Thursday, Feb. 23 | 7:30 p.m. (CT) | Bearcat Arena | Maryville, Mo.
No. 7 Central Oklahoma at No. 2 Northwest Missouri State
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Saturday, Feb. 25 | 3:30 p.m. (CT) | Bearcat Arena | Maryville, Mo.
Missouri Southern at No. 2 Northwest Missouri State
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Bearcat Radio Network/MIAA Network
John Coffey - Play-by-Play
Matt Tritten - Analyst

NORTHWEST TO CLOSE HOME REGULAR SEASON WITH UCO, MISSOURI SOUTHERN
The No. 2-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (25-2 overall, 18-2 MIAA) will return home to play its final two regular season home games against No. 7-ranked Central Oklahoma (23-3, 17-3 MIAA) on Thursday and vs. Missouri Southern (16-10, 17-8 MIAA) on Saturday.

SENIOR DAY SATURDAY
Northwest will honor three student-athletes on Saturday as they part in their final home regular season games in Bearcat Arena.
    Diego Bernard, Wes Dreamer and Luke Waters will each take to the court Saturday as a part of Senior Day festivities.
    The trio has helped Northwest capture three national titles, four MIAA regular season crowns and three MIAA tourney championships.

ALL-TIME VS. BRONCHOS
Northwest owns a 16-5 lead in the all-time series with Central Oklahoma. The Bronchos have won two straight in the series. Both of those contests took place in Edmond, Okla.
    Northwest is 4-1 vs. UCO in games played in Bearcat Arena. UCO's only win in Bearcat Arena came in an 81-77 victory on Jan. 4, 2014.
    UCO's last trip to Bearcat Arena resulted in a 104-72 win for Northwest in the 2021 MIAA Tournament on March 5, 2021.
    Northwest has defeated Missouri Western 21 straight times, including an 87-64 win earlier this season in Maryville.
    Head coach Ben McCollum is 11-3 vs. Central Oklahoma.


ALL-TIME VS. LIONS
Northwest owns a 42-24 lead in the all-time series with Missouri Southern. Northwest has defeated MSSU 10 straight times, including a 72-45 win to open MIAA play this year.
    Northwest has won five matchups in a row with Missouri Southern in Bearcat Arena.
    Head coach Ben McCollum is 18-11 vs. Missouri Southern.

MIAA CROWN WITHIN REACH
Northwest needs one more victory or one more Central Oklahoma loss to capture its 10th consecutive MIAA regular season title.
    Northwest would clinch the outright MIAA crown with a victory Thursday vs. Central Oklahoma.
    Northwest can also clinch a share of the MIAA title with a win Saturday vs. Missouri Southern.
    Northwest would extend its record for the most MIAA men's basketball regular season championships to 23.

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 AIM FOR 10 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 178-22.

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    18-2
Totals    178-22

NORTHWEST EXTENDS WIN STREAK TO 11 STRAIGHT
Northwest's 11-game win streak ranks as the sixth-longest active win streak in NCAA Div. II men's basketball.

NCAA Div. II Active Winning Streaks
25 - Nova Southeastern
20 - Point Loma
18 - UIndy
13 - Southern Nazarene
13 - Emmanual, Ga.
11 - Northwest Mo. St.
10 - Northern St.

YET ANOTHER 10-GAME WIN STREAK FOR MCCOLLUM
Northwest has produced 11 winning streaks of 10 games or more under the direction of head coach Ben McCollum.

10-Game Winning Streaks for Mac
10 - Jan. 9, 2014 - Feb. 8, 2014
10 - Jan. 28, 2015 - March 5, 2015
17 - Jan. 6, 2016 - March 13, 2016
24 - Nov. 11, 2016 - Feb. 16, 2017
23 - Feb. 23, 2017 - Dec. 30, 2018
46 - Nov. 3, 2018 - Dec. 5, 2019
28 - Dec. 16, 2019 - Jan. 2, 2021
18 - Jan. 9, 2021 - March 5, 2021
14 - Nov. 14, 2021 - Jan. 17, 2022
21 - Feb. 23, 2022 - Dec. 11-2022
11 - Jan. 14-2023 - pres.

25+ WINS IN 9 STRAIGHT YEARS
Northwest has captured 25 or more wins in nine consecutive seasons.
    In its last nine seasons, Northwest is 270-28 overall and 162-19 in MIAA action.

MESMERIZING DEFENSIVE
EFFORT IN LAST 11 GAMES
Northwest's defensive efforts in its 11-game win streak is bordering on mind blowing.
    In its 11-game win streak, Northwest is limiting the opposition to 48.5 points per game.
    Northwest has held its 11 opponents to 37.4% shooting from the field (187-of-500). The Bearcats have limited their opposition to 20.9% shooting from beyond the three-point arc (34-of-163) in this 11-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
WU        40    .295    .231
MWSU    59    .408    .143
AVG.        48.5    .374    .209

2ND-BEST SCORING DEFENSE IN COUNTRY; TOPS IN MIAA
The Bearcats rank No. 2 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing only 56.0 points per game.
    In MIAA games only, Northwest leads the league in scoring defense (54.7 ppg) and Fort Hays State is No. 2 at 60.0 ppg.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.    Southern Nazarene        55.9
2.    Northwest Mo. St.        56.0
3.    Fort Hays St.        57.9
4.    Indiana, Pa.        58.8
5.    Walsh        59.2
6.    Miles            59.8
7.    Central Oklahoma        60.9
8.    West Alabama        61.1
9.    Fayetteville St.        61.6
10.    Mercyhurst        61.7

BEARCATS LEAD THE NATION IN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
Northwest has made 716-of-1,367 field goals (52.4%) to rank No. 1 in the nation among NCAA Div. II teams.
    Northwest has shot 50.0% or better in 18 of its 27 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.        52.4%
2.    Nova Southeastern        52.2%
3.    Lincoln Memorial        52.2%
4.    Saint Leo        51.9%
5.    Seattle Pacific        51.4%
6.    Ashland        50.9%
7.    Pittsburgh-Johnstown    50.9%
8.    North Georgia        50.8%
9.    Fairmont St.        50.5%
10.    Ferris St.        50.4%

13 STRAIGHT HOME WINS
Northwest has captured 13 consecutive home wins in a row, which ranks as the ninth-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
38 - Nova Southeastern
29 - Indiana, Pa.
19 - West Liberty
16 - West Texas A&M
14 - Southern Nazarene
14 - Northern St.
14 - Angelo St.
13 - Northwest Mo. St.
11 - Central Oklahoma
10 - UIndy
10 - Point Loma
10 - Cal St. San Marcos
10 - Jefferson
10 - Westminster

    Northwest's 13-game home-court winning streak is the longest active streak in the MIAA. UCO's 11-game home-court winning streak is the second longest active mark in the league.

MIAA Active Home-Court Winning Streaks
13 - Northwest Mo. St.
11 - Central Oklahoma
3 - Emporia St.
2 - Fort Hays State

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)

MIAA WINS STANDARD
Only 13 times in the MIAA's storied history has a team won 17 or more league games. Northwest has accomplished the feat seven times and holds the MIAA regular season wins mark with 21 set in 2020-21.
    Northwest, Central Oklahoma have each reached our surpassed 17 MIAA wins this season.
    Northwest has won 18 more more MIAA games in each of the last five seasons. With two more league wins, Northwest would become only the second team to win 20 MIAA games in a season - joining the 2020-21 Bearcat team with 21 league triumphs.
MIAA Record for Wins
21, Northwest Mo. St. (2020-21)
19, Missouri Southern (2010-11)
19, Northwest Mo. St. (2015-16)
19, Northwest Mo. St. (2018-19)
18, Central Missouri (2009-10)
18, Northwest Mo. St. (2016-17)
18, Northwest Mo. St. (2019-20)
18, Northwest Mo. St. (2011-22)
18, Central Oklahoma (2021-22)
18, Northwest Mo. St. (2022-23)
17, Southwest Baptist (2008-09)
17, Fort Hays State (2021-22)
17, Central Oklahoma (2022-23)

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 167-5 in his 14-year career.
    The Bearcats have limited 18 opponents to 59 points or less this season. In conference play, Northwest has limited 14 of its opponents to 59 points or less.
    In its 11-game winning streak, Northwest has not allowed an opponent to score more than 59 points.

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. 19, Northwest is among 38 NCAA Division II teams with 20 wins this season. Northwest is tied for No. 2 in the nation with 25 wins.
    Indiana, Pa., has amassed the nation's most wins with 26. IUP is 26-1 on the season.
    Northwest is joined at 25 wins by Lincoln Memorial (25-3), UNC Pembroke (25-2) and Nova Southeastern (25-0).
    Nova Southeastern is the only remaining undefeated NCAA Div. II men's basketball team at 25-0.

SUFFOCATING DEFENSE FROM THE 'CATS
The Bearcats have produced some 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 gave up only 40 points in a Valentine's Day win at Washburn. The 40 points allowed ranks tied for the fourth-lowest in the McCollum era.
    The Bearcats allowed Northeastern State to score only 43, which ranks tied for the ninth-lowest scoring total in the last 14 years of Northwest hoops.
    The lowest scoring output in the MIAA since the 1985-86 season (advent of the shot clock) was 32 points by Central Missouri against Missouri S&T (Feb. 13, 2002).

Fewest Points Allowed in Ben McCollum Era
36 at Nebraska-Kearney (1/26/23)
37 vs. Central Missouri (1/30/21)
38 vs. Lincoln (1/21/23)
40 vs. Saint Mary (11/14/20)
40 at Washburn (2/14/23)
41 vs. Graceland (11/18/10)
41 vs. Lindenwood (2/7/19)
42 vs. Minn. Crookston (11/12/22)
43 vs. Waldorf (11/15/11)
43 vs. Emporia State (2/8/17)
43 vs. Simpson (12/30/17)
43 vs. Lincoln (2/1/18)
43 vs. Tabor (11/23/18)
43 vs. Bentley (3/22/22)
43 vs. Northeastern State (2/11/23)

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 (74.9 ppg/2,023 points). Central Oklahoma is the top scoring team in the MIAA at 76.4 ppg/1,986 points.
    In MIAA games only, Northwest ranks No. 3 in the league at 71.5 points per game. Missouri Southern is the top scoring squad in MIAA games only at 73.0 ppg.

BERNARD REACHES DOUBLE FIGURES AGAIN
Senior guard Diego Bernard has registered a team-best 118 career double-figure scoring games. Bernard has scored in double figures in 19 straight games - the longest stretch of his career.
    Junior Wes Dreamer has scored in double figures in five straight games.

Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 118
Wes Dreamer - 57
Luke Waters - 53
Bennett Stirtz - 19
Daniel Abreu - 19
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 (16.7 ppg), rebounding (5.0), steals (55), field goals made (160) and free throws made (100).
    In MIAA games only, Bernard ranks No. 2 in the league in scoring at 17.9 points per game - trailing only Emporia State's Owen Long (18.9 ppg).
    In all games, Bernard ranks No. 7 in the MIAA in scoring per game at 16.7 ppg.
    Bernard is tied for No. 13 in the nation in total steals (55).

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. 2 in the league in field goal percentage (59.5%), while Diego Bernard ranks No. 3 at 55.9%.

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 (33.5). Stirtz has played six 40-minutes games this season. He ranks No. 9 in the MIAA in minutes played.
    Stirtz ranks tied for No. 20 in the nation in total steals (51).
    He has drained 31-of-71 from three-point range (43.7%). He has made at least one three-pointer in 19 of 27 games played.

DREAMER IS LOCKED IN DURING HIS LAST FIVE
Junior Wes Dreamer has averaged 18.6 points per game over his last five games. He has scored 20 or more in two of those contests and has scored at least 13 points in his last five games.
    Dreamer has knocked in 22 three-pointers in his last five games. Dreamer is shooting 47.8% from three-point land in this stretch.
    He has grabbed 6.4 rebounds per game in his last five with at least five rebounds in each game.

THE POINT IS TO OUTSCORE
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in scoring margin +18.9 through Feb. 19.
    Northwest leads the MIAA in scoring margin conference games only at +16.9 per game. UCO is second in the league in scoring margin at +8.8 per game in MIAA play.
    Northwest has won 16 of its 18 league games by 10 points or more.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Margin
1.    Nova Southeastern        +28.8
2.    Northwest Mo. St.        +19.3
3.    West Liberty        +18.5
4.    Lincoln Memorial        +18.2
5.    Ferris St.        +17.0
6.    Indiana, Pa.        +16.9
7.    Central Oklahoma        +15.5
8.    Cal St. San Bernadino    +15.2
9.    Point Loma        +15.1
10.    Black Hills St.        +14.9

NORTHWEST ALLOWS FEWEST REBOUNDS
The Bearcats allow the fewest rebounds per game (25.2) in the country.
NCAA Div. II Fewest Rebounds Allowed Per Game
1.    Northwest Mo. St.        25.2
2.    Southern Nazarene        26.9
3.    Colorado Mesa        28.0
4.    Southwest Baptist        28.1
5.    UNC Pembroke        28.2
6.    Texas A&M-International    28.2
7.    West Alabama        28.8
8.    Arkansas-Monticello        29.1
9.    Lubbock Christian        29.3
10.    Bentley        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)
Mitch Mascari        +351    +22.23
Wes Dreamer        +983    +21.75
Diego Bernard        +415    +21.49
Bennett Stirtz        +424    +20.83
Daniel Abreu        +262    +18.70
Luke Waters        +252    +17.82
Byron Alexander    +183    +17.54
Isaiah Jackson        +247    +17.41
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 (1.082) according to Synergy Sports Technology.

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. II)
1.    Northwest Mo. St.    1.082
2.    Lincoln Memorial    1.068
3.    Northern St.    1.062
4.    Seattle Pacific    1.054
5.    Black Hills St.    1.052
6.    West Liberty    1.051
    Nova Southeastern    1.051
8.    Hillsdale    1.043
9.    Fort Lewis    1.038
10.    Colorado Mines    1.032

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. I)
1.    Gonzaga    1.055
    Oral Roberts    1.055
3.    Toledo    1.038
4.    Penn St.    1.027
5.    Colgate    1.025
    Furman    1.025
7.    Youngstown St.    1.022
8.    Liberty    1.021
9.    Utah St.    1.018
10.    Marquette    1.016

THIRD-BEST EFFECTIVE FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE IN THE NATION
Northwest possesses the nation's third-ranked effective field goal percentage at 59.6% courtesy of Synergy Sports Technology.

Effective Field Goal Percentage (All NCAA Divisions)
1.    Dordt    62.6%
2.    Lincoln Memorial    60.5%
3.    Northwest Mo. St.    59.6%
4.    Peru St.    59.5%
5.    Seattle Pacific    59.3%
6.    Black Hills St.    59.1%
7.    Jamestown    58.8%
8.    Grace College    58.5%
9.    Olivet    58.5%
10.    Mayville St.    58.5%

MITCH IS MAKING TREYS AT A HIGH CLIP
Sophomore Mitch Mascari ranks second on the Bearcats in three-pointers made (47). He leads the team in three-point field goal percentage (47.5%). He would rank No. 4 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. 3 on Northwest's all-time scoring chart with 2,103 points. Bernard trails only Trevor Hudgins (2,829) and Justin Pitts (2,459) on Northwest's scoring chart.
    Bernard is also climbing the MIAA's all-time scoring chart. Bernard ranks No. 6 all-time among MIAA scoring leaders.
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.    Diego Bernard, NWMSU (2018-pres.)    2,103 pts
7.    Ryan Hawkins, NWMSU (2017-21)        2,098 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 boasts 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.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        2,103 pts
4.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)        2,098 pts
5.    Victor Coleman (1980-84)        1,795 pts
6.    David Alvey (1973-77)            1,747 pts
7.    Scott Fleming (1999-2003)        1,727 pts
8.     DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)        1,702 pts
9.    Kelvin Parker (2000-04)        1,692 pts
10.    Hunter Henry (2006-09)        1,592 pts
11.    Joe Hurst (1982-86)            1,580 pts
12.    Conner Crooker (2012-16)        1,352 pts
13.    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
    Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)        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. Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-18)        1,134 pts
26. Luke Waters (2019-pr.)        1,103 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 162 games. Bernard has won 156 games in his career.
    He has started 150 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.) - 162
Garrett Sturtz (Drake) - 161
Darius McGhee (Liberty) - 161
Connor McCaffery (Iowa) - 160
Angelo Allegri (Eastern Washington) - 159
Andrew Platek (Siena) - 159
Victor Bailey Jr. (George Mason) - 158
Reggie Chaney (Houston) - 157
Felipe Haase (Southern Miss.) - 156
DeVon Cooper (George Mason) - 156
Damien Daniels (Abilene Christian) - 156
Eric Hunter Jr. (Butler) - 156
D.J. Wilkins (Drake) - 156
Kevin Samuel (South Alabama) - 156

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 2,103 points, 927 rebounds, 491 assists and 148 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-)
2,103 points
927 rebounds
491 assists
259 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 four active NCAA men's basketball players and one of only two Div. II players with at least 2,100 points and 900 rebounds.

2,100 Points & 900 Rebounds (Active NCAA MBB)
Dalton Bolon (Coll. of Charleston) - 2,646 pts/957 rbs
Jayden Gardner (Virginia) - 2,277 pts/1,057 rbs
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 2,103 pts/927 rbs
Jordan Janssen (Wayne St.) - 2,102 pts, 1,146 rbs

Bernard is one of 10 active NCAA men's basketball players (and the only Div. II player) with at least 2,100 points and 400 assists.

2,100 Points & 400 Assists (Active NCAA MBB)
Antoine Davis (Detroit Mercy) - 3,543 pts/575 ast
Taevion Kinsey (Marshall) - 2,570 pts/533 ast
Joel Murray (Long Beach St.) - 2,418 pts/533 ast
Sam Sessoms (Coppin St.) - 2,304 pts/517 ast
Qua Grant (Sam Houston St.) - 2,215 pts/403 ast
Marcus Carr (Texas) - 2,210 pts/703 ast
JR Clay (Tennessee St.) - 2,178 pts/593 ast
Jarred Godfrey (Purdue Fort Wayne) - 2,107 pts/466 ast
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 2,103 pts/491 ast
Kendric Davis (Memphis) - 2,102 pts/670 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 259. Valdosta State's Cam Hamilton ranks No. 2 with 243 career thefts.
    Bernard ranks No. 4 among NCAA Div. II players in active career scoring

with Wayne State's Jordan Janssen with 2,088 points. Only Fairmont State's Isaiah Sanders (2,366 points), Black Hills State's Joel Scott (2,238 points) and Emmanuel's Kelvin Jones (2,148 points) have tallied more career points.
    Bernard ranks tied for No. 4 among NCAA Div. II players in rebounding with 927 career boards. Wayne State's Jordan Janssen has tallied 1,146 career rebounds, Shippenburg's Dom Sleva has 946 and Augusta's Tyshaun Crawford has 943.
    Bernard has tallied 491 career assists to rank No. 3 behind Augusta's Tyree Myers (631) and Mount Olive's Michael Brown (590).

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. 4 IN CAREER ASSISTS AT NW
Senior guard Diego Bernard ranks No. 6 in career assists with 491.

Northwest Assists in a Career
1.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)    700
2.     Justin Pitts (2014-18)        575
3.     Kelvin Parker (2001-04)    492
4.    Diego Bernard (2018-pr.)    491
5.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    489
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. 4 in Bearcat history with 752 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. Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        752
5. Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)        743
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
Diego Bernard (2018-pr.)    2,103 pts/927 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
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
Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    1,198 pts/584 rbs
Don Sears (1966-70)    1,154 pts/874 rbs
Dillon Starzl (2011-14)    1,153 pts/518 rbs
Chris Ebou Ndow (2015-18)    1,134 pts/654 rbs
Bob Sundell (1986-89)    1,082 pts/574 rbs
Rick Jolley (1993-96)    1,054 pts/574 rbs

BERNARD CLIMBING BEARCAT REBOUND LIST
Diego Bernard ranks No. 2 Northwest's all-time rebounds list with 927. Bernard is one of two Bearcats to reach 900 or more career rebounds.
    Bernard needs 21 more rebounds to equal the school record of 948 career rebounds set by Ryan Hawkins.
    Junior Wes Dreamer ranks No. 10 on the Bearcat all-time rebounds list with 584.
Northwest's Rebounds in a Career
1.     Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)            948
2.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        927
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.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pres.)            584

BERNARD CLIMBING STEALS LIST
Diego Bernard ranks No. 2 on Northwest's all-time steals list with 259.

Northwest's Steals in a Career
1.     Scott Fleming (2000-03)            305
2.    Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)        259
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 236 career three-pointers to rank No. 7 in school history.
    Dreamer leads the Bearcats in three-pointers made this season (60).

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.)    236
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 359-85
In 14 seasons at the helm of the Bearcat program, head coach Ben McCollum has led Northwest to a record of 359-85.
    His winning percentage of .809 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 (484-82, 18 yrs.)
2. Matt Logie (Point Loma)    .826 (271-57, 11 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .809 (359-85, 14 yrs.)
4. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .786 (393-107, 17 yrs.)
5. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .756 (431-139, 20 yrs.)
6. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .734 (257-93, 12 yrs.)
7. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .724 (223-85, 10 yrs.)
8. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .713 (504-203, 22 yrs.)
9. Dave Holmquist (Biola)    .708 (1,038-428, 46 yrs.)
10. Steve Ridder (Embry-Riddle)    .707 (757-314, 33 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .855 (484-82, 17 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .835 (680-134, 24 yrs.)
3. Matt Logie (Point Loma)    .826 (271-57, 11 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .809 (359-85, 14 yrs.)
5. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .790 (368-98, 15 yrs.)
6. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .786 (393-107, 17 yrs.)
7. Bill Self (Kansas)    .769 (781-234, 30 yrs.)
8. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .764 (347-107), 16 yrs.)
9. John Calipari (Kentucky)    .760 (786-248, 31 yrs.)
10. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .756 (432-139, 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 (484-82, 18 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .835 (680-134, 24 yrs.)*
3. Clair Bee (Rider/LIU Brooklyn)    .824 (412-88, 21 yrs.)
4. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma)    .826 (271-57, 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.)    .809 (359-85, 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)    .790 (368-98, 15 yrs.)*
12. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .786 (394-107, 17 yrs.)*
13. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)    .786 (713-194, 30 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 16 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.)
Jim Crutchfield (Nova SE)    82 losses (18 yrs.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)    83 losses (10 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)        93 losses (12 yrs.)
Andy Newman (Cal St. S.B.)    97 losses (10 yrs.)
Mike Fuline (Mt. Union)    97 losses (12 yrs.)
Josh Schertz (Indiana St.)    98 losses (15 yrs.)
Chris Beard (Texas)        98 losses (11 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 (27), Lincoln (25), Washburn (22) and Pittsburg State (21).
    He is undefeated against Northeastern State (14-0), Rogers State (6-0) and Newman (4-0).

McCollum vs. Current MIAA Foes
Missouri Western    27-2
Lincoln            25-2
Washburn        22-10
Pittsburg State        21-5
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 359. 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 219-61 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 2/19/23)
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)    359*
7.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    337
8.    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    321*
9.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
10.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    302
* - active head coaches

MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 2/19/23)
Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
Ben McCollum (Northwest)    219*
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    213
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    202*
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 113 straight weeks - the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II schools.
    Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll 223 times in this history of its program.
    
Consecutive weeks ranked in NABC Top 25
149, West Liberty (2/2/2010-12/10/2019)
113, 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
223, 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
143, 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
126, 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 156-10 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 218-15 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
25-2 - 2022-23

NORTHWEST IN ST. JOSEPH
Northwest has won 26 consecutive games in the city of St. Joseph that includes seven victories over Missouri Western.

Northwest's Last 26 Games in St. Joseph
W, 68-59 vs. Missouri Western (2/18/23)
W, 79-42 vs. Minn. 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)

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 359-85.
    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 25 wins this season, the Bearcats have only trailed twice 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.
    Missouri Western owned a five-point lead at 47-42 with 12:44 to play before Northwest rallied for a 68-59 win in St. Joseph, Mo., on Feb. 18.

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 145-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 144 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. 2, 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.

'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 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.