Thursday, Jan. 4 | 7:30 p.m. (CT) | NSU Event Center | Tahlequah, Okla.
No. 19 Northwest Missouri State at Northeastern State
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Saturday, Jan. 6 | 3:30 p.m. (CT) | Claremore Expo Center | Claremore, Okla.
No. 19 Northwest Missouri State at Rogers State
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Bearcat Radio Network
John Coffey - Play-by-Play
Matt Tritten - Analyst

FIRST-PLACE BEARCATS RETURN TO MIAA PLAY IN OKLAHOMA
The No. 19-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (9-3 overall, 5-1 MIAA) heads back into league play this week with games at Northeastern State (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.) and at Rogers State (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.).
    Northeastern State is 5-6 overall and 0-5 in MIAA play. The RiverHawks are 4-3 at home.
    Rogers State is 6-5 overall and 3-2 in league action. The Hillcats are 5-0 at home. Rogers State has won eight consecutive home games entering this week's action.

ALL-TIME VS. RIVERHAWKS
Northwest holds a 16-1 lead all-time against Northeastern State.
    Northwest has won 15 straight matchups with NSU. Since NSU joined the MIAA, it is 0-14 against Northwest.

ALL-TIME VS. HILLCATS
Northwest owns a 6-0 all-time record against Rogers State. RSU joined the MIAA in the 2019-20 season and all six matchups have occurred in that time frame.

'CATS NET PLENTY OF SEASON-HIGHS VS CLARKE
Northwest set a few season highs in its 100-44 holiday tuneup win over Clarke in Bearcat Arena.
    Northwest buried 37 field goals, 12 three-pointers and shot 60.7% from the floor. Northwest grabbed 42 rebounds and dished out 23 assists vs. the Pride.
    The Bearcats reached the 100-point mark for the first time since a 101-63  victory over Missouri Western (Dec. 18, 2021).
    Northwest's 37 made field goals was the most for the program since making 38 vs. Emporia State on March 3, 2021, in the quarterfinals of the MIAA Tournament in Bearcat Arena.

SO MUCH SUCCESS VS MIAA OPPONENTS
Northwest has won 21 of its last 22 matchups with MIAA opponents dating back to last season.
    Northwest has also won eight of its last nine MIAA road games. Its only loss in that stretch came earlier this season in a 57-49 setback at Fort Hays State (Dec. 7).

LIMITED LOSSES IN 8 YEARS
Northwest has suffered only 19 losses in the last eight seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 233-19 over the last eight years.

35-1 - 2016-17
27-4 - 2017-18
38-0 - 2018-19
31-1 - 2019-20
28-2 - 2020-21
34-5 - 2021-22
31-3 - 2022-23
9-3 - 2023-24

'CATS AT NO. 6 IN LATEST MASSEY RATINGS
Northwest holds down the No. 6 spot in the nation in the latest Massey Ratings (Jan. 1, 2024).
    Northwest is the top-ranked MIAA team in the Massey Ratings (Masseyratings.com/cb/ncaa-d2/ratings).

Massey Ratings (NCAA Div. II - 1/1/24)
1. Nova Southeastern    7.59
2. MSU Moorhead    7.52
3. Minnesota St.        7.47
4. West Texas A&M    7.17
5. Minnesota Duluth    7.12
6. Northwest Mo. St.    7.09
7. Central Oklahoma    6.97
8. Dallas Baptist        6.91
9. Angelo St.        6.88
10. Colorado Mesa    6.88

DREAMER, STIRTZ HEAD SCORING LEADERS FOR THE 'CATS
Senior Wes Dreamer and sophomore Bennett Stirtz are the Bearcats top two scorers and each ranks in the top 13 in the MIAA in scoring.
    Dreamer ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in scoring at 18.6 points per game. Dreamer is tied for fifth in the MIAA with 25 made three-pointers. Dreamer ranks No. 6 in the MIAA in rebounding at 7.1 boards per contest.
    Stirtz ranks No. 13 in the MIAA in scoring at 14.7 points per contest. Stirtz ranks No. 5 in the league in steals (1.6). Stirtz ranks No. 8 in the league in minutes played per game (33.8).

DREAMER'S 30-POINT HALF
Senior Wes Dreamer was simply unstoppable in his 30-point first-half performance against Clarke University (Dec. 30).
    Dreamer played 16 minutes and shot 11-of-16 from the field, including 2-of-4 from three-point range. Dreamer sank 6-of-7 at the charity stripe as he collected his third career 30-point scoring game.
    Dreamer's 30-point half was the most first-half points scored by a Bearcat since Justin Pitts put up 30 points in the first 20 minutes vs. Northeastern State (Nov. 30, 2017). Pitts buried 9-of-11 three-pointers in the first half against the RiverHawks en route to a 35-point night.

SCORING SUPERLATIVES
Senior Wes Dreamer has scored 20 or more points in four consecutive games. He is the first Bearcat to do that since Trevor Hudgins put together a five-game streak in February 2021.
    Dreamer scored 30 vs. Clarke (Dec. 30), 22 vs. Emporia State (Dec. 16), 21 vs. Washburn (Dec. 13) and 20 at Nebraska-Kearney (Dec. 9).
    It was Dreamer's third career 30-point game and second time he has reached 30 this season. He tallied a 30-point game vs. Upper Iowa (Nov. 17).
    Daniel Abreu recorded his 25th career double-figure scoring game vs. Clarke. Abreu has scored 10 or more points in three straight games.
    Mitch Mascari notched his 16th career double-figure game with 12 points vs. Clarke.
    Luke Moustakas gained his fifth double-figure scoring contest against Clarke.
    Blake Danitschek captured his first 10-point scoring game against Clarke.
        
Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 74
Bennett Stirtz - 33
Daniel Abreu - 25
Byron Alexander - 17
Mitch Mascari - 16
Isaiah Jackson - 9
Luke Moustakas - 5
Jack Ratigan - 2
Blake Danitschek - 1
Spencer Schomers - 1

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 21
Bennett Stirtz - 5
Daniel Abreu - 1
Isaiah Jackson - 1
Mitch Mascari - 1

Career 30-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 3

DREAMER SHOWING OFF DEFENSIVELY TOO
Senior Wes Dreamer not only leads the team in scoring, he is the squad's top rebounder at 7.1 boards per game.
    Dreamer has also tallied at least one steal in eight consecutive games. His 12 steals ranks No. 2 on the team this season. Dreamer has accumulated 94 career steals entering this week's action in Oklahoma.
    Dreamer ranks No. 7 on Northwest's all-time blocked shots list with 63.

Northwest Career Blocked Shots
1.    Joe Hurst (1983-86)        153
2.    Hunter Henry (2006-09)    109
3.    Russ Miller (1977-80)        94
4.    Dillon Starzl (2010-14)    69
5.    Rick Jolley (1994-96)        68
6.    Jake Reinders (2007-12)    66
7.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pres.)    63
8.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-22)    60
9.    Floyd Farrow (2000-01)    59
10. Kyle Schlake (2010-14)    58

BYRON BARELY MISSES FROM ANYWHERE
Since the start of MIAA play, junior forward Byron Alexander has found his scoring touch from the field and the free throw line.
    Alexander is shooting 80.0% from the field (16-of-20 FGs) in MIAA play. He is also shooting 81.3% from the charity stripe (13-of-15 FTs). Alexander is averaging 9.0 points per game through five MIAA contests.
    Overall on the season, Alexander ranks No. 3 on the team in scoring at 8.6 points per game. He also ranks third on the team with 22 assists. Alexander has scored in double figures in four games this season (11 vs. Northern State; 18 vs. Upper Iowa; 14 vs. Pittsburg State; 11 at Nebraska-Kearney).
    Alexander has knocked in 88.6% of his free throws by sinking 31-of-35 at the charity stripe. He also leads the team in field goal percentage (64.0%).

JACKSON NEARING TRIPLE-DOUBLE TERRITORY
Junior guard Isaiah Jackson has been flirting with triple-double territory in his last two outings.
    Jackson dished out nine assists, scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds in a 100-44 victory over Clarke on Dec. 30.
    On Dec. 16 vs. Emporia State, Jackson totaled nine points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 63-59 triumph over the Hornets.
    Jackson leads the squad with 45 assists. He ranks No. 5 in the MIAA in assists per game (4.5). He has turned the ball over only 22 times. Jackson ranks No. 7 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.05).

BLAKE BURIES TRIPLES OFF THE BENCH
Sophomore Blake Danitschek has made eight of his last nine three-point field goal attempts this season.
    Danitschek knocked in a trio of three-pointers vs. Nebraska-Kearney, then he buried both of his three-point attempts in an eight-point scoring night vs. Washburn. Danitschek made 2-of-3 from three-point range in a 10-point scoring game vs. Clarke.
    On the season, Danitschek has made 8-of-10 from three-point land. Danitschek is 11-of-15 from the field in eight games played.

DREAMER AMONG ACTIVE NCAA LEADERS
Bearcat senior Wes Dreamer is the NCAA Div. II active career leader in games played (140). Including all NCAA levels, Dreamer ranks No. 17 in total games played.
    Dreamer ranks No. 4 among active NCAA Div. II players in three-pointers made (280) and No. 5 in three-pointers attempted (700).
    He ranks No. 10 in rebounds (710) and No. 13 in points (1,536).

NCAA Div. II Active Career Leaders 3-Pointers Made
1.     Zach Toussaint (West Texas A&M)        324
2.    Matthew Ragsdale (Black Hills St.)        306
3.    Drew Blair (Minnesota Duluth)        287
4.    Wes Dreamer (Northwest Mo. St.)        280
5.    Reese Glover (Missouri Western)        278
6.    Luke Burnett (Alabama-Huntsville)        267
7.    Jaden Wells (Central Oklahoma)        265
8.    Jamal Barnes (St. Thomas Aquinas)        238
9.    Joel Sternberger (Southeastern Okla. St.)    237
10    Brian Free (Northwestern Oklahoma)        235

DREAMER JOINS AN ELITE LIST OF 1,500-POINT SCORERS & 700+ REBOUNDS
Dreamer became just the fifth Bearcat to reach 1,500 points and 700 rebounds in his career joining Diego Bernard, Ryan Hawkins, Hunter Henry and Joe Hurst in that elite category.
    Dreamer is among three active NCAA Div. II player to reach 1,500 points and 700 rebounds. Through all NCAA Divisions, there are 24 active players with 1,500 points and 700 rebounds.

Active NCAA Players with 1,500+ Points/700+ Rebounds
Joel Scott (Colorado State)    2,616 pts/1,071 rbs
Cam Martin (Boise State)        2,255 pts/950 rbs
Bryce Butler (Coll. of Charleston)    2,017 pts/809 rbs
Armando Bacot (North Carlina)    1,987 pts/1,465 rbs
Hunter Dickinson (Kansas)        1,858 pts/950 rbs
Zach Edey (Purdue)        1,834 pts/979 rbs
Baylor Scheierman (Creighton)    1,828 pts/1,039 rbs
Tanner Holden (Wright St.)        1,820 pts/784 rbs
Daniel Cook (St. John Peter)    1,797 pts/923 rbs
Tyler Burton (Villanova)        1,756 pts/924 rbs
Anthony Roberts (Purdue-Ft. Wayne)    1,755 pts/709 rbs
Bryson Bultman (Miami, Ohio)    1,704 pts/723 rbs
Nathan Bruns (Findlay)        1,638 pts/700 rbs
Johni Broome (Auburn)        1,632 pts/1,006 rbs
Charles Pride (St. Bonaventure)    1,629 pts/810 rbs
Mervin James (Rider)        1,623 pts/774 rbs
Winston Hill (The Citadel)        1,599 pts/807 rbs
Anthony Pittman (W. Va. St.)    1,595 pts/904 rbs
Jeff Hunter (Keene St.)        1,593 pts/1,125 rbs
Josh Oduro (Providence)        1,554 pts/813 rbs
Tyrece Radford (Texas A&M)    1,540 pts/778 rbs
Wes Dreamer (Northwest Mo. St.)    1,536 pts/710 rbs
Ethan Porterfield (Indiana, Pa.)    1,522 pts/725 rbs
Norchad Omier (Miami, Fla.)    1,506 pts/1,124 rbs

DREAMER, SCHEIERMAN SHARE COMPANY
Bearcat senior Wes Dreamer and Creighton senior Baylor Scheierman are the only two active NCAA men's basketball players to have reached 1,500 points, 700 rebounds and 275 made three-pointers.
    Dreamer has put up 1,506 points, 705 rebounds and 278 made three-pointers.
    Scheierman has poasted 1,828 points, 1,039 rebounds and 287 made three-pointers at his two Division I stops (South Dakota State & Creighton).

DREAMER ONE OF 15 BEARCATS IN 1,000-POINT 500-REBOUND CLUB
Senior forward Wes Dreamer is one of 15 Bearcats to have tallied 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds at Northwest.

Northwest's 1,000 Pts & 500 Rbs
Diego Bernard (2018-pr.)    2,191 pts/958 rbs
Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)    2,098 pts/948 rbs
Victor Coleman (1980-84)    1,759 pts/586 rbs
David Alvey (1973-77)    1,747 pts/677 rbs
Hunter Henry (2006-09)    1,592 pts/808 rbs
Joe Hurst (1982-86)    1,580 pts/777 rbs
Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    1,536 pts/710 rbs
Russ Miller (1976-80)    1,282 pts/837 rbs
Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)    1,203 pts/519 rbs
Matt Redd (1996-99)    1,200 pts/571 rbs
Don Sears (1966-70)    1,154 pts/874 rbs
Dillon Starzl (2011-14)    1,153 pts/518 rbs
Chris Ebou Ndow (2015-18)    1,134 pts/654 rbs
Bob Sundell (1986-89)    1,082 pts/574 rbs
Rick Jolley (1993-96)    1,054 pts/574 rbs

DREAMER RANKS NO. 7 ON ALL-TIME
BEARCAT REBOUNDING CHART
Senior forward Wes Dreamer has tallied 710 rebounds to rank No. 7 on the program's all-time boards list.
Northwest's Rebounds in a Career
1.     Diego Bernard (2018-23)            958    
2.     Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)            948
3.     Don Sears (1966-1970)            874
4.     Russ Miller (1976-1980)            837
5.     Hunter Henry (2006-2009)            808
6.     Joe Hurst (1983-1986)            777
7.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pres.)            710
8.     David Alvey (1973-1977)            677
9.     Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-2018)    654
10.     Victor Coleman (1981-1984)            586

DREAMER AMONG TOP-10 3-POINT SHOOTERS IN PROGRAM HISTORY
Senior Wes Dreamer has knocked in 280 career three-pointers to rank No. 4 in school history. Dreamer is five three-pointers away from tying Ryan Hawkins for No. 3 on Northwest's three-point chart.

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.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    280
5.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)        271
6.    Ryan Welty (2016-20)        238
7.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)    215
8.    Conner Crooker (2013-16)    205
9.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)    173
10.    Joey Witthus (2017-19)    172

Northwest 3-Pointers Attempted in a Career
1.     Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)    936
2.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)    835
3.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pres.)    700
4.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)    695
5.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)        624
6.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)    585
7.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)    485
8.    Conner Crooker (2013-16)    478
9.    Ryan Welty (2016-20)        466
10.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    453

DREAMER IS ONE OF 28 1,000-POINT SCORERS IN BEARCAT HISTORY
Bearcat senior forward Wes Dreamer is one of 28 1,000-point scorers in school history. Dreamer is only the 12th Bearcat to reach 1,500 career points. He ranks No. 12 in program history with 1,536 points in 139 career games (11.0 ppg).

Northwest's 1,000 Point Scorers
1.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)        2,829 pts
2.     Justin Pitts (2014-18)            2,459 pts
3.    Diego Bernard (2018-23)        2,191 pts
4.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)        2,098 pts
5.    Victor Coleman (1980-84)        1,795 pts
6.    David Alvey (1973-77)            1,747 pts
7.    Scott Fleming (1999-2003)        1,727 pts
8.     DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)        1,702 pts
9.    Kelvin Parker (2000-04)        1,692 pts
10.    Hunter Henry (2006-09)        1,592 pts
11.    Joe Hurst (1982-86)            1,580 pts
12. Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)        1,536 pts
13.    Conner Crooker (2012-16)        1,352 pts
14.    Austin Meyer (2003-06)        1,294 pts
15.    Elijah Allen (2008-11)            1,289 pts
16.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)        1,282 pts
    Russ Miller (1976-80)            1,282 pts
18. Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)        1,203 pts
19. Matt Redd (1996-99)            1,200 pts
20. Gerald Harris (1984-88)        1,198 pts
21. Don Sears (1966-70)            1,154 pts
22. Dillon Starzl (2011-14)        1,153 pts
23. Joey Witthus (2017-19)        1,150 pts
24. Glenn Phillips (1985-87)        1,147 pts
25. Luke Waters (2019-23)        1,135 pts
26. Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-18)        1,134 pts
27. Bob Sundell (1986-89)        1,082 pts
28. Rick Jolley (1993-96)            1,054 pts

BEARCATS HAVE CLAIMED 10 STRAIGHT MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLES
Northwest captured its 10th straight MIAA regular season crown in the 2022-23 season.
    Only Gongaza has a longer conference title winning streak with 11 in a row. The Zags have won 11 straight West Coast Conference titles at the NCAA Division I level.
    Over the last 11 seasons, Northwest has compiled a league mark of 185-23.
    Over the last eight seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 135-13 against league foes.

Year        NW's MIAA Record
2013-14    16-3
2014-15    15-4
2015-16    19-3
2016-17    18-1
2017-18    16-3
2018-19    19-0
2019-20    18-1
2020-21    21-1
2021-22    18-4
2023-23    20-2
2023-24    5-1
Totals    185-23

BEARCATS RANK NO. 4 IN SCORING DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 4 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 60.6 points per game.
    The Bearcats second third in the MIAA in scoring defense behind only Fort Hays State (57.1 ppg).
    Under the direction of head coach Ben McCollum, the Bearcats are 175-6 when holding the opposition to less than 60 points.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.     Fort Hays State        57.1
2.    Alaska-Anchorage        60.1
3.    Cal St. San Bernadino    60.2
4.    Northwest Mo. St.        60.6
5.    West Alabama        60.7
6.    Central Oklahoma        60.8
7.    Kentucky Wesleyan        62.7
8.    Miles            62.9
9.    Florida Tech        63.2
    Shepherd        63.2

FIFTH-BEST FT SHOOTERS IN THE NATION
Northwest ranks No. 5 in the nation in the free throw percentage. The Bearcats lead the MIAA in free throw shooting at 81.1%, having made 215-of-265.
    A quartet of Bearcats are shooting 80.0% or better at the line in Jack Ratigan (21-of-26, 80.8%), Bennett Stirtz (53-of-60, 87.9%), Byron Alexander (31-of-35, 88.6%) and Daniel Abreu (19-of-21, 90.5%).

NCAA Div. II Free Throw %
1.     Pittsburgh-Johnstown    .822
2.    Truman St.        .814
3.    Concordia-University Irvine    .813
4.    Cedarville        .812
5.    Northwest Mo. St.        .811
6.    St. Edward's, Texas        .804
7.    Southeastern Oklahoma St.    .800
8.    Shorter        .799
9.    Embry-Riddle        .798
10. Cal State Los Angeles    .796

NO. 19 IN FREE THROWS MADE
Northwest ranks No. 19 in the nation in free throws made per game (17.9).

NOT MANY REBOUNDS FOR THE OPPOSITION
Northwest has allowed the fewest rebounds per game in the nation by its opponents (24.4). Northwest held Upper Iowa and Missouri-St. Louis to only 17 rebounds each, while holding Clarke to 18 caroms.

NCAA Div. II Fewest Rebounds/Game
1.     Northwest Mo. St.        24.4
2.    Texas Permian Basin        27.4
3.    Southwest Baptist        28.0
4.     Lewis        28.1
5.    Cal Poly Humboldt        28.3
6.    Arkansas-Monticello        28.4
7.    Johnson C. Smith        28.9
8.    Illinois-Springfield        28.9
9.    UNC Pembroke        29.4
10.    Southern Nazarene        29.6

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 with a mark of 373-89 in 15 years at Northwest.
    McCollum ranks No. 5 among all NCAA basketball head coaches (minimum of 10 years) in win percentage.
    He also ranks No. 9 all-time among all NCAA men's basketball coaches with at least 10 years head coaching experience.

NCAA Div. II Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .860 (505-82, 19 yrs.)
2. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .810 (247-58, 10 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .808 (374-89, 14 yrs.)
4. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .792 (495-130, 20 yrs.)
5. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .784 (407-112, 18 yrs.)
6. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .756 (443-143, 21 yrs.)
7. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .725 (237-90, 11 yrs.)
8. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .723 (264-101, 13 yrs.)
9. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .710 (511-209, 23 yrs.)
10. Dave Holmquist (Biola)    .708 (1,050-433, 47 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .860 (505-82, 19 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (697-139, 25 yrs.)
3. Matt Logie (Montana State)    .813 (282-65, 13 yrs.)
4. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .810 (247-58, 10 yrs.)
5. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .808 (374-89, 14 yrs.)
6. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .792 (495-130, 20 yrs.)
7. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .786 (382-104, 16 yrs.)
8. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .784 (407-112, 18 yrs.)
9. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .767 (366-110), 17 yrs.)
10. Bill Self (Kansas)    .767 (784-238, 31 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions All-Time Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (West Liberty/Nova Southeastern)    .860 (505-82, 19 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (697-139, 25 yrs.)*
3. Clair Bee (Rider/LIU Brooklyn)    .824 (412-88, 21 yrs.)
4. Adolph Rupp (Kentucky)    .822 (876-190, 41 yrs.)
5. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma/Montana St.)    .813 (282-65, 13 yrs.)*
6. Bucky Harris (Jefferson)    .811 (240-56, 13 yrs.)
7. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .810 (247-58, 10 yrs.)*
8. Dolph Stanley (Beloit)    .810 (238-56, 12 yrs.)
9. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .808 (374-89, 14 yrs.)*
10. John Wooden (Indiana State/UCLA)    .804 (664-162, 29 yrs.)
11. John Kresse (Coll. of Charleston)    .797 (560-143, 23 yrs.)
12. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .792 (495-130, 20 yrs.)*
13. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)    .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
14. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .786 (382-104, 16 yrs.)*
15. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .784 (407-112, 18 yrs.)*
* - active head coaches
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

RARE COMPANY - LESS THAN 100 LOSSES WITH 10 YEARS OF HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE
Ben McCollum is one of nine active NCAA men's basketball head coaches to have less than 100 losses with at least 10 years of head coaching experience.

Matt Logie (Montana State)    65 losses (13 yrs.)
Jim Crutchfield (Nova SE)    82 losses (18 yrs.)
Josh Merkel (Randolph-Macon)    84 losses (13 yrs.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)    87 losses (11 yrs.)
Ben McCollum (NWMSU)    89 losses (15 yrs.)
John Tauer (St. Thomas)    89 losses (13 yrs.)
Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    90 losses (11 yrs.)
Chris Beard (Ole Miss)        98 losses (12 yrs.)
Mike Fuline (Mt. Union)    99 losses (13 yrs.)

MCCOLLUM VS. CURRENT MIAA FOES
Head coach Ben McCollum has a winning record against all 13 of Northwest's current MIAA foes.
    McCollum has recorded 20 or more wins against five MIAA opponents: Missouri Western (28), Lincoln (25), Washburn (23), Pittsburg State (22) and Missouri Southern (20).
    He is undefeated against Northeastern State (14-0), Rogers State (6-0) and Newman (4-0).

McCollum vs. Current MIAA Foes
Missouri Western    28-2
Lincoln            25-2
Washburn        23-10
Pittsburg State        22-5
Missouri Southern    20-11
Fort Hays State        18-7
Emporia State        19-7
Central Missouri    16-12
Nebraska-Kearney    15-1
Northeastern State    14-0
Central Oklahoma    13-3
Rogers State        6-0
Newman        4-0

MCCOLLUM RANKS NO. 6 IN MIAA WINS
Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum ranks No. 6 on the MIAA's all-time head coaching wins list with 374. 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 226-62 in MIAA games only. McCollum is one of six head coaches in league history to record 200 or more MIAA regular season victories.

Coaching Victories as MIAA Members (as of 1/1/24)
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)    374*
7.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    337
8.    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    332*
9.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
10.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    302
* - active head coaches

MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 1/1/24)
Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
Ben McCollum (Northwest)    226*
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    213
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    207*
Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    191
Boyd King (Truman State)    159
Willard Sims (Truman State)    130
A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    128
Bill Thomas (Missouri St.)    117
* - active head coaches

100-POINT MARK
Northwest has scored 100 or more points 18 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)
100-44 vs. Clarke (12/30/23)

90-PLUS = SUCCESS
Northwest has posted a mark of 63-0 when scoring 90 or more points with head coach Ben McCollum. Northwest has put up two games of 90 or more points this season that includes a 91-82 win over Upper Iowa and a 100-44 victory over Clarke.

'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG WINS
Under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 149-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 147 consecutive games when the final scoring margin is 20 or more points. The last time the Bearcats lost a game by 20 points or more came Jan. 20, 2010, when Missouri Southern posted an 88-63 win in Joplin, Mo.

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

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

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

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

SUFFOCATING DEFENSE FROM THE 'CATS
Northwest held Missouri-St. Louis to 41 points in a 30-point win on Nov. 22 in St. Louis.
    The 41 points allowed tied for the sixth-lowest output allowed under the leadership of head coach Ben McCollum.
    The lowest scoring output in the MIAA since the 1985-86 season (advent of the shot clock) was 32 points by Central Missouri against Missouri S&T (Feb. 13, 2002).

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

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 169-14, including a tally of 113-10 in MIAA play.
    Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 124-7. In that same stretch, Northwest is 88-4 in home MIAA contests.
    Northwest has won 16 straight home MIAA games dating back to the 2021-22 season. ESU was the last league opponent to win a game in Bearcat Arena (76-75 - Feb. 21, 2022).

Year        Record (MIAA Games)
2011-12    12-1 (9-1)
2012-13    12-3 (6-3)
2013-14    12-1 (9-1)
2014-15    13-2 (8-1)
2015-16    13-0 (11-0)
2016-17    18-0 (10-0)
2017-18    12-2 (8-1)
2018-19    17-0 (9-0)
2019-20    16-0 (10-0)
2020-21    12-2 (10-1)
2021-22    12-2 (9-2)
2022-23    15-1 (11-0)
2023-24    5-0 (4-0)

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

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

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

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

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

Career Double-Doubles
Wes Dreamer - 9
Byron Alexander - 1

FOR OPENERS
Northwest has produced a 12-3 mark in season openers for head coach Ben McCollum.
    The Bearcats have won their last eight season openers.

Season Openers Since 2009-10
W, 65-47 vs. Northern State (11/10/23)
W, 78-62 vs. West Texas A&M (11/5/22)
W, 68-55 vs. Northern St. (11/6/21)
W, 86-78 at Rogers State (11/21/20)
W, 85-65 vs. Daemen (11/1/19)
W, 72-70 OT vs. Northern St. (11/3/18)
W, 89-65 vs. Upper Iowa (11/10/17)
W, 87-52 vs. Upper Iowa (11/11/16)
L, 76-72 vs. Upper Iowa (11/13/15)
L, 75-66 vs. MSU-Moorhead (11/14/14)
W, 91-78 vs. Upper Iowa (11/9/13)
W, 86-65 vs. Graceland (11/11/12)
W, 66-62 at UMKC (11/11/11)
L, 72-67 vs. SW Minn. St. (11/14/10)
W, 105-55 vs. Manhattan Christian (11/16/09)

BEARCATS BEGIN YEAR AT #1
For the sixth time in program history, Northwest began the season at No. 1 in the NABC's Preseason Top 25 Poll. The Bearcats were also tabbed No. 1 in the preseason polls in 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

NORTHWEST IS NATIONAL NAME
Northwest is 41-22 all-time in the NCAA Tournament with six appearances in the Elite Eight (2002, 2004, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022).
    Northwest is the first NCAA Division II school to capture three straight national titles.
    The Bearcats have claimed four national championships with titles in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022.
    
NCAA Div. II National Titles
8, Kentucky Wesleyan
5, Evansville
4, Northwest Missouri State
3, Virginia Union
2, Central Missouri
2, MSU Denver
2, North Alabama
2, Winona State

12 STRAIGHT 20-WIN SEASONS
Northwest has recorded 12 consecutive 20-win seasons under head coach Ben McCollum.
    It is the longest active 20-win season streak among NCAA Division II programs.
    McCollum's 12 20-win seasons are the most among Northwest men's basketball coaches. McCollum passed Steve Tappmeyer, who held the previous mark of 10 20-win seasons on the Bearcat sidelines.
    Northwest has produced 29 20-win seasons in program history.

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

'CATS HAVE SEVEN 30-WIN SEASONS
Northwest reached the 30-win mark for the seventh time in program history last year and has done so in five of the last seven seasons.
    Northwest's 34 wins in 2021-22 ranks as the third-best single-season total in program history.
    Northwest set its single-season win mark in 2018-19 when the Bearcats won 38 games en route to the national championship.
    
Northwest's 30-Win Seasons
38-0 - 2018-19 (National Champions)
35-1 - 2016-17 (National Champions)
34-5 - 2021-22 (National Champions)
31-0 - 1929-30 (NCAA Tournament not contested)
31-6 - 1930-31 (NCAA Tournament not contested)
31-1 - 2019-20 (NCAA Tournament not contested)
31-3 - 2022-23 (NCAA Tournament - 2nd Round)

ONLY 25 LOSSES SINCE START OF 2015-16
Northwest has dropped only 25 games since the start of the 2015-16 season.
    Northwest has lost by double digits only six times since the start of the 2015-16 season.
    The 19-point margin at Emporia State on Feb. 8, 2022, is Northwest's largest losing margin since a 22-point loss at Southwest Minnesota State (72-50) on Nov. 10, 2013.

Northwest Losses (Margin) Since 2015-16
8 - 57-49 at Fort Hays State (12/7/23)
3 - 75-72 vs. Emmanuel (11/18/23)
7 - 63-56 vs. Southwest Minnesota State (11/11/23)
4 - 61-57 vs. Southern Nazarne (3/12/23)
11 - 69-58 at Central Oklahoma (1/12/23)
9 - 74-65 at Emporia State (12/17/22)
1 - 76-75 vs. Emporia State (2/21/22)
1 - 60-59 vs. Washburn (2/19/22)
19 - 75-56 at Emporia State (2/8/22)
1 - 76-75 OT at Central Okla. (1/20/22)
6 - 83-77 vs. Sioux Falls (11/13/21)
1 - 69-68 vs. Washburn (3/6/21)
2 - 84-82 OT vs. Washburn (1/7/21)
12 - 72-60 at Central Missouri (12/7/19)
10 - 60-50 vs. Minnesota State (3/10/18)
3 - 73-70 vs. Missouri Southern (2/17/18)
7 - 66-59 at Neb.-Kearney (1/18/18)
6 - 83-77 at Missouri Southern (1/4/18)
17 - 88-71 at Missouri Southern (2/18/17)
2 - 80-78 at Augustana (3/15/16)
7 - 70-63 at Emporia State (1/13/16)
16 - 68-52 at Lindenwood (12/20/15)
5 - 79-74 at Lincoln (12/18/15)
2 - 79-77 at Augustana (11/19/15)
4 - 76-72 vs. Upper Iowa (11/13/15)

BEARCATS IN THE NABC POLL
Northwest fell out of the NABC Top 25 poll on Dec. 12. It snapped a streak of 120 straight weeks that the Bearcats had been ranked in the top 25.
    Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll 232 times in this history of its program.

Consecutive weeks ranked in NABC Top 25
149, West Liberty (2/2/2010-12/10/2019)
120, Northwest Missouri State (1/26/2016-12/5/2023)
95, Lincoln Memorial (12/7/2010-12/13/2016)
91, Bellarmine (11/18/2014-2/11/2020)
83, West Texas A&M (11/15/2017-12/13/2022)
76, Salem (1/21/1997-3/11/2003)
76, Grambling (1/5/1961-3/9/1967)
71, Kentucky Wesleyan (11/24/1997-12/16/2003)
68, Cal State-Bakersfield (1/27/1992-12/7/1998)
65, Augusta (1/30/2007-3/8/2011)
65, Stephen F. Austin (12/12/1968-3/8/1973)

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, Nova Southeastern (12/14/2021-pres.) ACTIVE
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, Nova Southeastern (1/4/2021-pres.) ACTIVE
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, Ashland (12/12/1968-2/19/1970)
24, Jefferson (2/24/1992-1/22/1995)
24, Indiana (Pa.) (1/18/2022-3/7/2023

Consecutive weeks in NABC #1 Ranked Team
19, Evansville (1/30/1964-3/4/1965)
15, Nova Southeastern (1/17/2023-pres.) ACTIVE
15, Findlay (11/25/2008-3/10/2009)
15, Northwest Missouri State (1/28/2020-3/2/2021)
14, Winona State (11/28/2006-3/6/2007)
14, Bentley (11/28/2007-3/11/2008)
11, Indiana (Pa.) (1/1/1995-12/18/1995)
10, Northwest Missouri State (12/6/2016-2/14/2017)
10, Bellarmine (11/13/2018-1/29/2019)
10, Northwest Missouri State (1/29/2019-12/3/2019)
10, Lubbock Christian (11/23/2021-2/1/2022)

Most weeks ranked 
356, Kentucky Wesleyan
277, Southern Indiana
238, Florida Southern
232, Northwest Missouri State
227, West Liberty
219, Virginia Union
219, Indiana (Pa.)
184, Lincoln Memorial
179, Bellarmine
172, MSU Denver
167, Findlay

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

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

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

NORTHWEST TALLIES LEAGUE-BEST 23RD MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLE
Northwest captured its 10th straight MIAA regular season title and a league-record 23rd overall crown.

MIAA Regular Season Titles
Northwest - 23
Central Missouri - 21
Missouri State - 19
Southeast Missouri State - 13
Washburn - 10
Truman State - 9
Missouri Western - 5
Southwest Baptist - 4
Lincoln - 4
Missouri Southern - 2
Missouri S&T - 2
Fort Hays State - 1
Pittsburg State - 1

MIAA PRESEASON POLLS
Northwest Missouri State has been picked first in the 2023-24 MIAA preseason men's basketball coaches and media polls.

2023-24 MIAA Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri State [11] – 166 points
2. Emporia State [1] – 151 points
3. Fort Hays State [1] – 147 points
4. Central Oklahoma [1] – 138 points
5. Missouri Southern – 120 points
6. Washburn – 106 points
7. Missouri Western – 92 points
8. Rogers State – 88 points
9. Northeastern State – 60 points
10. Central Missouri – 59 points
11. Pittsburg State – 55 points
12. Lincoln – 46 points
13. Newman – 24 points
14. Nebraska Kearney – 22 points
Coaches Are Not Allowed To Vote For Their Own Team

2023-24 MIAA Media Poll
1. Northwest Missouri State [19] – 291 points
2. Central Oklahoma [2] – 260 points
3. Emporia State – 252 points
4. Fort Hays State – 229 points
5. Missouri Southern – 193 points
6. Lincoln – 163 points
7. Washburn – 162 points
8. Missouri Western – 141 points
9. Rogers State – 138 points
10. Central Missouri – 110 points
11. Pittsburg State – 96 points
12. Northeastern State – 87 points
13. Newman – 47 points
14. Nebraska Kearney – 36 points

PRESS CONFERENCE TUESDAY AT THE PALMS
Northwest head coach Ben McCollum will be available each Tuesday from Noon - 1 p.m. for a press conference at The Palms in Maryville.