Sunday, March 5 | 1 p.m. | Municipal Auditorium  | Kansas City, Mo.
No. 2 Central Oklahoma vs. No. 1 Northwest Missouri State
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John Coffey - Play-by-Play
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Tickets are available for purchase at theÂ
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Ticketmaster.
*Children six and under are admitted at no charge.
Single Session
    - Students: $10
    - Adults: $20
Bearcat Gatherings
Hosted by the Northwest Missouri State University Alumni Association, The Quaff Bar & Grill, 1010 Broadway St., is where Bearcat fans will gather for pre or post game events.
On Sunday, the gathering will begin at 11 a.m.
These events are free to Northwest fans of all ages. Complimentary chips and salsa and a cash bar will be available. Â
NORTHWEST, UCO TO MEET FOR 2023 MIAA TITLE
The No. 2- ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (29-2 overall) will look to capture the program's 11th MIAA Tournament title Sunday at 1 p.m. against No. 12-ranked Central Oklahoma (26-4 overall).
   Northwest is making its 37th appearance in the MIAA Tournament, a mark that ranks second to Central Missouri (39).
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HOW THE 'CATS GOT HERE
Northwest's 65-52 victory over Missouri Western in the quarterfinals put the Bearcats into the semifinals against No. 4 Emporia State. Northwest recorded a 63-52 win over the Hornets.
NORTHWEST GAINS ITS 18TH TRIP TO MIAA TITLE GAME
Northwest will be making its 18th MIAA Tournament title game appearance Sunday against Central Oklahoma. Northwest is 10-7 in MIAA title games, while UCO is 0-1 with a loss in 2014 to Missouri Southern.
   Northwest's 18 title game appearances increases its MIAA record for the most by any school. UCM ranks second with 15 title game appearances.
Northwest in MIAA Title Games
1984 - UCM 70, Northwest 65
1989 - Northwest 82, UCM 77
1998 - MWSU 65, Northwest 52
1999 - Truman St. 70, Northwest 68
2000 - MSSU 90, Northwest 79
2001 - WU 81, Northwest 74
2002 - Northwest 71, MWSU 58
2004 - Northwest 78, WU 71
2008 - Northwest 57, ESU 51
2013 - UCM 79, Northwest 76 (OT)
2016 - Northwest 61, UNK 53
2017 - Northwest 69, UCM 61
2018 - Northwest 80, WU 74
2019 - Northwest 82, WU 53
2020 - Northwest 78, MSSU 76
2021 - WU 69, Northwest 68
2022 - Northwest 84, WU 76
WE ARE TALKING SEEDING
The Bearcats captured the No. 1 seed in the 2023 MIAA Tournament for the 11th time in program history. Five times previously, Northwest has entered as the No. 1 seed and won the tourney crown.
   The No. 1 seed has won the tournament title 20 times.
   The No. 2 seed captured the crown 14 times, including each of the last two years.
   The No. 3 seed has won five tourney titles. The No. 4 seed has won it twice, while the No. 5 seed (Pittsburg State in 2015) has won it once.
NORTHWEST OWNS A FEW MIAA TOURNAMENT RECORDS
Northwest owns the MIAA record for tournament victories (53), tournament titles (10), consecutive championships (5), consecutive tournament victories (17) and No. 1 seed awards (11).
MIAA Tournament Victories
Northwest Missouri State   53-26
Washburn         43-25
Central Missouri      36-33
Missouri Western      28-25
Missouri Southern      25-27
Pittsburg State      21-22
Southwest Baptist*Â Â Â Â Â Â 12-20
Fort Hays State      13-14
Central Oklahoma      13-9
Southeast Missouri State*Â Â Â 10-7
Truman State*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 9-14
Lincoln            7-10
Emporia State         8-23
Nebraska-Kearney      6-6
Omaha*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 4-2
Missouri-St. Louis*Â Â Â Â Â Â 3-9
Missouri S&T*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3-10
Northeastern State      3-8
Missouri State*Â Â Â Â Â Â 1-1
Rogers State         2-4
Lindenwood*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1-6
Newman             0-0
*-no longer MIAA member
MIAA Tournament Titles
Northwest Missouri State - 10
Central Missouri - 6
Washburn - 6
Missouri Western - 4
Southeast Missouri State - 4
Missouri Southern - 3
Southwest Baptist - 2
Truman State - 2
Fort Hays State - 1
Pittsburg State - 1
Missouri S&T - 1
Missouri St. Louis - 1
Omaha - 1
BEARCATS IN MIAA TOURNEY
All-Time - MIAA Tournament
Overall - 53-26
First Round - 1-0
Quarterfinals - 24-7
Semifinals - 18-12
Championships - 10-7
Overtime Games - 0-4
Northwest Record When Seeded:
No. 1 - 20-5
No. 2 - 17-4
No. 3 - 9-8
No. 4 - 1-1
No. 5 - 2-3
No. 6 - 0-1
No. 7 - 0-0
No. 8 - 0-3
Northwest Record Against:
Central Missouri - 4-5
Central Oklahoma - 2-0
Emporia State - 5-0
Fort Hays State - 3-0
Lincoln - 4-0
Lindenwood - 1-0
Missouri-Rolla - 1-0
Missouri Southern - 5-2
Missouri-St. Louis - 1-1
Missouri Western - 7-4
Nebraska-Kearney - 1-0
Northeastern State - 1-0
Pittsburg State - 6-4
Rogers State - 1-0
Southeast Missouri State - 1-1
Southwest Baptist - 1-3
Truman - 1-2
Washburn - 8-4
MAC IN MIAA TOURNAMENT
Overall, Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum is 28-5 in the MIAA Tournament. He has guided the Bearcats to nine appearances in the finals with six tournament championships.
   McCollum has guided Northwest to a perfect 12-0 mark in MIAA quarterfinal games.
   McCollum has posted a mark of 9-3 in the MIAA semifinals. McCollum and Northwest have won eight consecutive MIAA semifinal matchups.
   McCollum is 6-2 in MIAA championship games.
   McCollum has won a league-best six tournament titles, surpassing the old mark of five set by Washburn's Bob Chipman. Chipman won five crowns in 25 tourney appearances. McCollum has won six titles in 11 tourney appearances.
Coaches MIAA Tournament Win Percentage
1.   Ben McCollum (NW)   28-5   .848
2.   Kevin Muff (PSU)      7-3   .700
3Â Â Â Brett Ballward (WU)Â Â Â 9-4Â Â Â .692
4.   Lynn Nance (UCM/SBU)   8-4   .667
   Terry Evans (UCO)   6-3   .667
   Derrin Hansen (UNO)   4-2   .667
Coaches MIAA Tournament Victories
1.   Bob Chipman (WU)   34-20
2.   Ben McCollum (NW)   28-5
3.   Tom Smith (MWSU)   24-17
4.   Steve Tappmeyer (NW)   23-14
5.   Robert Korn (MSSU)   18-18
Coaches MIAA Tournament Championships Won
1.   Ben McCollum (NW)      6
2.   Bob Chipman (WU)      5
2.   Ron Shumate (SEMSU)      4
   Tom Smith (MWSU)      4
   Steve Tappmeyer (NW)      4
   Kim Anderson (UCM/PSU   4
BERNARD TO CLIMB MIAA TOURNEY LEDGERS
Northwest's Diego Bernard will look to climb the league's tourney record book this year as he takes part in his fifth MIAA Tournament.
   Bernard has played in 14 MIAA Tournament games and in four MIAA Tournament Championship contests. Bernard has reached his fifth MIAA title game, setting the mark previously held by Trevor Hudgins and Tyler Geiman. Bernard holds the league mark for most MIAA Tournament games played (14).  Â
   Bernard has scored 183 points entering Sunday's championship game. He has reached double figures in 10 of his 14 tourney games. Bernard posted a scoring high of 21 points vs. Lincoln in the 2019 tournament semifinal as a freshman.
   Bernard already ranks No. 1 in MIAA Tournament history with 103 rebounds through 14 games. He captured 19 rebounds in a 2020 MIAA Tournament semifinal win over Missouri Western, which ranks as the second-highest single-game rebounding total in MIAA Tournament history. Bernard tallied 32 total rebounds in the 2020 MIAA tourney to tie for the 10th-best tournament year total.
   Bernard has tallied 46 total assists in his 14 previous MIAA Tournament games. He ranks tied for No. 7 in MIAA tourney history.
   Bernard has been credited with an MIAA Tournament record 28 career steals.
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All-Time Points Scored - MIAA Tournament
1.   Trevor Hudgins (NW, 2019-pres.)   261 (12 games)
2. Â Â Â Justin Pitts (NW, 2015-18)Â Â Â 242 (11 games)
3.   Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-21)   189 (12 games)
4.   Diego Bernard (NW, 2018-pres.)   183 (14 games)
5.   Ron Nunnelly (UCM, 1982-85)   181 (9 games)
6.   Tyler Geiman (WU, 2018-22)   173 (13 games)
7.   Oscar Gonzalez (PSU, 1996-99)   166 (9 games)
8.   Josh Gibbs (UCO, 2013-14)   162 (7 games)
9.   Jalen Lewis (WU, 2019-22)   157 (10 games)
10.   Connor Beranek (UNK, 2014-16)   156 (7 games)
All-Time Rebounds - MIAA Tournament
1.   Diego Bernard (NW, 2019-pres.)   103 (14 games)
2.   Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-pres.)   84 (12 games)
3. Â Â Â Clarence Tyson (WU, 1993-94)Â Â Â 71 (6 games)
   Brady Skeens (WU, 2016-18)   71 (6 games)
5.   Glenn Stanley (SBU, 1990-91)   66 (5 games)
6.   Ryan Murphy (WU, 2000-03)   59 (10 games)
7.   Connor Beranek (UNK, 2014-16)   57 (7 games)
   Tyler Geiman (WU, 2018-22)   57 (13 games)
9.   Chris-Ebou Ndow (NW, 2016-18)   55 (9 games)
   Jonny Clausing (WU, 2020-22)   55 (7 games)
All-Time Assists - MIAA Tournament
1.   Tyler Geiman (WU, 2018-22)   74 (13 games)
2. Â Â Â Jordan Canfield (WU, 1993-97)Â Â Â 77 (12 games)
3.   Matt Wallace (NW, 2012-15)   58 (10 games)
4.   Eddin Santiago (MSSU, 1999-02)   53 (8 games)
   Trevor Hudgins (NW, 2019-22)   53 (12 games)
6.   Justin Pitts (NW, 2015-18)   49 (11 games)
7.   Kelvin Parker (NW, 2001-04)   46 (11 games)
   Diego Bernard (NW, 2019-pres.)   46 (14 games)
9.   Michael Morris (SEMO, 1985-88)   45 (8 games)
10.   Oscar Gonzalez (PSU, 1996-99)   42 (9 games)
All-Time Steals - MIAA Tournament
1.   Diego Bernard (NW, 2019-pres.)   28 (14 games)
2.   Eddin Santiago (PSU, 1999-02)   23 (8 games)
   Scott Fleming (NW, 2000-03)   23 (11 games)
4.   Kelvin Parker (NW, 2001-04)   19 (11 games)
   Trevor Hudgins (NW, 2019-22)   19 (12 games)
6.   Hiram Ocasio (MSSU, 2002-05)   18 (8 games)
7.   Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-21)   17 (12 games)
8.   Keith Linson (UCM, 1994-97)   16 (8 games)
9.   Ron Nunnelly (UCM, 1982-85)   15 (9 games)
   Armando Becker (UCM, 1990-91)   15 (6 games)
   Matt Wallace (NW, 2012-15)   15 (10 games)
All-Time Games Played - MIAA Tournament
1.   Diego Bernard (NW, 2019-pres.)   14 games
2.   Tyler Geiman (WU, 2018-22)   13 games
3. Â Â Â Jordan Canfield (WU, 1993-97)Â Â Â 12 games
   Ryan Welty (NW, 2017-20)   12 games
   Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-21)   12 games
   Trevor Hudgins (NW, 2019-22)   12 games
7.   Scott Fleming (NW, 2000-03)   11 games
   Kelvin Parker (NW, 2001-04)   11 games
   Seth Heckart (UCO, 2013-16)   11 games
   Brett Dougherty (NW, 2015-18)   11 games
   Justin Pitts (NW, 2015-18)   11 games
'CATS HAVE WON 20 STRAIGHT MIAA TOURNEY GAMES AT MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM
Northwest has won 20 consecutive league tourney games at Municipal Auditorium.
   Northwest's last MIAA tourney loss in Municipal Auditorium came in the 2015 semifinals against Pittsburg State (L, 65-58 - March 7, 2015).
   Northwest has won each of the last six MIAA tournaments that have taken place at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.
   Overall, Northwest has won 23 of its last 24 games in this venue. The Bearcats dropped an 83-77 non-conference matchup with Sioux Falls in the 2021-22 season on Nov. 13, 2021, in Municipal Auditorium.
'CATS FIND NEUTRAL COURT DOMINANCE
Northwest has won 61 of its last 62 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 - 61-1 in Last 61 Neutral Court Games
W, 63-52 vs. Emporia State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/23)
W, 65-52 vs. Missouri Western (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/2/23)
W, 79-42 vs. Minnesota Crookston (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/12/22)
W, 81-78 vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/11/22)
W, 88-75 vs. Flagler (Lakeland, Fla. - 11/6/22)
W, 78-62 vs. West Texas A&M (Lakeland, Fla. - 11/5/22)
W, 67-58 vs. Augusta (Evansville, Ind. - 3/26/22)
W, 70-57 vs. Black Hills State (Evansville, Ind. - 3/24/22)
W, 61-43 vs. Bentley (Evansville, Ind. - 3/22/22)
W, 70-55 vs. Washburn (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/13/22)
W, 69-54 vs. MSU Moorhead (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/12/22)
W, 84-76 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/6/22)
W, 53-50 vs. Fort Hays State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/22)
W, 72-50 vs. Rogers State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/3/22)
W, 78-65 vs. Missouri-St. Louis (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/19/21)
W, 75-52 vs. Arkansas-Monticello (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/14/21)
L, 83-77 vs. Sioux Falls (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/13/21)
W, 64-59 vs. Seattle Pacific (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/7/21)
W, 68-55 vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/6/21)
W, 80-54 vs. West Texas A&M (Evansville, Ind. - 3/27/21)
W, 77-46 vs. Flagler (Evansville, Ind. - 3/25/21)
W, 98-77 vs. West Liberty (Evansville, Ind. - 3/24/21)
W, 85-44 vs. Washburn (Aberdeen, S.D. - 3/14/21)
W, 78-76 vs. Missouri Southern (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/8/20)
W, 80-54 vs. Missouri Western (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/7/20)
W, 75-54 vs. Lincoln (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/20)
W, 92-71 vs. MSU Moorhead (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/9/19)
W, 60-52 vs. Minnesota Crookston (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/8/19)
W, 100-88 vs. Southern Nazarene (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/2/19)
W, 85-65 vs. Daemen (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/1/19)
W, 64-58 vs. Point Loma (Evansville, Ind. - 3/30/19)
W, 76-53 vs. Saint Anselm (Evansville, Ind. - 3/28/19)
W, 55-51 vs. Mercyhurst (Evansville, Ind. - 3/27/19)
W, 82-53 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/10/19)
W, 86-69 vs. Lincoln (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/9/19)
W, 82-79 vs. Emporia State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/7/19)
W, 85-66 vs. Illinois-Springfield (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/19/18)
W, 84-59 vs. Winona State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/10/18)
W, 76-59 vs. Upper Iowa (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/9/18)
W, 100-86 vs. Ferris State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/4/18)
W, 72-70 OT vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/3/18)
W, 80-74 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/18)
W, 65-57 vs. Central Oklahoma (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/3/18)
W, 79-73 vs. Pittsburg State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/2/18)
W, 70-56 vs. Lincoln Memorial (Owensboro, Ky. - 12/19/17)
W, 86-78 vs. Washburn (Kansas City, Mo. - 11/21/17)
W, 71-60 vs. Northern State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/12/17)
W, 89-65 vs. Upper Iowa (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/10/17)
W, 71-61 vs. Fairmont State (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/25/17)
W, 79-67 vs. Lincoln Memorial (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/23/17)
W, 79-70 vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/22/17)
W, 69-61 vs. Central Missouri (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/17)
W, 67-63 vs. Missouri Southern (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/17)
W, 80-76 vs. Lincoln (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/2/17)
W, 76-58 vs. Wayne State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/13/16)
W, 87-52 vs. Upper Iowa (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/11/16)
W, 82-60 vs. Minnesota State (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/13/16)
W, 78-53 vs. Ouachita Baptist (Sioux Falls, S.D. - 3/12/16)
W, 61-53 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/6/16)
W, 69-51 vs. Fort Hays State (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/5/16)
W, 62-57 vs. Lindenwood (Kansas City, Mo. - 3/4/16)
W, 89-52 vs. Wayne State (St. Joseph, Mo. - 11/14/15)
NORTHWEST HAS WON 16 STRAIGHT GAMES ON NEUTRAL COURTS
Northwest has won 16 consecutive games on neutral courts, which is the longest active Division II neutral court winning streak. Randolph-Mac and Washington University, NCAA Division III schools, have each won 17 straight neutral court games.
NCAA All Div. Neutral Court Win Streak
WashU - 17 (Div. III)
Northwest Missouri State - 15 (Div. II)
Randolph-Macon - 17 (Div. III)
Claremont-M-S - 12 (Div. III)
William Paterson - 11 (Div. III)
Wesleyan (Conn.) - 11 (Div. III)
Adelphi - 10 (Div. II)
10TH STRAIGHT, 23RD OVERALL MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLE
Northwest secured its 10th straight and 23rd overall MIAA regular season championship with a 65-51 win Thursday night at home over No. 7-ranked Central Oklahoma.
   The win also clinches the No. 1 seed for the 2023 MIAA Tournament in Kansas City. Northwest will play at Noon on March 3 in its quarterfinal matchup.
MIAA Regular Season Titles
Northwest - 23
Central Missouri - 21
Missouri State - 19
Southeast Missouri State - 13
Washburn - 10
Truman State - 9
Missouri Western - 5
Southwest Baptist - 4
Lincoln - 4
Missouri Southern - 2
Missouri S&T - 2
Fort Hays State - 1
Pittsburg State - 1
Central Oklahoma - 1
LONGEST ACTIVE CONFERENCE TITLE STREAK IN DIV. II MEN'S BASKETBALL
Northwest captured its 10th straight MIAA regular season crown in the 2022-23 season.
   Gonzaga has won 11 straight West Coast Conference titles at the NCAA Division I level.
   Over the last 10 seasons, Northwest has compiled a league mark of 180-22.
Year      NW's MIAA Record
2013-14Â Â Â 16-3
2014-15Â Â Â 15-4
2015-16Â Â Â 19-3
2016-17Â Â Â 18-1
2017-18Â Â Â 16-3
2018-19Â Â Â 19-0
2019-20Â Â Â 18-1
2020-21Â Â Â 21-1
2021-22Â Â Â 18-4
2022-23Â Â Â 20-2
Totals   180-22
NORTHWEST MOVES WIN STREAK TO 15
Northwest's 15-game win streak ranks as the third-longest active win streak in NCAA Div. II men's hoops.
NCAA Div. II Active Winning Streaks
29 - Nova Southeastern
22 - Point Loma
15 - Northwest Mo. St.
14 - Emmanual, Ga.
12 - West Liberty
10 - Cal St. San Bernadino
10 - Azusa Pacific
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
15 - 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 274-28 overall and 164-19 in MIAA action.
SENSATIONAL DEFENSE FOR 'CATS
Northwest's defensive efforts in its 15-game win streak are simply sensational.
   In its 15-game win streak, Northwest is limiting the opposition to 50.1 points per game.
   Northwest has held its 14 opponents to 38.4% shooting from the field (261-of-680). The Bearcats have limited their opposition to 25.2% shooting from beyond the three-point arc 55-of-218) in this 15-game stretch.
   Northwest has an average scoring margin of +18.5 in this stretch of games.
Opp.      Pts.   FG%    3FG%
Newman   57   .377   .375
UCMÂ Â Â Â Â Â 52Â Â Â .400Â Â Â .158
Lincoln   38   .265   .111
UNKÂ Â Â Â Â Â 36Â Â Â .302Â Â Â .190
FHSUÂ Â Â Â Â Â 52Â Â Â .472Â Â Â .250
ESUÂ Â Â Â Â Â 52Â Â Â .426Â Â Â .308
WUÂ Â Â Â Â Â 53Â Â Â .378Â Â Â .231
RSUÂ Â Â Â Â Â 51Â Â Â .401Â Â Â .286
NSUÂ Â Â Â Â Â 43Â Â Â .405Â Â Â .118
WUÂ Â Â Â Â Â 40Â Â Â .295Â Â Â .231
MWSUÂ Â Â 59Â Â Â .408Â Â Â .143
UCOÂ Â Â Â Â Â 51Â Â Â .400Â Â Â .462
MSSUÂ Â Â Â Â Â 64Â Â Â .435Â Â Â .538
MWSUÂ Â Â 52Â Â Â .391Â Â Â .444
ESUÂ Â Â Â Â Â 52Â Â Â .417Â Â Â .000
AVG.      50.1   .384   .252
BEST SCORING DEFENSE IN COUNTRY
The Bearcats rank No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing only 55.8 points per game.
   In MIAA games only, Northwest leads the league in scoring defense (54.9 ppg) and Fort Hays State is No. 2 at 59.1 ppg.
NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.   Northwest Mo. St.      55.8
2.   Southern Nazarene      57.0
3.   Fort Hays St.      57.4
4.   Miles         59.2
5.   Indiana, Pa.      59.5
6.   Walsh      59.5
7.   Fayetteville St.      61.0
8.   Central Oklahoma      61.1
9.   West Alabama      61.7
10.   Winston-Salem      62.0
BEARCATS LEAD THE NATION IN FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
Northwest has made 813-of-1,556 field goals (52.2%) to rank No. 1 in the nation among NCAA Div. II teams.
   Northwest has shot 50.0% or better in 21 of its 31 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.      52.2%
2.   Lincoln Memorial      52.1%
3.   Nova Southeastern      52.0%
4.   Saint Leo      51.8%
5.   Charleston      51.1%
6.   Pittsburgh-Johnstown   50.9%
7.   Ashland      50.7%
8.   Seattle Pacific      50.7%
9.   Fairmont St.      50.6%
10.   North Georgia      50.4%
THREE-POINT BOMBERS VS BRONCHOS
Northwest knocked in 12 three-pointers and shot 54.5% from beyond the arc in its 65-51 win over No. 7-ranked Central Oklahoma.
   The Bearcats were sizzling in the second half from distance by burying 7-of-9 three-point shots. In fact, until Blake Danitschek missed the game's final three-point shot attempt with :18 left, Northwest had made 7-of-8 in the final half vs. the Bronchos.
   It marks the 12th game this season that Northwest has reached double figures in three-pointers made in a contest. Northwest had twice drained 14 three-pointers in a single game this season (vs. Truman State and vs. Missouri Western).
15 STRAIGHT HOME WINS
Northwest has captured 15 consecutive home wins in a row, which ranks as tied for the eighth-longest active win streak in Div. II.
   Northwest is 13-0 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
59 - Lincoln Memorial
38 - Nova Southeastern
29 - Indiana, Pa.
20 - West Liberty
17 - West Texas A&M
15 - Northwest Mo. St.
15 - Angelo St.
15 - Southern Nazarene
14 - Northern St.
12 - Cal St. San Marcos
12 - Jefferson
   Northwest's 15-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
14 - Northwest Mo. St.
11 - Central Oklahoma
3 - Rogers State
LADDERS, SCISSORS, NETS, TROPHIES
Diego Bernard has worn out his share of ladders, scissors, nets and trophies.
   Bernard is on a 14-of-15 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.
   Bernard has a postseason record of 30-1 in MIAA and NCAA tournament play.
  Â
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
2022-23
MIAA Regular Season Title
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 161-13, including a tally of 109-10 in MIAA play.
   Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 118-6. In that same stretch, Northwest is 83-4 in home MIAA contests.
Year      Record (MIAA Games)
2011-12Â Â Â 12-1 (9-1)
2012-13Â Â Â 12-3 (6-3)
2013-14Â Â Â 12-1 (9-1)
2014-15Â Â Â 13-2 (8-1)
2015-16Â Â Â 13-0 (11-0)
2016-17Â Â Â 18-0 (10-0)
2017-18Â Â Â 12-2 (8-1)
2018-19Â Â Â 17-0 (9-0)
2019-20Â Â Â 16-0 (10-0)
2020-21Â Â Â 12-2 (10-1)
2021-22Â Â Â 12-2 (9-2)
2022-23Â Â Â 14-0 (10-0)
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 has won 18 more more MIAA games in each of the last five seasons.
   Northwest became 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)
20, Northwest Mo. St. (2022-23)
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. (2021-22)
18, Central Oklahoma (2021-22)
18, Central Oklahoma (2022-23)
17, Southwest Baptist (2008-09)
17, Fort Hays State (2021-22)
WINNING NUMBERS
Northwest has posted a spectacular mark of 160-10 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 222-15 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
29-2 - 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 170-5 in his 14-year career.
   The Bearcats have limited 21 opponents to 59 points or less this season. In conference play, Northwest limited 15 of its opponents to 59 points or less.
HEATING UP AT 70
Northwest is a perfect 17-0 this season when reaching 70 points.
   When Northwest scores 70 or more points under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 286-27.
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 (73.9 ppg/2,291 points). Central Oklahoma is the top scoring team in the MIAA at 75.8 ppg/2,123 points.
   In MIAA games only, Northwest ranks No. 3 in the league at 71.4 points per game. Missouri Southern is the top scoring squad in MIAA games only at 72.2 ppg.
DREAMER TALLIES 14TH 20-POINT GAME
Junior Wes Dreamer collected his 14th career 20-point scoring game with a 27-point performance in a 65-52 win over Missouri Western. Dreamer has reached double figures in nine straight games.
   Senior Diego Bernard registered his 121st double-figure scoring contest with 12 vs. ESU.
   Sophomore Byron Alexander had 11 points vs. MWSU and 10 points vs. ESU for his 11th and 12th career double-figure games.
   Freshman Bennett Stirtz earned his 22nd double-figure scoring game of the season.
Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 121
Wes Dreamer - 61
Luke Waters - 54
Bennett Stirtz - 22
Daniel Abreu - 19
Byron Alexander - 12
Mitch Mascari - 12
Isaiah Jackson - 7
Luke Moustakas - 4
Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Diego Bernard - 21
Wes Dreamer - 14
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 (16.3 ppg), assists (107), steals (68), field goals made (180) and free throws made (110).
   In MIAA games only, Bernard ranks No. 2 in the league in scoring at 17.4 points per game - trailing only Emporia State's Owen Long (19.3 ppg).
   In all games, Bernard ranks No. 7 in the MIAA in scoring per game at 16.3 ppg.
   Bernard ranks No. 13 in the nation in total steals (68).
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 (59.0%), while Diego Bernard ranks No. 3 at 54.5%.
BENNETT IS ONLY A FRESHMAN
Bearcat guard Bennett Stirtz is having a tremendous freshman season.
   He is averaging 12.4 points per game while leading the Bearcats in minutes played (34.1). Stirtz has played six 40-minutes games this season. He ranks No. 8 in the MIAA in minutes played.
   Stirtz ranks tied for No. 15 in the nation in total steals (61).
   He has drained 35-of-80 from three-point range (43.8%). He has made at least one three-pointer in 21 of 31 games played.
DREAMER LOCKED IN OVER PAST NINE
Junior Wes Dreamer has averaged 18.6 points per game over his last nine games. He has scored 20 or more in three of those contests and has scored at least 13 points in his last nine.
   Dreamer has knocked in 32 three-pointers in his last eight games. Dreamer is shooting 47.1% from three-point land in this stretch (32-of-68).
   He has grabbed 6.4 rebounds per game in his last nine with at least five rebounds in each game.
THE POINT IS TO OUTSCORE
Northwest ranks No. 3 in the nation in scoring margin +18.1 through March 4.
   Northwest led the MIAA in scoring margin conference games only at +16.5 per game. UCO was second in the league in scoring margin at +78.5 per game in MIAA play.
   Northwest won 17 of its 20 league games by 10 points or more.
NCAA Div. II Scoring Margin
1.   Nova Southeastern      +27.4
2.   West Liberty      +19.1
3.   Northwest Mo. St.      +18.1
4.   Lincoln Memorial      +18.0
5.   Indiana, Pa.      +16.4
6.   Ferris St.      +16.2
7.   Mercyhurst      +15.9
8.   Point Loma      +15.3
9.   Cal St. Ban Bernadino   +15.2
10.   Central Oklahoma      +14.8
NORTHWEST ALLOWS FEWEST REBOUNDS
The Bearcats allow the fewest rebounds per game (25.4) in the country.
NCAA Div. II Fewest Rebounds Allowed Per Game
1.   Northwest Mo. St.      25.4
2.   Southern Nazarene      27.4
3.   Southwest Baptist      28.0
4.   Colorado Mesa      28.0
5.   Texas A&M-International   28.0
6.   UNC Pembroke      28.2
7.   West Alabama      29.1
8.   Lubbock Christian      29.3
9.   Bentley      29.4
10.   Arkansas-Monticello      29.4
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      +403   +21.27
Diego Bernard      +474   +20.95
Wes Dreamer      +454   +20.68
Bennett Stirtz      +493   +20.42
Byron Alexander   +224   +18.13
Daniel Abreu      +259   +16.79
Luke Waters      +251   +16.30
Isaiah Jackson      +246   +15.94
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 (1.085) according to Synergy Sports Technology.
Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. II)
1.   Northwest Mo. St.   1.085
2.   Lincoln Memorial   1.060
3.   Northern St.   1.056
4.   Black Hills St.   1.054
5.   Nova Southeastern   1.048
   West Liberty   1.048
7.   Seattle Pacific   1.038
   Fort Lewis   1.038
9.   Hillsdale   1.037
10.   Fairmont St.   1.034
Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. I)
1.   Gonzaga   1.059
2.   Toledo   1.049
3.   Oral Roberts   1.048
4.   Furman   1.028
5.   Penn St.   1.026
6.   Youngstown St.   1.024
7.   Liberty   1.023
8.   Colgate   1.021
9.   Marquette   1.017
10.   Utah St.   1.013
THIRD-BEST EFFECTIVE FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE IN THE NATION
Northwest possesses the nation's third-ranked effective field goal percentage at 60.0% courtesy of Synergy Sports Technology.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (All NCAA Divisions)
1.   Dordt   61.1%
2.   Lincoln Memorial   60.1%
3.   Northwest Mo. St.   60.0%
4.   Black Hills St.   59.1%
5.   Mayville St.   59.0%
6.   Peru St.   58.8%
   Grace College   58.8%
8.   Jamestown   58.7%
9.   Olivet Nazarene   58.5%
10.   Seattle Pacific   58.3%
MITCH IS MAKING TREYS AT A HIGH CLIP
Sophomore Mitch Mascari ranks second on the Bearcats in three-pointers made (55). He leads the team in three-point field goal percentage (47.8%). He would rank No. 3 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 2,157 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. Â Â Â Justin Pitts, NWMSU (2014-18)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2,459 pts
6.   Diego Bernard, NWMSU (2018-pres.)   2,157 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. Â Â Â Justin Pitts (2014-18)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2,459 pts
3.   Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)      2,157 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. Â Â Â DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)Â Â Â Â Â Â 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. Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,272 pts
18. Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,203 pts
19. Matt Redd (1996-99)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,200 pts
20. Gerald Harris (1984-88)Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,198 pts
21. Don Sears (1966-70)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,154 pts
22. Dillon Starzl (2011-14)Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,153 pts
23. Joey Witthus (2017-19)Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,150 pts
24. Glenn Phillips (1985-87)Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,147 pts
25. Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-18)Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,134 pts
26. Luke Waters (2019-pr.)Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,118 pts
27. Bob Sundell (1986-89)Â Â Â Â Â Â 1,082 pts
28. Rick Jolley (1993-96)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 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.
   Bernard holds the NCAA Div. II record for most games played (166). The previous record for Div. II men's basketball was held by Winona State's John Smith (2005-08) and Lincoln Memorial's Alex Dahling (2018-22) with 146 games played. The all-time NCAA record for men's basketball games played was set by Iowa's Jordan Bohannon with 178 (COVID-era) from 2017-2022.
   Bernard is the NCAA active leader (all NCAA divisions) in games played. Bernard has played in 166 games. Bernard has won 160 games in his career.
   He has started 154 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.) - 166
Garrett Sturtz (Drake) - 163
Darius McGhee (Liberty) - 163
Connor McCaffery (Iowa) - 162
Angelo Allegri (Eastern Washington) - 161
Andrew Platek (Siena) - 161
Reggie Chaney (Houston) - 159
Victor Bailey Jr. (George Mason) - 158
Felipe Haase (Southern Miss.) - 158
Damien Daniels (Abilene Christian) - 158
D.J. Wilkins (Drake) - 158
Kevin Samuel (South Alabama) - 158
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.  Â
   Bernard has tallied 2,157 points, 949 rebounds, 511 assists and 152 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-)
2,157 points
949 rebounds
511 assists
272 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 eight active NCAA men's basketball players and one of only three 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) - 2,668 pts/960 rbs
Jayden Gardner (Virginia) - 2,312 pts/1,074 rbs
Joel Scott (Black Hills State) - 2,291 pts/916 rbs
K.J. Williams (LSU) - 2,163 pts/1,100 rbs
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 2,157 pts/949 rbs
Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana) - 2,110 pts/1,083 rbs
Jordan Janssen (Wayne St.) - 2,104 pts/1,147 rbs
Kevin Obanor (Texas Tech) - 2,104 pts/1,078 rbs
Bernard is one of nine active NCAA men's basketball players (and the only Div. II player) with at least 2,100 points and 500 assists.
2,100 Points & 500 Assists (Active NCAA MBB)
Antoine Davis (Detroit Mercy) - 3,604 pts/584 ast
Taevion Kinsey (Marshall) - 2,623 pts/545 ast
Joel Murray (Long Beach St.) - 2,418 pts/533 ast
Sam Sessoms (Coppin St.) - 2,332 pts/529 ast
Marcus Carr (Texas) - 2,234 pts/714 ast
JR Clay (Tennessee St.) - 2,207 pts/613 ast
Diego Bernard (Northwest Mo. St.) - 2,157 pts/511 ast
Kendric Davis (Memphis) - 2,143 pts/677 ast
Demetre Roberts (Farleigh Dickinson) - 2,107 pts/539 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 272. Valdosta State's Cam Hamilton ranks No. 2 with 246 career thefts.
   Bernard ranks No. 4 among NCAA Div. II players in active career scoring with 2,157 points. Only Fairmont State's Isaiah Sanders (2,393 points), Black Hills State's Joel Scott (2,291 points) and Emmanuel's Kelvin Jones (2,170 points) have tallied more career points.
   Bernard ranks tied for No. 5 among NCAA Div. II players in rebounding with 949 career boards. Wayne State's Jordan Janssen has tallied 1,147 career rebounds, Augusta's Tyshaun Crawford has 954, Shippenburg's Dom Sleva has 946 and Florida Southern's E.J. Dambreville has 943.
   Bernard has tallied 511 career assists to rank No. 3 behind Augusta's Tyree Myers (638) and Mount Olive's Michael Brown (605).
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. 3 IN CAREER ASSISTS AT NW
Senior guard Diego Bernard ranks No. 3 in career assists with 511 and joins Trevor Hudgins and Justin Pitts as the only Bearcats to reach 500 career assists.
Northwest Assists in a Career
1.   Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)   700
2. Â Â Â Justin Pitts (2014-18)Â Â Â Â Â Â 575
3.   Diego Bernard (2018-pr.)   511
4. Â Â Â Kelvin Parker (2001-04)Â Â Â 492
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)Â Â Â 251
DB CLIMBING NORTHWEST'S CAREER FIELD GOALS MADE LIST
Senior guard Diego Bernard ranks No. 4 in Bearcat history with 772 made field goals.
Northwest Field Goals in a Career
1. Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)Â Â Â Â Â Â 946
2. Justin Pitts (2014-18)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 887
3. Victor Coleman (1981-84)Â Â Â Â Â Â 793
4. Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)Â Â Â Â Â Â 772
5. Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)Â Â Â Â Â Â 743
6. David Alvey (1974-77)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 644
7. Joe Hurst (1983-86)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 635
8. Hunter Henry (2006-09)Â Â Â Â Â Â 589
9. Kelvin Parker (2001-04)Â Â Â Â Â Â 571
10. DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)Â Â Â Â Â Â 546
DB NO. 5 IN MADE FREE THROWS
Senior guard Diego Bernard has drained 461 free throws to rank No. 3 in Bearcat history at the charity stripe.
Northwest Free Throws Made in a Career
1. Â Â Â Scott Fleming (2000-03)Â Â Â Â Â Â 628
2.   Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)      502
3.   Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)      461
4.   David Alvey (1974-77)         459
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.)Â Â Â 2,157 pts/949 rbs
Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)Â Â Â 2,098 pts/948 rbs
Victor Coleman (1980-84)Â Â Â 1,759 pts/586 rbs
David Alvey (1973-77)Â Â Â 1,747 pts/677 rbs
Hunter Henry (2006-09)Â Â Â 1,592 pts/808 rbs
Joe Hurst (1982-86)Â Â Â 1,580 pts/777 rbs
Russ Miller (1976-80)Â Â Â 1,282 pts/837 rbs
Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)Â Â Â 1,272 pts/610 rbs
Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)Â Â Â 1,203 pts/519 rbs
Matt Redd (1996-99)Â Â Â 1,200 pts/571 rbs
Don Sears (1966-70)Â Â Â 1,154 pts/874 rbs
Dillon Starzl (2011-14)Â Â Â 1,153 pts/518 rbs
Chris Ebou Ndow (2015-18)Â Â Â 1,134 pts/654 rbs
Bob Sundell (1986-89)Â Â Â 1,082 pts/574 rbs
Rick Jolley (1993-96)Â Â Â 1,054 pts/574 rbs
BERNARD TAKES OVER AS THE NO. 1 REBOUNDER IN BEARCAT HISTORY
Diego Bernard ranks No. 1 Northwest's all-time rebounds list with 948. Bernard is one of two Bearcats to reach 900 or more career rebounds. Bernard surpassed Ryan Hawkins's total of 948 career boards.
   Junior Wes Dreamer ranks No. 9 on the Bearcat all-time rebounds list with 605.
Northwest's Rebounds in a Career
1.   Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)      949
2. Â Â Â Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 948
3. Â Â Â Don Sears (1966-1970)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 874
4. Â Â Â Russ Miller (1976-1980)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 837
5. Â Â Â Hunter Henry (2006-2009)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 808
6. Â Â Â Joe Hurst (1983-1986)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 777
7. Â Â Â David Alvey (1973-1977)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 677
8. Â Â Â Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-2018)Â Â Â 654
9.   Wes Dreamer (2019-pres.)         610
10. Â Â Â Victor Coleman (1981-1984)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 586
BERNARD CLIMBING STEALS LIST
Diego Bernard ranks No. 2 on Northwest's all-time steals list with 272.
Northwest's Steals in a Career
1. Â Â Â Scott Fleming (2000-03)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 305
2.   Diego Bernard (2018-pres.)      272
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 246 career three-pointers to rank No. 7 in school history. Dreamer ranks fifth in the MIAA in three-pointers made (68) and in No. 2 in three-pointers made per game (2.7).
Northwest 3-Pointers Made in a Career
1. Â Â Â Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)Â Â Â 435
2.   Zach Schneider (2013-17)   370
3.   Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)   285
4.   Justin Pitts (2014-18)      271
5.   Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)   246
6.   Ryan Welty (2016-20)      238
7.   Austin Meyer (2003-06)   215
8.   Conner Crooker (2013-16)   205
9.   Scott Fleming (2000-03)   173
10.   Joey Witthus (2017-19)   172
MCCOLLUM MOVES CAREER MARK TO 362-85
In 14 seasons at the helm of the Bearcat program, head coach Ben McCollum has led Northwest to a record of 362-85.
   His winning percentage of .810 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)Â Â Â .856 (486-82, 18 yrs.)
2. Matt Logie (Point Loma)Â Â Â .827 (272-57, 11 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)Â Â Â .810 (363-85, 14 yrs.)
4. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)Â Â Â .787 (395-107, 17 yrs.)
5. Jeff Young (Walsh)Â Â Â .757 (343-139, 20 yrs.)
6. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)Â Â Â .733 (259-94, 12 yrs.)
7. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)Â Â Â .723 (224-86, 10 yrs.)
8. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)Â Â Â .711 (504-205, 22 yrs.)
9. Dave Holmquist (Biola)Â Â Â .708 (1,040-428, 46 yrs.)
10. Steve Ridder (Embry-Riddle)Â Â Â .705 (757-316, 33 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)
NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)Â Â Â .856 (486-82, 17 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)Â Â Â .836 (682-134, 24 yrs.)
3. Matt Logie (Point Loma)Â Â Â .827 (272-57, 11 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)Â Â Â .810 (363-85, 14 yrs.)
5. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)Â Â Â .787 (395-107, 17 yrs.)
6. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)Â Â Â .786 (368-100, 15 yrs.)
7. Bill Self (Kansas)Â Â Â .770 (783-234, 30 yrs.)
8. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)Â Â Â .765 (349-107), 16 yrs.)
9. John Calipari (Kentucky)Â Â Â .761 (788-248, 31 yrs.)
10. Jeff Young (Walsh)Â Â Â .757 (434-139, 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)Â Â Â .856 (486-82, 18 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)Â Â Â .836 (682-134, 24 yrs.)*
3. Clair Bee (Rider/LIU Brooklyn)Â Â Â .824 (412-88, 21 yrs.)
4. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma)Â Â Â .827 (272-57, 11 yrs.)*
5. Adolph Rupp (Kentucky)Â Â Â .822 (876-190, 41 yrs.)
6. Bucky Harris (Jefferson)Â Â Â .811 (240-56, 13 yrs.)
7. Dolph Stanley (Beloit)Â Â Â .810 (238-56, 12 yrs.)
8. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)Â Â Â .810 (363-85, 14 yrs.)*
9. John Wooden (Indiana State/UCLA)Â Â Â .804 (664-162, 29 yrs.)
10. John Kresse (Coll. of Charleston)Â Â Â .797 (560-143, 23 yrs.)
11. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)Â Â Â .787 (395-107, 17 yrs.)*
12. Josh Schertz (Lincoln Memorial/Indiana State)Â Â Â .786 (368-100, 15 yrs.)*
13. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)Â Â Â .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
14. Jerry Tarkanian (LBSU/UNLV/Fresno St.)Â Â Â .784 (729-201, 31 yrs.)
15. Francis Schmidt (Tulsa/Arkansas/TCU)Â Â Â .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 14 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)Â Â Â 57 losses (12 yrs.)
Josh Merkel (Randolph-Macon)Â Â Â 80 losses (12 yrs.)
Jim Crutchfield (Nova SE)Â Â Â 82 losses (18 yrs.)
John Tauer (St. Thomas)Â Â Â 83 losses (12 yrs.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)Â Â Â 83 losses (10 yrs.)
Ben McCollum (NWMSU)Â Â Â 85 losses (14 yrs.)
Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)Â Â Â 86 losses (10 yrs.)
Jim Rullo (Neumann)Â Â Â Â Â Â 88 losses (10 yrs.)
Ryan Kane (Ripon)Â Â Â Â Â Â 90 losses (10 yrs.)
Rick Croy (California Baptist)Â Â Â 94 losses (10 yrs.)
Charlie Ernst (Findlay)Â Â Â Â Â Â 94 losses (12 yrs.)
Andy Newman (Cal St. S.B.)Â Â Â 97 losses (10 yrs.)
Mike Fuline (Mt. Union)Â Â Â 97 losses (12 yrs.)
Chris Beard (Texas)Â Â Â Â Â Â 98 losses (11 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 (28), Lincoln (25), Washburn (22) and Pittsburg State (21).
   He is undefeated against Northeastern State (14-0), Rogers State (6-0) and Newman (4-0).
McCollum vs. Current MIAA Foes
Missouri Western   28-2
Lincoln         25-2
Washburn      22-10
Pittsburg State      21-5
Missouri Southern   19-11
Fort Hays State      18-6
Emporia State      18-7
Central Missouri   16-12
Nebraska-Kearney   14-1
Northeastern State   14-0
Central Oklahoma   12-3
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 363. Former Bearcat leader Steve Tappmeyer holds down the No. 4 spot with 408 wins when he was at Northwest.
   Ben McCollum has a mark of 221-61 in MIAA games only. McCollum is one of six head coaches in league history to record 200 or more MIAA regular season victories.
Coaching Victories as MIAA Members (as of 3/4/23)
1. Â Â Â Bob Chipman (Washburn)Â Â Â 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)   363*
7.   Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)   337
8.   Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)   323*
9.   Willard Sims (Truman State)   310
10.   A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)   302
* - active head coaches
MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 2/27/23)
Bob Chipman (Washburn)Â Â Â 352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)Â Â Â 281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)Â Â Â 234
Ben McCollum (Northwest)Â Â Â 221*
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)Â Â Â 213
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)Â Â Â 203*
Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)Â Â Â 191
Boyd King (Truman State)Â Â Â 159
Willard Sims (Truman State)Â Â Â 130
A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)Â Â Â 128
Bill Thomas (Missouri St.)Â Â Â 117
* - active head coaches
BEARCATS IN THE NABC POLL
Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll in 114 straight weeks - the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II schools.
   Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll 224 times in this history of its program.
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Consecutive weeks ranked in NABC Top 25
149, West Liberty (2/2/2010-12/10/2019)
114, Northwest Missouri State (1/26/2016-2/28/2023)Â 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 rankedÂ
356, Kentucky Wesleyan
277, Southern Indiana
232, Florida Southern
224, 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 10Â
258, Kentucky Wesleyan
161, West Liberty
153, Southern Indiana
150, Virginia Union
144, Northwest Missouri State
135, Bellarmine
124, Florida Southern
114, Indiana (Pa.)
106, MSU Denver
102, Lincoln Memorial
Most weeks ranked in top 5Â
161, Kentucky Wesleyan
127, 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
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 (20Â 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)
MAC RARELY SUFFERS 10-POINT PLUS LOSSES
In 14 seasons as the Bearcat head coach, Ben McCollum has suffered only 30 double-figure point losses. He has posted a career mark of 363-85.
   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 29 wins this season, the Bearcats have only trailed four times 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.
   Central Oklahoma took a 29-28 lead with 17:01 to play in the second half. Northwest would go on to defeate UCO, 65-51.
   Emporia State held a one-point lead at 31-30 with 16:29 left in the second half of the the MIAA Tournament semifinal that Northwest would go on to win, 63-52.
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.
   Northwest's largest second-half comeback this season is a five-point deficit at Missouri Western (47-42 with 12:44 left).
'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.
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
'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.
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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.
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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 Â
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
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.
