Tuesday, Feb. 14 | 7:30 p.m. (CT) | Lee Arena | Topeka, Kan.
No. 4 Northwest Missouri State at Washburn
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John Coffey - Play-by-Play
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'CATS SET FOR VALENTINE'S DAY MATCHUP IN TOPEKA
The No. 4-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (23-2 overall, 16-2 MIAA) continues its road trip with a Tuesday collision in Topeka, Kan., with the Washburn University Ichabods (12-11 overall, 9-8 MIAA). Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. in Lee Arena.

ALL-TIME VS. ICHABODS
Washburn holds a 66-55 lead over Northwest in the all-time series.
    Tuesday's meeting will be the 10th between the two teams over the last three seasons with Northwest having won six of the nine.
    Northwest registered a 79-53 win over Washburn in Bearcat Arena on Feb. 4. Head coach Ben McCollum is 21-10 vs. Washburn.

NINE IN A ROW LOOKS FINE
Northwest's nine-game win streak ranks tied for the seventh-longest active win streak in NCAA Div. II men's basketball.

NCAA Div. II Active Winning Streaks
23 - Nova Southeastern
19 - Point Loma
17 - UNC Pembroke
16 - UIndy
10 - Emmanual, Ga.
10 - Southern Nazarene
9 - Northwest Mo. St.
9 - Black Hills St.
9 - Caldwell

LOCK DOWN DEFENSE IN 9-GAME WIN STREAK
Northwest is in the midst of a nine-game win streak with its defense leading the way.
    In its nine-game win streak, Northwest is limiting the opposition to 48.2 points per game.
    Northwest has held its nine opponents to a paltry 37.7% shooting from the field (154-of-407). The Bearcats have limited their opposition to 21.3% shooting from beyond the three-point arc (29-of-136) in this nine-game stretch.

Opp.        Pts.    FG%     3FG%
Newman    57    .377    .375
UCM        52    .400    .158
Lincoln    38    .265    .111
UNK        36    .302    .190
FHSU        52    .472    .250
ESU        52    .426    .308
WU        53    .378    .231
RSU        51    .401    .286
NSU        43    .405    .118
AVG.        48.2    .377    .213

2ND-BEST SCORING DEFENSE IN COUNTRY; TOPS IN MIAA
The Bearcats rank No. 2 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing only 56.5 points per game. Southern Nazarene leads the country by allowing 56.3 points per contest.
    In MIAA play, Northwest leads the league in scoring defense (55.2 ppg) and Fort Hays State is No. 2 at 60.0 ppg.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.    Southern Nazarene        56.3
2.    Northwest Mo. St.        56.5
3.    Fort Hays St.        58.1
4.    Indiana, Pa.        58.7
5.    Miles            59.8
6.    Walsh        60.2
    Central Oklahoma        60.2
8.    Hillsdale        60.9
9.    Mercyhurst        61.0
10.    West Alabama        61.1

BEARCATS LEAD THE NATION IN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
Northwest has made 671-of-1,272 field goals (52.8%) to rank No. 1 in the nation among NCAA Div. II teams.
    Northwest has shot 50.0% or better in 17 of its 25 games.
    The Bearcats have hit on 60.0% or better in five games this season.
    Northwest hit on 63.3% of its field goals against Missouri Western. Northwest buried 60.7% of its shots against Morningside, drained 66.7% of its field goals against Truman State and 69.8% of its shots vs. West Texas A&M. Northwest made 63.0% of its shots at Northeastern State.

NCAA Div. II Field Goal Percentage
1.    Northwest Mo. St.        52.8%
2.    Lincoln Memorial        52.6%
3.    Nova Southeastern        51.9%
4.    Saint Leo        51.9%
5.    Seattle Pacific        51.6%
6.    North Georgia        51.4%
7.    Pittsburgh-Johnstown    51.2%
8.    Ferris St.        50.9%
9.    Ashland        50.5%
10.    Hawaii Hilo        50.3%

HARD TO REACH 60
When the Bearcats hold an opponent to 59 points or less, head coach Ben McCollum has guided Northwest to a mark of 165-5 in his 14-year career.
    The Bearcats have limited 16 opponents to 59 points or less this season, including nine straight games. In conference play, Northwest has limited 11 of its opponents to 59 points or less.

HEATING UP AT 70
Northwest is a perfect 16-0 this season when reaching 70 points.
    When Northwest scores 70 or more points under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 285-27.

PILING UP WINS
As of Feb. 12, Northwest is among 28 NCAA Division II teams with 20 wins this season. The Bearcats are tied for the fourth-most wins with 23 victories.
    UNC Pembroke, Lincoln Memorial and Indiana, Pa., are tied for the nation's lead with 24 wins.
    Northwest is joined at 23 wins by Point Loma and Nova Southeastern.

SUFFOCATING DEFENSE FROM THE 'CATS
The Bearcats have produced three of the lowest scoring defensive games in the Ben McCollum coaching era this 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 allowed Northeastern State to score only 43, which ranks tied for the eighth-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)
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)

BEARCATS CAN SCORE TOO, IT'S NOT JUST D
While Northwest gets plenty of credit for its defense, the Bearcat offense is pretty top notch as well.
    Northwest ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in scoring offense (75.4 ppg/1,810 points). Central Oklahoma is the top scoring team in the MIAA at 77.6 ppg/1,784 points.
    In MIAA games only, Northwest leads the league at 71.6 points per game.

DREAMER DROPS 22 AT NORTHEASTERN STATE
Junior Wes Dreamer secured his 13th career 20-point game with a 22-point performance at Northeastern State. Dreamer knocked in six three-pointers at NSU.
    Senior guard Diego Bernard has registered a team-best 116 career double-figure scoring games. Bernard has scored in double figures in 17 straight games - the longest stretch of his career.

Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 116
Wes Dreamer - 55
Luke Waters - 53
Daniel Abreu - 18
Bennett Stirtz - 17
Mitch Mascari - 11
Byron Alexander - 10
Isaiah Jackson - 7
Luke Moustakas - 4

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 21
Wes Dreamer - 13
Luke Waters - 3
Daniel Abreu - 1
Isaiah Jackson - 1
Mitch Mascari - 1
Bennett Stirtz - 1

Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 1

BERNARD IS THE LEADER
Senior guard Diego Bernard is tops on the team in scoring (16.9 ppg), rebounding (5.1), steals (50), field goals made (147) and free throws made (100).
    In MIAA games only, Bernard ranks No. 2 in the league in scoring at 18.2 points per game.
    In all games, Bernard ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in scoring per game at 16.9 ppg. He trails Newman's Stevie Strong (17.9 ppg), Central Oklahoma's Jaden Wells (17.7 ppg) and Lincoln's Artese Stapleton (17.5 ppg).    
    Bernard is tied for No. 18 in the nation in total steals (50).

TWO OF THE TOP SHOOTERS IN MIAA
Northwest possesses two of the top three ranked field goal percentage shooters in the MIAA.
    Bennett Stirtz ranks No. 1 in the league in field goal percentage (60.3%), while Diego Bernard ranks No. 3 at 57.0%.

BENNETT IS ONLY A FRESHMAN
Bearcat freshman guard Bennett Stirtz is off to a tremendous start to his collegiate career.    
    He is averaging 12.6 points per game while leading the Bearcats in minutes played (33.2). He ranks No. 8 in the MIAA in minutes played.
    Stirtz ranks tied for No. 23 in the nation in total steals (48).
    He has drained 30-of-67 from three-point range (44.8%). He has made at least one three-pointer in 18 of 25 games played.

BERNARD, STIRTZ NAMED TO BEVO FRANCIS TOP 100 WATCH LIST
Small College Basketball and the National Awards Committee is proud to announce the Bevo Francis Top 100 Watch List for the 2022-23 season.
    The Top 100 Watch List consists of some of the top players from NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA, USCAA and NCCAA.
    Northwest Missouri State University has two players on the 2023 Bevo Francis Top 100 Watch List in senior Diego Bernard and freshman Bennett Stirtz. Stirtz is the only freshman on the initial list.

THE POINT IS TO OUTSCORE
Northwest ranks No. 4 in the nation in scoring margin +19.0 through Feb. 12.
    Northwest leads the MIAA in scoring margin conference games only at +16.8 per game. UCO is second in the league in scoring margin at +8.6 per game in MIAA play.
    Northwest has won 15 of its 16 league games by 10 points or more.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Margin
1.    Nova Southeastern        +28.9
2.    Lincoln Memorial        +19.5
3.    West Liberty        +19.1
4.    Northwest Mo. St.        +19.0
5.    Ferris St.        +17.2
6.    Indiana, Pa.        +16.8
7.    Black Hills St.        +16.8
8.    Cal St. San Bernadino    +16.3
9.    Central Oklahoma        +15.8
10.    East Stroudburg        +15.2

NORTHWEST ALLOWS FEWEST REBOUNDS
The Bearcats allow the fewest rebounds per game (25.1) in the country.
NCAA Div. II Fewest Rebounds Allowed Per Game
1.    Northwest Mo. St.        25.1
2.    Southern Nazarene        26.4
3.    Colorado Mesa        27.5
4.    Southwest Baptist        27.8
5.    UNC Pembroke        28.4
6.    Texas A&M-International    28.5
7.    West Alabama        28.7
8.    Arkansas-Monticello        29.1
9.    Bentley        29.4
10.    Lubbock Christian        29.5

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

Name            +/-    +/- (Per 40)
Wes Dreamer        +372    +22.46
Mitch Mascari        +316    +21.89
Diego Bernard        +379    +21.52
Bennett Stirtz        +392    +21.17
Daniel Abreu        +246    +19.06
Isaiah Jackson        +246    +18.46
Luke Waters        +250    +18.07
Byron Alexander    +165    +17.16
NORTHWEST OWNS NATION'S BEST OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY ACCORDING TO SYNERGY
The Bearcat men's basketball squad ranks No. 1 in the nation among NCAA Division II schools in points per offensive possession (1.089) according to Synergy Sports Technology.

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. II)
1.    Northwest Mo. St.    1.089
2.    Black Hills St.    1.069
3.    Lincoln Memorial    1.068
4.    Northern St.    1.056
5.    Nova Southeastern    1.053
6.    Seattle Pacific    1.052
7.    West Liberty    1.049
8.    Fort Lewis    1.042
9.    Hillsdale    1.039
10.    Ferris St.    1.038

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. I)
1.    Oral Roberts    1.056
2.    Gonzaga    1.043
3.    Furman    1.029
4.    Toledo    1.028
5.    Marquette    1.024
6.    Liberty    1.022
7.    Utah St.    1.019
8.    Colgate    1.018
9.    Missouri    1.017
    Youngstown St.    1.017

THIRD-BEST EFFECTIVE FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE IN THE NATION
Northwest possesses the nation's third-ranked effective field goal percentage at 60.1% courtesy of Synergy Sports Technology.

Effective Field Goal Percentage (All NCAA Divisions)
1.    Dordt    61.3%
2.    Lincoln Memorial    60.6%
3.    Northwest Mo. St.    60.1%
4.    Black Hills St.    59.9%
5.    Peru St.    59.7%
6.    Jamestown    59.2%
7.    Seattle Pacific    59.1%
8.    Mayville St.    58.8%
9.    Saint Leo    58.1%
10.    Colorado Mesa    58.0%

MITCH IS MAKING TREYS AT A HIGH CLIP
Sophomore Mitch Mascari ranks second on the Bearcats in three-pointers made (44). He leads the team in three-point field goal percentage (46.8%). He would rank No. 7 in the nation and No. 1 in the MIAA, if he had enough makes to qualify for the NCAA stats (min. of 2.5 made three-pointers per game).

BERNARD RANKS NO. 4 ON BEARCAT ALL-TIME SCORING CHART; NO. 7 ON MIAA LIST
Senior Diego Bernard ranks No. 4 on Northwest's all-time scoring chart with 2,073 points. Bernard trails only Trevor Hudgins (2,829), Justin Pitts (2,459) and Ryan Hawkins (2,098) on Northwest's scoring chart.
    Bernard is also climbing the MIAA's all-time scoring chart. Bernard ranks No. 7 all-time among MIAA scoring leaders. He is looking to become only the eighth MIAA player to reach 2,000 career points.

MIAA's All-Time Scoring List
1.    Trevor Hudgins, NWMSU (2018-22)        2,829 pts
2.    Bill Fennelly, UCM (1977-81)                2,819 pts
3.    Harold Robertson, LU (1974-78)        2,551 pts
4.    Ron Nunnelly, UCM (1981-85)                2,468 pts
5.     Justin Pitts, NWMSU (2014-18)            2,459 pts
6.    Ryan Hawkins, NWMSU (2017-21)        2,098 pts
7.    Diego Bernard, NWMSU (2018-pres.)    2,073 pts
8.    Cam Martin, MSSU (2018-21)                2,040 pts
9.    Jason Adams, MSSU (2008-12)        1,981 pts
10.    Daryel Garrison, SMSU (1971-75)        1,975 pts

NORTHWEST LINEUP FEATURES THREE 1,000-POINT SCORERS THIS SEASON
Northwest can boast of three active 1,000-point scorers on this year's roster. Senior Diego Bernard, junior Wes Dreamer and junior Luke Waters have all surpassed the 1,000-point mark in their Bearcat careers.
    Waters and Dreamer accomplished the feat this year. Waters became the 27th Bearcat to reach 1,000 career points with a 19-point effort in an 84-74 win over Nebraska-Kearney. Dreamer was the 28th Bearcat to surpass the 1,000-point mark when he tallied 16 points in a 93-57 victory over Clarke on Dec. 28.

Northwest's 1,000 Point Scorers
1.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)        2,829 pts
2.     Justin Pitts (2014-18)            2,459 pts
3.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)        2,098 pts
4.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        2,073 pts
5.    Victor Coleman (1980-84)        1,795 pts
6.    David Alvey (1973-77)            1,747 pts
7.    Scott Fleming (1999-2003)        1,727 pts
8.     DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)        1,702 pts
9.    Kelvin Parker (2000-04)        1,692 pts
10.    Hunter Henry (2006-09)        1,592 pts
11.    Joe Hurst (1982-86)            1,580 pts
12.    Conner Crooker (2012-16)        1,352 pts
13.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)        1,294 pts
14.    Ellijah Allen (2008-11)            1,289 pts
15.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)        1,282 pts
    Russ Miller (1976-80)            1,282 pts
17. Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)        1,203 pts
18. Matt Redd (1996-99)            1,200 pts
19. Gerald Harris (1984-88)        1,198 pts
20. Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)        1,165 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. Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-18)        1,134 pts
26. Luke Waters (2019-pr.)        1,097 pts
27. Bob Sundell (1986-89)        1,082 pts
28. Rick Jolley (1993-96)            1,054 pts

BERNARD HAS PLAYED, STARTED & WON MORE GAMES THAN ANY OTHER BEARCAT
Diego Bernard has played, started and won more games than any other Bearcats in program history. He ranks second in games played among NCAA active leaders (all NCAA divisions).
    Bernard has played in 160 games. Bernard has won 154 games in his career.
    He has started 148 games allowing him to surpass Trevor Hudgins's previous school/MIAA record of 139 career starts.

Games Played (All NCAA Divisions)
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 160
Darius McGhee (Liberty) - 159
Garrett Sturtz (Drake) - 159
Victor Bailey Jr. (George Mason) - 158
Connor McCaffery (Iowa) - 158
Andrew Platek (Siena) - 158
Angelo Allegri (Eastern Washington) - 157
Reggie Chaney (Houston) - 155
Damien Daniels (Abilene Christian) - 155
Felipe Haase (Southern Mississippi) - 153
Eric Hunter Jr. (Butler) - 154
D.J. Wilkins (Drake) - 154
DeVonCooper (George Mason) - 154

BERNARD IN A CLASS ALL BY HIMSELF AT NW
Senior guard Diego Bernard is in a class all by himself in the Bearcat men's basketball history.
    Bernard is the only Northwest player to have accumulated 1,200 points, 600 rebounds and 300 assists in his career.
    Victor Coleman nearly became the first Bearcat in that class when he played at Northwest from 1981-84. Coleman posted 1,795 points, 586 rebounds and 467 assists.
    Bernard is the second player in MIAA history to score 2,000 points and secure 900 rebounds, following Ryan Hawkins, who tallied 2,098 points and grabbed 948 rebounds.    
    Bernard has tallied 2,073 points, 920 rebounds, 482 assists and 144 made three-pointers.

BERNARD IS AN ELITE STAT SHEET STUFFER
Since the turn of the century, senior Diego Bernard is one of three players in NCAA Div. I/II men's basketball to score 2,000 points, grab 900 rebounds, hand out 400 assists and tally 200 steals.
    He is joined by Wisconsin's Ethan Happ and Purdue-Fort Wayne's John Konchar.

Diego Bernard (Northwest Missouri State, 2018-)
2,073 points
920 rebounds
482 assists
254 steals

Ethan Happ (Wisconsin, 2016-2019)
2,130 points
1,217 rebounds
423 assists
217 steals

John Konchar (Purdue-Fort Wayne, 2016-2019)
2,065 points
1,149 rebounds
553 assists
272 steals

BERNARD IN ELITE NCAA COMPANY
Bearcat senior guard Diego Bernard is one of seven active NCAA men's basketball players and one of only two Div. II players with at least 2,000 points and 900 rebounds.

2,000 Points & 900 Rebounds (Active NCAA MBB)
Dalton Bolon (Coll. of Charleston) - 2,620 pts/952 rbs
Jayden Gardner (Virginia) - 2,259 pts/1,042 rbs
Jordan Janssen (Wayne St.) - 2,088 pts, 1,142 rbs
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 2,073 pts/920 rbs
KJ Williams (LSU) - 2,067 pts/1,070 rbs
Kevin Obanor (Texas Tech) - 2,053 pts/1,047 rbs
Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana) - 2,032 pts/1,046 rbs

Bernard is one of 15 active NCAA men's basketball players (and the only Div. II player) with at least 2,000 points and 400 assists.

2,000 Points & 400 Assists (Active NCAA MBB)
Antoine Davis (Detroit Mercy) - 3,482 pts/568 ast
Taevion Kinsey (Marshall) - 2,523 pts/525 ast
Joel Murray (Long Beach St.) - 2,418 pts/533 ast
Sam Sessoms (Coppin St.) - 2,249 pts/512 ast
Qua Grant (Sam Houston St.) - 2,195 pts/400 ast
Marcus Carr (Texas) - 2,170 pts/693 ast
JR Clay (Tennessee St.) - 2,129 pts/582 ast
Kendric Davis (Memphis) - 2,092 pts/670 ast
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 2,073 pts/482 ast
Jarred Godfrey (Purdue Fort Wayne) - 2,068 pts/463 ast
Darius Quisenberry (Fordham) - 2,043 pts/432 ast
Tyree Appleby (Wake Forest) - 2,036 pts/666 ast
Hunter Maldonado (Wyoming) - 2,108 pts/592 ast
Timmy Allen (Texas) - 2,013 pts/416 ast
Demetre Roberts (Farleigh Dickinson) - 2,042 pts/527 ast

DB RANKS AMONG ACTIVE D-II LEADERS IN SCORING, REBOUNDING, ASSISTS & STEALS
Senior Diego Bernard has accumulated the most career steals among NCAA Div. II active players with 254. Valdosta State's Cam Hamilton ranks No. 2 with 242 career thefts.
    Bernard ranks No. 4 among NCAA Div. II players in scoring with 2,073 points. Only Fairmont State's Isaiah Sanders (2,321 points), Black Hills State's Joel Scott (2,165 points) and Wayne State's Jordan Janssen (2,088 points) have tallied more career points.
    Bernard ranks tied for No. 4 among NCAA Div. II players in rebounding with 920 career boards. Wayne State's Jordan Janssen has tallied 1,142 career rebounds, Shippenburg's Dom Sleva has 942 and Augusta's Tyshaun Crawford has 934.
    Bernard has tallied 482 career assists to rank No. 3 behind Augusta's Tyree Myers (616) and Mount Olive's Michael Brown (575).

ACTIVE DOUBLE-DOUBLES LIST
Senior Diego Bernard has collected 13 career double-doubles. Junior Wes Dreamer has garnered eight career double-doubles. Sophomore Byron Alexander owns one double-double.

Career Double-Doubles
Diego Bernard - 13
Wes Dreamer - 8
Byron Alexander - 1

DB RANKS NO. 6 IN CAREER ASSISTS AT NW
Senior guard Diego Bernard ranks No. 6 in career assists with 482.

Northwest Assists in a Career
1.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)    700
2.     Justin Pitts (2014-18)        575
3.     Kelvin Parker (2001-04)    492
4.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    489
5.    Diego Bernard (2018-pr.)    482
6.    Victor Coleman (1981-84)    467
7.    Mark Yager (1979-82)        449
8.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)    435
9.    Matt Wallace (2011-15)    410
10. Alan Bubalo (1973-76)    251

DB CLIMBING NORTHWEST'S CAREER FIELD GOALS MADE LIST
Senior guard Diego Bernard ranks No. 5 in Bearcat history with 740 made field goals.

Northwest Field Goals in a Career
1. Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)        946
2. Justin Pitts (2014-18)            887
3. Victor Coleman (1981-84)        793
4. Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)        743
5. Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        740
6. David Alvey (1974-77)            644
7. Joe Hurst (1983-86)            635
8. Hunter Henry (2006-09)        589
9. Kelvin Parker (2001-04)        571
10. DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)        546

DB NO. 5 IN MADE FREE THROWS
Senior guard Diego Bernard has drained 451 free throws to rank No. 4 in Bearcat history at the charity stripe.

Northwest Free Throws Made in a Career
1.     Scott Fleming (2000-03)        628
2.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)        502
3.    David Alvey (1974-77)            459
4.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        451
5.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)        440
6.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)            414
7.    Kelvin Parker (2001-04)        402
8.    Hunter Henry (2006-09)        353
9.    Elijah Allen (2007-11)            319
10.    Joe Hurst (1983-86)            310

BERNARD, DREAMER ARE MEMBERS OF 1,000-POINT, 500-REBOUND CLUB AT NW
Senior Diego Bernard and junior Wes Dreamer are among 15 Bearcats to have secured at least 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds at Northwest.

Northwest's 1,000 Pts & 500 Rbs
Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)    2,098 pts/948 rbs
Diego Bernard (2018-pr.)    2,073 pts/920 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
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
Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    1,165 pts/568 rbs
Chris Ebou Ndow (2015-18)    1,134 pts/654 rbs
Bob Sundell (1986-89)    1,082 pts/574 rbs
Rick Jolley (1993-96)    1,054 pts/574 rbs

BERNARD CLIMBING BEARCAT REBOUND LIST
Diego Bernard ranks No. 2 Northwest's all-time rebounds list with 920. Bernard is one of two Bearcats to reach 900 or more career rebounds.
    Bernard needs 28 more rebounds to equal the school record of 948 career rebounds set by Ryan Hawkins.
Northwest's Rebounds in a Career
1.     Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)            948
2.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        920
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.     Victor Coleman (1981-1984)            586
10.     Rick Jolley (1993-1996)            574
        Mark Adams (1976-1980)            574
        Bob Sundell (1986-1989)            574

BERNARD CLIMBING STEALS LIST
Diego Bernard ranks No. 2 on Northwest's all-time steals list with 254.

Northwest's Steals in a Career
1.     Scott Fleming (2000-03)            305
2.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        254
3.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)            225
4.    Kelvin Parker (2001-04)            209
5.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)            194
6.    Mark Yager (1979-82)            188
7.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)            186
8.    Victor Coleman (1981-84)            174
9.    Matt Wallace (2011-15)            158
10.    Gerald Harris (1986-88)            153

DREAMER AMONG TOP-10 3-POINT SHOOTERS IN PROGRAM HISTORY
Junior Wes Dreamer has knocked in 230 career three-pointers to rank No. 7 in school history.
    Dreamer leads the Bearcats in three-pointers made this season (54).

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.    Ryan Welty (2016-20)        238
6.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    230
7.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)    215
8.    Conner Crooker (2013-16)    205
9.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)    173
10.    Joey Witthus (2017-19)    172

MCCOLLUM MOVES CAREER MARK TO 357-85
In 14 seasons at the helm of the Bearcat program, head coach Ben McCollum has led Northwest to a record of 357-85.
    His winning percentage of .808 ranks No. 3 among NCAA Division II coaches and No. 6 among all NCAA Division coaches (minimum of 10 years experience).

MCCOLLUM RANKS NO. 3 IN WIN PERCENTAGE
Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum ranks No. 3 among active NCAA Division II coaches in winning percentage with a minimum of 10 years as a head coach.
    McCollum ranks No. 4 among all NCAA basketball head coaches (minimum of 10 years) in win percentage.
    He also ranks No. 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)    .855 (482-82, 18 yrs.)
2. Matt Logie (Point Loma)    .826 (270-57, 11 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .808 (357-85, 14 yrs.)
4. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .786 (392-107, 17 yrs.)
5. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .756 (431-139, 20 yrs.)
6. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .736 (257-92, 12 yrs.)
7. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .723 (222-85, 10 yrs.)
8. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .715 (504-201, 22 yrs.)
9. Dave Holmquist (Biola)    .708 (1,037-428, 46 yrs.)
10. Steve Ridder (Embry-Riddle)    .707 (756-313, 33 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .855 (482-82, 17 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .835 (678-134, 24 yrs.)
3. Matt Logie (Point Loma)    .826 (270-57, 11 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .808 (357-85, 14 yrs.)
5. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .789 (366-98, 15 yrs.)
6. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .786 (392-107, 17 yrs.)
7. Bill Self (Kansas)    .769 (779-234, 30 yrs.)
8. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .764 (346-107), 16 yrs.)
9. John Calipari (Kentucky)    .760 (784-248, 31 yrs.)
10. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .756 (431-139, 20 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)    .855 (482-82, 18 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .835 (678-134, 24 yrs.)*
3. Clair Bee (Rider/LIU Brooklyn)    .824 (412-88, 21 yrs.)
4. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma)    .826 (270-57, 11 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 (357-85, 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. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial/Indiana State)    .789 (366-98, 15 yrs.)*
12. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)    .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
13. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .786 (392-107, 17 yrs.)*
14. Jerry Tarkanian (LBSU/UNLV/Fresno St.)    .784 (729-201, 31 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 18 active NCAA men's basketball head coaches to have less than 100 losses with at least 10 years of head coaching experience.

Matt Logie (Point Loma)    57 losses (12 yrs.)
Josh Merkel (Randolph-Macon)    80 losses (12 yrs.)
John Tauer (St. Thomas)    81 losses (12 yrs.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)    82 losses (10 yrs.)
Jim Crutchfield (Nova SE)    82 losses (18 yrs.)
Ben McCollum (NWMSU)    85 losses (14 yrs.)
Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    85 losses (10 yrs.)
Jim Rullo (Neumann)        87 losses (10 yrs.)
Ryan Kane (Ripon)        89 losses (10 yrs.)
Rick Croy (California Baptist)    92 losses (10 yrs.)
Charlie Ernst (Findlay)        92 losses (12 yrs.)
Andy Newman (Cal St. S.B.)    97 losses (10 yrs.)
Mike Fuline (Mt. Union)    97 losses (12 yrs.)
Brad Underwood (Illinois)    98 losses (10 yrs.)
Josh Schertz (Indiana St.)    98 losses (15 yrs.)
Chris Beard (Texas)        98 losses (11 yrs.)*
Eric Olen (UC San Diego)    99 losses (10 yrs.)
Jimmy Smith (Trinity, Texas)    99 losses (10 yrs.)
* - no longer coaching this season

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 (26), Lincoln (25), Pittsburg State (21) and Washburn (21).
    He is undefeated against Northeastern State (14-0), Rogers State (6-0) and Newman (4-0).

McCollum vs. Current MIAA Foes
Missouri Western    26-2
Lincoln            25-2
Pittsburg State        21-5
Washburn        21-10
Missouri Southern    18-11
Fort Hays State        18-6
Emporia State        17-7
Central Missouri    16-12
Nebraska-Kearney    14-1
Northeastern State    14-0
Central Oklahoma    11-3
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 357. 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 217-61 in MIAA games only. McCollum became only the fifth head coach in league history to record 200 or more MIAA regular season victories.

Coaching Victories as MIAA Members (as of 2/12/23)
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)    357*
7.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    337
8.    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    319*
9.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
10.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    302
* - active head coaches

MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 2/12/23)
Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
Ben McCollum (Northwest)    217*
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    213
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    200*
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

BEARCATS IN THE NABC POLL
Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll in 111 straight weeks - the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II schools.
    Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll 221 times in this history of its program.
    
Consecutive weeks ranked in NABC Top 25
149, West Liberty (2/2/2010-12/10/2019)
111, Northwest Missouri State (1/26/2016-2/7/2023)  ACTIVE
95, Lincoln Memorial (12/7/2010-12/13/2016)
91, Bellarmine (11/18/2014-2/11/2020)
78, West Texas A&M (11/15/2017-3/8/2022)
76, Salem (1/21/1997-3/11/2003)
76, Grambling (1/5/1961-3/9/1967)
71, Kentucky Wesleyan (11/24/1997-12/16/2003)
66, Cal State-Bakersfield (1/27/1992-12/7/1998)
65, Augusta (1/30/2007-3/8/2011)
65, Stephen F. Austin (12/12/1968-3/8/1973)

Consecutive weeks in NABC Top 10
104, West Liberty (12/13/2011-2/27/2018)
92, Northwest Missouri State (3/8/2016-2/22/2022)
76, Grambling (1/5/1961-3/9/1967)
70, Kentucky Wesleyan (11/24/1997-3/11/2003)
47, Kentucky Wesleyan (12/29/1966-2/5/1970)
45, West Texas A&M (2/5/2019-1/25/2022)
43, Evansville (1/10/1963-3/3/1966)
40, Wittenberg (3/9/1961-2/4/1965)
39, Ashland (12/12/1968-3/11/1971)
38, Salem (1/28/1997-2/21/2000)

Consecutive weeks in NABC Top 5
60, Northwest Missouri State (3/6/2018-2/15/2022)
40, Grambling (3/2/1961-1/28/1965)
36, West Liberty (1/10/2012-2/11/2014)
35, Evansville (1/24/1963-1/20/1966)
32, Kentucky Wesleyan (12/29/1966-1/23/1969)
26, Bentley (12/12/2006-3/11/2008)
26, Southern Illinois (2/18/1965-3/9/1967)
25, Northwest Missouri State (11/15/2016-1/16/2018)
24, Jefferson (2/24/1992-1/22/1995)
24, Ashland (12/12/1968-2/19/1970)

Most weeks ranked 
356, Kentucky Wesleyan
277, Southern Indiana
232, Florida Southern
221, Northwest Missouri State
212, Virginia Union
204, West Liberty
201, Indiana (Pa.)
179, Bellarmine
169, MSU Denver
167, Findlay
164, Lincoln Memorial

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

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

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

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.
    Northwest has produced 29 20-win seasons in program history. McCollum's 12 20-win seasons are the most among Northwest men's basketball coaches.

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

WINNING NUMBERS
Northwest has posted a spectacular mark of 154-10 over the past five seasons and has won all three of the national championships that have been contested.

LIMITED Ls IN SEVEN YEARS
Northwest has suffered only 15 losses in the last seven seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 216-15 over the last seven years.

35-1 - 2016-17
27-4 - 2017-18
38-0 - 2018-19
31-1 - 2019-20
28-2 - 2020-21
34-5 - 2021-22
23-2 - 2022-23

13 STRAIGHT HOME WINS
Northwest has captured 13 consecutive home wins in a row, which ranks as the seventh-longest active win streak in Div. II.
    Northwest is 12-0 at home this season in Bearcat Arena. The Bearcats won their last home game of the 2021-22 season.

NCAA Div. II Active Home-Court Winning Streaks
58 - Lincoln Memorial
37 - Nova Southeastern
27 - Indiana, Pa.
18 - West Liberty
14 - West Texas A&M
13 - Northwest Mo. St.
13 - Northern St.
13 - Southern Nazarene
12 - Angelo St.

    Northwest's 13-game home-court winning streak is the longest active streak in the MIAA. UCO's nine-game home-court winning streak is the second longest active mark in the league.

MIAA Active Home-Court Winning Streaks
13 - Northwest Mo. St.
9 - Central Oklahoma
5 - Lincoln
5 - Washburn
3 - Emporia St.
3 - Central Missouri

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 159-13, including a tally of 107-10 in MIAA play.
    Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 116-6. In that same stretch, Northwest is 81-4 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    12-0 (9-0)

BERNARD LEADS NORTHWEST TO ROAD WINS
Senior Diego Bernard led Northwest to a pair of road wins at Nebraska-Kearney and Fort Hays State.
    Bernard secured a career-high 29 points and notched six steals as he played all 40 minutes in a 57-52 road win over Fort Hays State. Bernard grabbed five rebounds and handed out two assists in the triumph over the Tigers. He became only the eighth MIAA men's basketball player to reach 2,000 career points in the matchup.
    Bernard scored a game-high 15 points in only 24 minutes of action as Northwest blew out Nebraska-Kearney, 76-36, on Thursday night.
    Over the two games, Bernard averaged 22.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 steals, 2.5 assists and shot 84.2% from the free throw line (16-of-19).

SIXTH 40-PLUS POINT WIN FOR MCCOLLUM IN MIAA PLAY
Northwest secured its sixth 40-plus point win in MIAA play under head coach Ben McCollum in its 76-36 win at Nebraska-Kearney.

Northwest's 40-Point MIAA Victories
(Since 2009)
47 vs. Lincoln (Feb. 8, 2020), 96-49
43 vs. Truman State (Feb. 16, 2011), 89-46
43 vs. Northeastern St. (Nov. 30, 2017), 99-56
43 at Central Missouri (Jan. 30, 2021, 80-37
40 vs. Central Missouri (Jan. 29, 2022), 89-49
40 at Neb.-Kearney (Jan. 26, 2023), 76-36

LIMITED DOUBLE-FIGURE LOSSES IN LAST SIX YEARS
Northwest has lost by double digits only six times (20  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)
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)
4 - 76-72 vs. Upper Iowa (11/13/15)

MCCOLLUM RARELY ENDURES DOUBLE-FIGURE SETBACKS
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 357-85.
    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 nine 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.

PLAYING WITH THE LEAD
In Northwest's 21 wins this season, the Bearcats have only trailed once in the second half.
    Fort Hays State held a one-point lead with 14:41 to play in the Dec. 11 game before Northwest came back to score a 64-49 win.

NINE IS THE LARGEST COMEBACK THIS YEAR
Northwest overcame a nine-point first-half deficit against Central Missouri to mark its largest comeback of the season.
    Central Missouri held an 18-9 lead over Northwest with 7:00 to play in the first half.

'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG WINS
Under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 144-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 143 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 60-0 when scoring 90 or more points with head coach Ben McCollum.
    Northwest has reached 92 points against Truman State and 93 against Clarke so far this season.

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

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

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

STIRTZ NAMED MIAA POW
Freshman Bennett Stirtz was named the MIAA men's basketball player of the week on Nov. 14.
    Stirtz began his collegiate career by scoring in double figures in all four contests. He averaged a team-best 14.5 points per game, while shooting 67.7% from the floor (including 7-of-13 from three-point range). He has handed out 16 assists to go against one turnover in 121 minutes of game action.
    Stirtz did not miss a field goal in his debut against No. 5-ranked West Texas A&M in Lakeland, Fla. Stirtz went 6-of-6 from the floor, 2-of-2 at the line and sank his only three-point shot. He dished out five assists and did not commit a turnovers against the Buffs in a season-opening 78-62 Northwest victory.
    Stirtz tallied 10 points, four assists, four steals and a rebound in an 88-75 victory over Flagler in Lakeland, Fla.
    He put up a season-high 17 points and six rebounds in an 81-78 triumph over Northern State in St. Joseph, Mo. Stirtz made 5-of-7 field goals, including 3-of-4 from three-point range against the Wolves. He had three assists and no turnovers in 35 minutes of action.
    Stirtz notched 16 points, four rebounds and four assists in a 79-42 blowout of Minnesota Crookston on Saturday in St. Joseph. He made 6-of-10 shots from the floor and went 2-of-4 from three-point range. He did not commit a turnover in 27 minutes of play.

NORTHWEST IN ST. JOSEPH
Northwest has won 25 consecutive games in the city of St. Joseph that includes six victories over Missouri Western.

Northwest's Last 25 Games in St. Joseph
W, 79-42 vs. Minnesota Crookston (11/12/22)
W, 81-78 vs. Northern State (11/11/22)
W, 84-61 vs. Missouri Western (2/5/22)
W, 78-65 vs. Missouri-St. Louis (11/19/21)
W, 64-59 vs. Seattle Pacific (11/7/21)
W, 68-55 vs. Northern State (11/6/21)
W, 79-56 vs. Missouri Western (2/9/21)
W, 92-69 vs. Missouri Western (2/25/20)
W, 92-71 vs. MSU Moorhead (11/9/19
W, 60-52 vs. Minn.-Crookston (11/8/19)
W, 100-88 vs. Southern Nazarene (11/2/19)
W, 85-65 vs. Daemen (11/1/19)
W, 87-64 vs. Missouri Western (1/19/19)
W, 84-59 vs. Winona State (11/10/18)
W, 76-59 vs. Upper Iowa (11/9/18)
W, 100-86 vs. Ferris State (11/4/18)
W, 72-70 vs. Northern State (11/3/18)
W, 74-60 vs. Missouri Western (12/6/17)
W, 71-60 vs. Northern State (11/12/17)
W, 89-65 vs. Upper Iowa (11/10/17)
W, 74-58 vs. Missouri Western (1/28/17)
W, 76-58 vs. Wayne State (11/13/16)
W, 87-52 vs. Upper Iowa (11/11/16)
W, 66-60 vs. Missouri Western (1/9/16)
W, 89-52 vs. Wayne State (11/14/15)

'CATS FIND NEUTRAL COURT DOMINANCE
Northwest has won 59 of its last 60 games on neutral floors.
    Northwest had a streak of 45 straight neutral court wins snapped this season by Sioux Falls in Municipal Auditorium on Nov. 13. USF scored an 83-77 win over Northwest.

Northwest - 59-1 in Last 60 Neutral Court Games
W, 79-42 vs. Minnesota Crookston (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/12/22)
W, 81-78 vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/11/22)
W, 88-75 vs. Flagler (Lakeland, Fla. - 11/6/22)
W, 78-62 vs. West Texas A&M (Lakeland, Fla. - 11/5/22)
W, 67-58 vs. Augusta (Evansville, Ind. - 3/26/22)
W, 70-57 vs. Black Hills State (Evansville, Ind. - 3/24/22)
W, 61-43 vs. Bentley (Evansville, Ind. - 3/22/22)
W, 70-55 vs. Washburn (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/13/22)
W, 69-54 vs. MSU Moorhead (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/12/22)
W, 84-76 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/6/22)
W, 53-50 vs. Fort Hays State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/22)
W, 72-50 vs. Rogers State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/3/22)
W, 78-65 vs. Missouri-St. Louis (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/19/21)
W, 75-52 vs. Arkansas-Monticello (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/14/21)
L, 83-77 vs. Sioux Falls (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/13/21)
W, 64-59 vs. Seattle Pacific (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/7/21)
W, 68-55 vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/6/21)
W, 80-54 vs. West Texas A&M (Evansville, Ind. - 3/27/21)
W, 77-46 vs. Flagler (Evansville, Ind. - 3/25/21)
W, 98-77 vs. West Liberty (Evansville, Ind. - 3/24/21)
W, 85-44 vs. Washburn (Aberdeen, S.D. - 3/14/21)
W, 78-76 vs. Missouri Southern (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/8/20)
W, 80-54 vs. Missouri Western (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/7/20)
W, 75-54 vs. Lincoln (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/20)
W, 92-71 vs. MSU Moorhead (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/9/19)
W, 60-52 vs. Minnesota Crookston (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/8/19)
W, 100-88 vs. Southern Nazarene (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/2/19)
W, 85-65 vs. Daemen (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/1/19)
W, 64-58 vs. Point Loma (Evansville, Ind. - 3/30/19)
W, 76-53 vs. Saint Anselm (Evansville, Ind. - 3/28/19)
W, 55-51 vs. Mercyhurst (Evansville, Ind. - 3/27/19)
W, 82-53 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/10/19)
W, 86-69 vs. Lincoln (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/9/19)
W, 82-79 vs. Emporia State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/7/19)
W, 85-66 vs. Illinois-Springfield (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/19/18)
W, 84-59 vs. Winona State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/10/18)
W, 76-59 vs. Upper Iowa (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/9/18)
W, 100-86 vs. Ferris State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/4/18)
W, 72-70 OT vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/3/18)
W, 80-74 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/18)
W, 65-57 vs. Central Oklahoma (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/3/18)
W, 79-73 vs. Pittsburg State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/2/18)
W, 70-56 vs. Lincoln Memorial (Owensboro, Ky. - 12/19/17)
W, 86-78 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/21/17)
W, 71-60 vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/12/17)
W, 89-65 vs. Upper Iowa (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/10/17)
W, 71-61 vs. Fairmont State (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/25/17)
W, 79-67 vs. Lincoln Memorial (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/23/17)
W, 79-70 vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/22/17)
W, 69-61 vs. Central Missouri (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/17)
W, 67-63 vs. Missouri Southern (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/17)
W, 80-76 vs. Lincoln (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/2/17)
W, 76-58 vs. Wayne State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/13/16)
W, 87-52 vs. Upper Iowa (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/11/16)
W, 82-60 vs. Minnesota State (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/13/16)
W, 78-53 vs. Ouachita Baptist (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/12/16)
W, 61-53 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/6/16)
W, 69-51 vs. Fort Hays State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/16)
W, 62-57 vs. Lindenwood (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/16)
W, 89-52 vs. Wayne State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/14/15)

NORTHWEST HAS WON 14 STRAIGHT GAMES ON NEUTRAL COURTS
Northwest has won 14 consecutive games on neutral courts, which is the longest active Division II neutral court winning streak. Washington University, an NCAA Division III school, has won 17 straight neutral court games.

NCAA All Div. Neutral Court Win Streak
WashU - 17 (Div. III)
Northwest Missouri State - 14 (Div. II)
Randolph-Macon - 14 (Div. III)
Claremont-M-S - 12 (Div. III)
William Paterson - 11 (Div. III)
Wesleyan (Conn.) - 11 (Div. III)
Adelphi - 10 (Div. II)

JACKSON'S SCORING TOUCH
Sophomore guard Isaiah Jackson had a scoring explosion with a career-high 26-point scoring night against Flagler.
    Jackson buried 9-of-13 shots from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range.
    His previous career high in scoring was 13 points against Washburn last season in the Central Region Tournament.
    Jackson knocked in his first three 3-point shots of the game and scored 11 first-half points. After Flagler had cut a 23-point deficit down to nine points, Jackson reignited his scoring outburst and scored the final 16 points of the game for the Bearcats.
    Jackson came into the contest having made a total of two 3-point shots in his collegiate career.

BERNARD IS PERFECT IN NCAA TOURNEY PLAY
Senior guard Diego Bernard has helped Northwest to a perfect record in NCAA Tournament play since he arrived at Northwest in the 2018-19 season. Bernard is 16-0 in NCAA Tournament action, while Northwest is 17-0 in that stretch.

Diego Bernard (16 NCAA Games)
10.5 Points Per Game (168 points)
47.4% Field Goal Percentage (55-116)
80.9% Free Throw Percentage (55-68)
93 Rebounds
38 Assists
22 Steals

LADDERS, SCISSORS, NETS, TROPHIES
Diego Bernard has worn out his share of ladders, scissors, nets and trophies.
    Bernard is on a 13-of-14 run when it comes to cutting down the nets to celebrate titles and championships.
    The only title that Bernard has not celebrated was the 2021 MIAA Tournament title when Washburn's Tyler Geiman made a 55-foot shot at the buzzer to defeat Northwest, 69-68.
    
2018-19
MIAA Regular Season Title
MIAA Tournament Title
NCAA Central Region Title
2019 NCAA Championship

2019-20
MIAA Regular Season Title
MIAA Tournament Title
NCAA Tournament - Canceled by COVID-19

2020-21
MIAA Regular Season Title
NCAA Central Region Title
2021 NCAA Championship

2021-22
MIAA Regular Season Title
MIAA Tournament Title
NCAA Central Region Title
2022 NCAA Championship

'CATS HAVE SIX 30-WIN SEASONS
Northwest reached the 30-win mark for the sixth time in program history last year and has done so in four of the last six seasons.
    Northwests's 34 wins in 2021-22 ranks as the third-best single-season total in program history.
    Northwest set its single-season win mark in 2018-19 when the Bearcats won 38 games en route to the national championship.
    
Northwest's 30-Win Seasons
38-0 - 2018-19 (National Champions)
35-1 - 2016-17 (National Champions)
34-5 - 2021-22 (National Champions)
31-0 - 1929-30 (NCAA Tournament not contested)
31-6 - 1930-31 (NCAA Tournament not contested)
31-1 - 2019-20 (NCAA Tournament not contested)

100-POINT MARK
Northwest has scored 100 or more points 17 times under head coach Ben McCollum.

100-Point Games under McCollum
105-55 vs. Manhattan Christian (11/16/09)
104-67 vs. Graceland (11/28/09)
105-59 vs. Waldorf (12/16/13)
104-69 at Southwest Baptist (1/16/14)
103-58 vs. Missouri Valley (12/13/16)
100-86 vs. Ferris State (11/3/18)
100-66 vs. Midland (12/1/18)
108-58 vs. Simpson (12/30/18)
105-70 at Northeastern State (1/3/19)
111-83 vs. Pittsburg State (1/31/19)
100-88 vs. Southern Nazarene (11/2/19)
102-59 vs. William Jewell (11/21/19)
110-66 vs. Central Methodist (12/16/19)
101-66 vs. Simpson (1/1/20)
100-61 vs. Emporia State (3/3/21)
104-72 vs. Central Oklahoma (3/5/21)
101-63 vs. Missouri Western (12/18/21)

MCCOLLUM 8-7 IN 1-POINT GAMES
Northwest Missouri State head coach Ben McCollum is 8-7 in one-point games since taking over the Bearcat program.

One-Point Games Under Ben McCollum
L, 76-75 vs. Emporia State (2/21/22)
L, 60-59 vs. Washburn (2/19/22)
L, 76-75 OT at Central Oklahoma (1/20/22)
L, 69-68 vs. Washburn (3/6/21)
W, 77-76 vs. Missouri Southern (2/20/20)
W, 76-75 vs. Missouri Southern (1/27/16)
W, 66-65 at Augustana (3/15/15)
W, 59-58 at Missouri Western (2/4/15)
L, 60-59 vs. Central Missouri (3/18/14)
W, 79-78 vs. Missouri Southern (1/22/14)
L, 59-58 at Fort Hays State (2/16/13)
W, 52-51 vs. Emporia State (2/2/13)
W, 69-68 OT at Missouri Southern (1/3/13)
W, 65-64 vs. Pittsburg State (2/5/11)
L, 47-46 at Southwest Minnesota State (11/27/11)

OVERTIME IN MCCOLLUM ERA
Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum is 10-7 in overtime contests since taking over the program in the 2009-10 season.

Overtime Games Under Ben McCollum
L, 76-75 at Central Oklahoma (1/20/22)
W, 91-86 at Northern State (3/16/21)
W, 88-85 at Washburn (2/20/21)
L, 84-82 vs. Washburn (1/7/21)
W, 72-70 vs. Northern State (11/3/18)
W, 79-74 vs. Upper Iowa (3/11/17)
W, 77-73 vs. Southwest Baptist (1/14/15)
L, 60-59 vs. Central Missouri (3/18/14)
W, 73-69 at Nebraska-Kearney (1/9/14)
L, 79-76 vs. Central Missouri (3/10/13)
W, 69-68 at Missouri Southern (1/3/13)
W, 73-66 vs. Lindenwood (12/5/12)
W, 94-87 at Truman State (2/15/12) -- Double Overtime
W, 73-70 vs. Pittsburg State (12/7/11)
L, 85-80 at Nebraska-Omaha (12/11/10)
L, 89-81 vs. Missouri Southern (2/27/10)
L, 92-83 vs. vs. Southwest Baptist (1/16/10)

NORTHWEST HAS TALLIED A LEAGUE-BEST 22 MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLES
Northwest captured its ninth straight MIAA regular season title and a league-record 22nd overall crown in the 2021-22 season.

MIAA Regular Season Titles
Northwest - 22
Central Missouri - 21
Missouri State - 19
Southeast Missouri State - 13
Washburn - 10
Truman State - 9
Missouri Western - 5
Southwest Baptist - 4
Lincoln - 4
Missouri Southern - 2
Missouri S&T - 2
Fort Hays State - 1
Pittsburg State - 1
Central Oklahoma - 1

BEARCATS HAVE CLAIMED NINE STRAIGHT MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLES
Northwest captured its ninth straight MIAA regular season crown in the 2021-22 season.
    Only Gongaza has a longer conference title winning streak with 10 in a row. The Zags have won 10 straight West Coast Conference titles at the NCAA Division I level.
    Over the last 10 seasons, Northwest has compiled a league mark of 176-22.
    Over the last seven seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 126-11 against league foes.

Year        NW's MIAA Record
2013-14    16-3
2014-15    15-4
2015-16    19-3
2016-17    18-1
2017-18    16-3
2018-19    19-0
2019-20    18-1
2020-21    21-1
2021-22    18-4
2022-23    16-2
Totals    176-22

NORTHWEST IS NAT'L NAME
Northwest is 40-20 all-time in the NCAA Tournament with six appearances in the Elite Eight (2002, 2004, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022).
    Northwest became the first NCAA Division II school to capture three straight national titles.
    The Bearcats have claimed four national championships with titles in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022.
    
NCAA Div. II National Titles
8, Kentucky Wesleyan
5, Evansville
4, Northwest Missouri State
3, Virginia Union
2, Central Missouri
2, MSU Denver
2, North Alabama
2, Winona State

MIAA PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
Northwest Missouri State has again been picked first in the 2022-23 MIAA preseason men's basketball coaches and media polls.

2022-23 MIAA Coaches Poll
1.    Northwest Missouri State [11] – 167 Points
2.     Central Oklahoma [3] – 158 Points
3.     Fort Hays State – 137 Points
4.     Washburn – 131 Points
5.     Emporia State – 125 Points
6.     Northeastern State – 100 Points
7.     Missouri Western – 93 Points
8.     Missouri Southern – 85 Points
9.     Central Missouri – 73 Points
10.     Pittsburg State – 63 Points
    Rogers State – 63 Points
12.     Nebraska Kearney – 36 Points
13.     Lincoln – 26 Points
14.     Newman – 17 Points   
Coaches Are Not Allowed To Vote For Their Own Team

2022-23 MIAA Media Poll
1.     Northwest Missouri State [14] – 261 Points
2.     Central Oklahoma [4] – 243 Points
3.     Fort Hays State – 216 Points
4.     Washburn – 209 Points
5.     Emporia State – 181 Points
6.     Missouri Western – 163 Points
7.     Missouri Southern – 146 Points
8.     Northeastern State – 135 Points
9.     Central Missouri – 112 Points
10.     Pittsburg State – 106 Points
11.     Rogers State – 92 Points
12.     Nebraska Kearney – 67 Points
13.     Newman – 33 Points
14.     Lincoln – 31 Points

2023 MIAA TOURNAMENT TICKETS ON SALE
Northwest Missouri State University basketball fans can purchase tickets to the 2023 MIAA Tournament presented by Southern Bank at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.
    Tickets will be available for sale at all remaining Bearcat basketball home games (Feb. 2, Feb. 4, Feb. 23 and Feb. 25) at the box office in Bearcat Arena.
    Fans can purchase an all-session pass that will cost $50 or single-session tickets for $20 ($10 for student all-session ticket).
    Purchasing through Northwest will ensure seats in the Bearcat cheering sections for the quarterfinals, semifinal and championship rounds. Single session adult tickets are also available game days at Municipal Auditorium and through TicketMaster.
    The 2023 MIAA Women's and Men's Basketball Tournaments are set for March 1-5 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.
    Its marks the 20th year the event will be played at the historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City. For the fourth time, the championships will have a field make-up of the top 10 men's and 10 women's teams in the Association's standings.
    All men's and women's games of the championship will be held in Kansas City over five days beginning on Wednesday, March 1 concluding with the championship games on Sunday, March 5. The men's games will be taking the court in the afternoon sessions and the women's games will be played during the evening sessions.

       Single Session
o   Students - $10
o   Adults - $20
·       All-Tournament Pass
o   $75
o   $50 if purchased at one of the MIAA institutions
·       Children six and under are admitted at no charge

PRESS CONFERENCE TUESDAY AT PIZZA RANCH
Northwest head coach Ben McCollum will be available each Tuesday from Noon - 1 p.m. for a press conference at the Maryville Pizza Ranch.