 20-point scoring game with 20 points against Missouri Southern.

Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 70
Bennett Stirtz - 31
Daniel Abreu - 21
Byron Alexander - 16
Mitch Mascari - 14
Isaiah Jackson - 8
Luke Moustakas - 4
Jack Ratigan - 2
Spencer Schomers - 1

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 17
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 ranks second on the squad with 13 made three-pointers. Mascari has drained at least one triple in five straight games.
    Mascari is closing in on 100 three-pointers made in his career. Entering Thursday's game at Fort Hays State, Mascari has sank 96 career three-pointers.
    Mascari is averaging 8.4 points per game. Mascari has a pair of double-figure scoring games this season with 18 vs. Emmanuel and 15 vs. UMSL.

SCHOMERS CONTRIBUTES OFF THE BENCH
Junior Spencer Schomers came off the bench against Missouri Southern and added 11 points to spark the Bearcats to a four-point win in its MIAA home opener.
    Prior to the MSSU game, Schomers had played in five games for a total of 20 minutes and had scored two points. Schomers went 4-of-5 from the field, including 3-of-4 from three-point range in the second half as the Bearcats scored a 78-74 win over the Lions.
    Schomers played 18 minutes in Northwest's 77-67 victory over Pittsburg State. Schomers went 2-of-2 from three-point range and scored eight points vs. the Gorillas.

BYRON BRINGS IT
Junior forward Byron Alexander ranks No. 3 on the team in scoring at 9.6 points per game. He also ranks second on the team with 16 assists. Alexander has scored in double figures in three games this season (11 vs. Northern State; 18 vs. Upper Iowa; 14 vs. Pittsburg State).
    Alexander has knocked in 88.5% of his free throws by sinking 23-of-26 at the charity stripe.

DREAMER AMONG ACTIVE NCAA LEADERS
Bearcat senior Wes Dreamer is the NCAA Div. II active career leader in games played (135).
    Dreamer ranks No. 5 among active NCAA Div. II players in three-pointers made (270) and No. 5 in three-pointers attempted (670).
    He ranks No. 9 in rebounds (684) and No. 18 in points (1,437).

ROAD SUCCESS
Northwest is tied for No. 7 in the nation with a seven-game road winning streak. Thursday's game at FHSU will be Northwest's first true road game in the 2023-24 season.

NCAA Div. II Active Road Win Streaks
1.     Nova Southeastern        21
2.    USC Allen        13
3.    Southern New Hampshire    11
4.    Fort Lewis        9
    Saint Martin's        9
6.    West Liberty        8
7.    Northwest Mo. St.        7
    CSU Santa Barbara        7
    Benedict        7

Northwest's 7-Game Road Win Streak
W, 75-64 at Missouri Western (2/25/23)
W, 66-40 at Washburn (2/14/23)
W, 79-43 at Northeastern St. (2/11/23)
W, 67-51 at Rogers St. (2/9/23)
W, 57-52 at Fort Hays St. (1/28/23)
W, 76-36 at Neb.-Kearney (1/26/23)
W, 74-57 at Newman (1/14/23)
NORTHWEST'S MIAA WIN STREAKS
Northwest has defeated its last 18 MIAA opponents including three wins in the conference tournament last season and the first two games of the 2023-24 season.
    In MIAA regular season play, Northwest has captured 15 straight wins. Northwest won its final 13 MIAA regular season games last season.
    The 18-game winning streak against conference opponents ranks as the third-longest active streak among NCAA Div. II teams - trailing only Nova Southeastern (48 vs. Sunshine State opponents) and Point Loma (21 vs. PacWest opponents).

NCAA Div. II Active Conference Win Streaks
1.     Nova Southeastern (Sunshine State)        48
2.    Point Loma (PacWest)            21
3.    Northwest Mo. St. (MIAA)            18
4.    West Liberty (MEC)                16
5.    West Texas A&M (Lone Star)            15
6.    Cal State-Santa Barbara (CCAA)        14
7.    Indiana, Pa. (PSAC)                10
8.    MSU Moorhead (NSIC)            7
9.    Ashland (G-MAC)                6
    St. Thomas Aquinas (ECC)            6
    Young Harris (Conf. Carolinas)        6
    Northern Michigan (GLIAC)            6
    Winston-Salem (CIAA)            6

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 182-22.
    Over the last eight seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 132-12 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
2023-24    2-0
Totals    182-22

SECOND-BEST FT SHOOTERS
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in the free throw percentage. The Bearcats lead the MIAA in free throw shooting at 83.1%, having made 143-of-172 this season.
    A trio of Bearcats are shooting 80.0% or better at the line in Jack Ratigan (17-of-20, 85.0%), Bennett Stirtz (40-of-44, 90.9%) and Byron Alexander (23-of-26, 88.5%).

NCAA Div. II Free Throw %
1.     Pittsburgh-Johnstown    .857
2.    Northwest Mo. St.        .831
3.    Concordia-University Irvine    .824
4.    St. Edwards's        .812
5.    Cedarville        .811
6.    Rollins        .810
7.    Fort Lewis        .806
8.    Lewis        .803
9.    Upper Iowa        .799
10.    Alabama-Huntsville        .797

NO. 8 IN FREE THROWS MADE
Northwest ranks No. 8 in the nation in free throws made per game (20.4).

NCAA Div. II FTs Made/Game
1.     Gannon        23.9
2.    Barry            23.3
3.    Nova Southeastern        23.2
4.    East Stroudsburg        22.7
5.    St. Mary's, Texas        20.8
6.    Johnson C. Smith        20.8
7.    Concordia-St. Paul        20.4
8.    Northwest Mo. St.        20.4
9.    Coker        20.2
    Fort Valley St.        20.2

NOT MANY REBOUNDS FOR THE OPPOSITION
Northwest has allowed the fewest rebounds per game in the nation by its opponents (23.3). Northwest held Upper Iowa and Missouri-St. Louis to only 17 rebounds each.

NCAA Div. II Fewest Rebounds/Game
1.     Northwest Mo. St.        23.3
2.    Johnson C. Smith        25.0
3.    Texas Permian Basin        26.1
4.    Cal Poly Humboldt        26.2
5.    Georgia Southwestern    26.8
6.    McKendree        27.8
7.    Southern Nazarene        28.0
8.    Rogers St.        28.0
9.    Tuskegee        28.1
10.    Ferris St.        28.4


LIMITED MISCUES
Northwest ranks No. 16 in the nation and is second MIAA in fewest turnovers per game (9.6).
    Northwest has had 10 or fewer turnovers on five occasions this season, including a season-low of five against Northern State.

SCORING DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 19 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 64.1 points per game.
    The Bearcats rank fourth in the MIAA in scoring defense behind Central Oklahoma (56.7), Fort Hays State (57.4) and Central Missouri (63.5).
    Under the direction of head coach Ben McCollum, the Bearcats are 172-5 when holding the opposition to less than 60 points.
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 18 losses in the last eight seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 229-18 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
5-2 - 2023-24

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.)    1,437 pts/684 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 684 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.)            684
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 No. 5 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.)    270
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 1,437 points in 135 career games (10.6 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.)        1,437 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 370-88 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)    .859 (501-82, 19 yrs.)
2. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .808 (370-88, 14 yrs.)
3. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .807 (242-58, 10 yrs.)
4. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .794 (493-128, 20 yrs.)
5. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .784 (404-111, 18 yrs.)
6. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .757 (440-141, 21 yrs.)
7. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .725 (261-99, 13 yrs.)
8. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .722 (232-89, 11 yrs.)
9. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .709 (507-208, 23 yrs.)
10. Dave Holmquist (Biola)    .708 (1,045-432, 47 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .859 (501-82, 19 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .836 (694-136, 25 yrs.)
3. Matt Logie (Montana State)    .818 (279-62, 13 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .808 (370-88, 14 yrs.)
5. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .807 (242-58, 10 yrs.)
6. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .794 (493-128, 20 yrs.)
7. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .786 (378-103, 16 yrs.)
8. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .784 (404-111, 18 yrs.)
9. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .768 (361-109), 17 yrs.)
10. Bill Self (Kansas)    .766 (779-238, 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)    .859 (501-82, 19 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .836 (692-136, 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 (370-88, 14 yrs.)*
9. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .807 (242-58, 10 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)    .794 (493-128, 20 yrs.)*
13. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)    .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
14. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .786 (378-103, 16 yrs.)*
15. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .784 (404-111, 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)    62 losses (13 yrs.)
Jim Crutchfield (Nova SE)    82 losses (18 yrs.)
Josh Merkel (Randolph-Macon)    83 losses (13 yrs.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)    85 losses (11 yrs.)
Ben McCollum (NWMSU)    88 losses (15 yrs.)
John Tauer (St. Thomas)    88 losses (13 yrs.)
Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    89 losses (11 yrs.)
Jim Rullo (Neumann)        94 losses (11 yrs.)
Rick Croy (California Baptist)    97 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        18-6
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 370. 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 222-61 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 12/4/23)
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.)    328*
9.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
10.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    302
* - active head coaches

MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 12/4/23)
Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
Ben McCollum (Northwest)    223*
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    213
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    204*
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 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.

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)

WINS AFTER LOSSES
Head coach Ben McCollum has produced a mark of 20-1 in his last 21 games after a loss.
    The Bearcats are 2-0 this season in the games after losses, including a 71-41 victory over UMSL the day before Thanksgiving in St. Louis.
    Northwest's only set of back-to-back losses in that 20-game stretch came against Emporia State on Feb. 21, 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 24 LOSSES SINCE START OF 2015-16
Northwest has dropped only 24 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
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 119 straight weeks - the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II schools.
    Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll 229 times in this history of its program.

Consecutive weeks ranked in NABC Top 25
149, West Liberty (2/2/2010-12/10/2019)
119, 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
119, Northwest Missouri State
64, Lincoln Memorial
41, West Liberty
35, Cal State San Bernardino
35, Nova Southeastern
28, 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)

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
238, Florida Southern
229, Northwest Missouri State
223, West Liberty
219, Virginia Union
218, Indiana (Pa.)
183, Lincoln Memorial
179, Bellarmine
171, 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

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.