Thursday, Feb. 1 | 7:30 p.m. (CT) | Bearcat Arena | Maryville, Mo.
Nebraska-Kearney at No. 16 Northwest Missouri State
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Saturday, Feb. 3 | 3:30 p.m. (CT) | Bearcat Arena | Maryville, Mo.
No. 24 Fort Hays State at No. 16 Northwest Missouri State
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Bearcat Radio Network/MIAA Network
John Coffey - Play-by-Play
Matt Tritten - Analyst

NORTHWEST LOOKS TO DEFEND BEARCAT ARENA VS UNK, FHSU
The No. 16-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (15-4 overall, 11-2 MIAA) will look to maintain a perfect home record with contests against Nebraska-Kearney (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.) and No. 24-ranked Fort Hays State (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.).

ALL-TIME VS. LOPERS
Northwest owns a 15-1 lead in the all-time series with the Lopers. Northwest notched an 83-53 win over UNK in Kearney, Neb., on Dec. 9 in the previous meeting this season.
    Northwest has won nine consecutive games in the series.    Northwest is a perfedct 7-0 all-time in Bearcat Arena vs. UNK.
    UNK's only win in the series came Jan. 18, 2018, in Kearney, Neb., when the Lopers posted a 66-59 victory over the then-No. 2-ranked Bearcats.

ALL-TIME VS. TIGERS
Northwest holds a 23-11 lead in the all-time series with Fort Hays State.
    Northwest has posted six consecutive victories in Bearcat Arena against FHSU.
    The Tigers snapped a 15-game winning streak in the series by the Bearcats with a 57-49 victory at Gross Auditorium on Dec. 7.
    Head coach Ben McCollum is 18-7 vs. Fort Hays State.

10+ MIAA WINS IN 13 STRAIGHT SEASONS
Northwest captured its 10th MIAA win of the season Thursday at UCM with a 76-54 victory. It marks the 13th straight season that the Bearcats have won 10 or more league games.
    Northwest and Washburn are the only two MIAA schools to have won 10 or more league games in each of the last 13 years. Washburn is looking to extend its streak to 14 consecutive seasons this year. The Ichabods sit at nine wins this year.

10+ MIAA Wins (Consecutive Years)
1. Northwest Mo. St. (13)
    Washburn (13)
3. Missouri Southern (10)
4. Emporia State (3)
    Fort Hays State (3)
    Central Oklahoma (3)
7. Lincoln (1)
    Rogers State (1)

'CATS HOLD ONE GAME LEAD IN MIAA STANDINGS
Northwest holds a one-game lead over Fort Hays State in the MIAA standings. Northwest is 11-2 in league play, while FHSU sits at 10-3. Washburn sits alone in third place at 9-4. Rogers State and Missouri Western are tied for fourth with 8-5 marks.

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 171-14, including a tally of 115-10 in MIAA play.
    Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 126-7. In that same stretch, Northwest is 90-4 in home MIAA contests.
    Northwest has won 18 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).
    Northwest is 7-0 at home this season in Bearcat Arena. Northwest has won 22 of its last 23 home contests.

Year        Record (MIAA Games)
2011-12    12-1 (9-1)
2012-13    12-3 (6-3)
2013-14    12-1 (9-1)
2014-15    13-2 (8-1)
2015-16    13-0 (11-0)
2016-17    18-0 (10-0)
2017-18    12-2 (8-1)
2018-19    17-0 (9-0)
2019-20    16-0 (10-0)
2020-21    12-2 (10-1)
2021-22    12-2 (9-2)
2022-23    15-1 (11-0)
2023-24    7-0 (6-0)

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 191-24.
    Over the last eight seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 141-14 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    11-2
Totals    191-24

SO MUCH SUCCESS VS MIAA OPPONENTS
Northwest has won 27 of its last 29 matchups with MIAA opponents dating back to last season.

LIMITED LOSSES IN 8 YEARS
Northwest has suffered only 20 losses in the last eight seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 239-20 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
15-4 - 2023-24

NO. 5 IN DIV. II, NO. 12 IN NATION BY SYNERGY
The Bearcat men's basketball squad ranks No. 5 in the nation among NCAA Division II schools and No. 12 in the nation among all programs in points per offensive possession (1.063) according to Synergy Sports Technology.

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. II)
1. Minnesota St.        1.086
2. Lubbock Christian    1.078
3. Carson-Newman    1.070
4. Upper Iowa        1.066
5. Northwest Mo. St.    1.063
6. Charleston, W.Va.    1.061
    Gannon        1.061
8. Illinois-Springfield    1.055
9. Ferris St.        1.051
9. Alabama-Huntsville    1.049

'CATS AT NO. 5 IN LATEST MASSEY RATINGS
Northwest holds down the No. 5 spot in the nation in the latest Massey Ratings (Jan. 26, 2024).
    Northwest is the top-ranked MIAA team in the Massey Ratings (Masseyratings.com/cb/ncaa-d2/ratings).

Massey Ratings (NCAA Div. II - 1/29/24)
1. Minnesota St.        7.47
2. Nova Southeastern    7.37
3. West Texas A&M    7.28
4. MSU Moorhead    7.26
5. Northwest Mo. St.    7.18
6. Minnesota Duluth    7.09
7. Dallas Baptist        7.07
8. Minot State        7.00
9. Fort Lewis        6.98
10. Colorado Mesa    6.96

'CATS LEAD LEAGUE IN SCORING MARGIN
Northwest is the only MIAA school averaging a double-digit scoring margin in league games. Northwest is 11-2 with an average scoring margin of 11.5 points per game. Fort Hays State ranks second in league games with a +7.2 scoring margin with a mark of 10-3 in conference matchups.
    Northwest and Fort Hays State have each allowed a league-low 779 points (59.9 ppg) through 13 MIAA games.
    Northwest ranks No. 12 in the nation in scoring margin in all games (+13.3).

BEARCATS RANK NO. 2 IN SCORING DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 59.5 points per game. The Bearcats rank second in the MIAA in scoring defense behind only Fort Hays State (58.4 ppg).
    Northwest held Central Missouri to 54 points in Thursday's 22-point win in Warrensburg, Mo., and limited Lincoln to 49 points in a 12-point triumph in Jefferson City, Mo., on Saturday.
    Under the direction of head coach Ben McCollum, the Bearcats are 181-6 when holding the opposition to less than 60 points.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.     Fort Hays State        58.4
2.    Northwest Mo. St.        59.5
3.    Alaska-Anchorage        61.6
4.    Fayetteville St.        62.3
5.    Miles            62.7
6.    Walsh        62.8
7.    West Alabama        63.5
8.    Central Missouri        63.8
9.    Indianapolis        64.6
10. Central Oklahoma        65.0

THIRD-BEST FREE THROW SHOOTERS IN THE NATION
Northwest ranks No. 3 in the nation in the free throw percentage at 80.0%.

NCAA Div. II Free Throw %
1.    St. Edward's, Texas        .808
2.    Wingate        .802
3.    Northwest Mo. St.        .800
4.    Shorter        .800
5.    Southeastern Okla. St.    .797
6.    Pittsburgh-Johnstown    .796
7.    Chamindate        .794
8.    Lincoln        .794
9.    Bentley        .789
10. Alabama-Huntsville        .788

NO. 13 IN FTs MADE
Northwest ranks No. 13 in the nation in free throws made per game (18.2).

NOT MANY REBOUNDS FOR THE OPPOSITION
Northwest has allowed the fewest rebounds per game in the nation by its opponents (23.6).
    Northwest limited Central Missouri to 16 total rebounds in its 76-54 win over the Mules. Northwest has held five teams to less than 20 rebounds in a game this season - Central Missouri (16), Upper Iowa (17), Missouri-St. Louis (17) and Clarke (18).

NCAA Div. II Fewest Rebounds/Game
1.     Northwest Mo. St.        23.6
2.    Arkansas-Monticello        26.4
3.    Cal Poly Humboldt        27.6
4.    Southwest Baptist        27.9
5.     Lewis        28.7
6.    Emmanuel, Ga.        29.0
7.    UNC Pembroke        29.2
8.    Rogers St.        29.2
9.    Hillsdale        29.3
10.    Mercyhurst        29.3

NORTHWEST HITTING NEARLY HALF ITS SHOTS THIS SEASON
The Bearcats rank No. 18 in the nation in field goal percentage having made 49.6% of its shots this season. The Bearcats have shot 50.0% or better in eight games this season - including two 60-percent games vs. Clarke (60.7%) and Central Missouri (60.5%).

MASCARI GETTING HOT FROM DEEP
Junior guard Mitch Mascari has produced double-digit scoring in three of his last four games. He has also drained four three-pointers in three of his last four contests.
    Mascari tallied 19 points and four triples against Central Oklahoma. He added 12 points on four threes vs. Newman. Mascari notched 14 points on four three-pointers at Central Missouri.
    Mascari has drained four or more three-pointers in seven contests this season. He has buried at least one triple in nine consecutive games and has made at least one three-pointer in 16 of 19 contests.
    Mascari ranks No. 3 in the MIAA in three-pointers made (42).

JACKSON IS DOING IT ALL
Junior guard Isaiah Jackson is one of six MIAA players with at least 125 points, 75 rebounds, 75 assists and 15 steals this season. Jackson is joined on that list by FHSU's Kaleb Hammeke, MWSU's Taye Fields, NSU's Jaxon Jones, UCO's Danquez Dawsey and PSU's Jordan Frison.

Name            Pts    Rbs    Ast.    Steals
Hammeke (FHSU)    295    95    79    24
Dawsey (UCO)        291    86    120    27
Frison (PSU)        215    76    92    24
Fields (MWSU)        213    177    79    20
Jones (NSU)        177    86    101    20
Jackson (NW)        125    83    77    17

ISAIAH EYES A STUFFED STAT SHEET
Jackson had a streak of four straight double-figure scoring games snapped at Lincoln when he scored nine points.
    Jackson has produced five or more assists in seven games this season.
    Jackson leads the team in assists (77). He ranks second on the squad in rebounds (83), while averaging 7.4 points per game.
    Jackson ranks No. 6 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.1). He ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in assists per game (4.5). He has turned the ball over only 37 times.

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 70.3% from the field (26-of-37 FGs) in MIAA play. He is also shooting 78.3% from the charity stripe (18-of-23 FTs). Alexander is averaging 10.0 points per game through seven MIAA contests.
    Overall on the season, Alexander ranks No. 3 on the team in scoring at 9.2 points per game. He also ranks third on the team with 26 assists. Alexander has scored in double figures in six games this season.
    Alexander has knocked in 85.7% of his free throws by sinking 36-of-42 at the charity stripe. He also leads the team in field goal percentage (62.7%).

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 11 in the MIAA in scoring.
    Dreamer ranks second in the MIAA in scoring at 18.2 points per game. He ranks sixth in the league in rebounding at 6.9 boards per contest. Dreamer is fourth in the MIAA with 39 made three-pointers. Dreamer ranks No. 8 in the league in minutes played per game (34.8).
    Stirtz ranks No. 11 in the MIAA in scoring at 15.2 points per contest. Stirtz ranks No. 11 in the league in minutes played per game (33.9). Stirtz ranks No. 7 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.9).

SCORING SUPERLATIVES
Sophomore Bennett Stirtz went with back-to-back 20-point scoring games at Central Missouri and at Lincoln. Stirtz had a 22-point effort at UCM and followed it up with a 21-point performance at Lincoln. Stirtz has posted eight career 20-point scoring contests. He has reached double-figure scoring in 38 career games.
    Junior Daniel Abreu scored a season-high 19 points to tally his 28th career double-figure scoring game. Abreu has scored 10 or more points on eight occasions this season.
    
Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 80
Bennett Stirtz - 38
Daniel Abreu - 28
Byron Alexander - 19
Mitch Mascari - 19
Isaiah Jackson - 14
Luke Moustakas - 5
Jack Ratigan - 3
Blake Danitschek - 1
Spencer Schomers - 1

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 24
Bennett Stirtz - 8
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 6.9 boards per game.
    Dreamer's 20 steals ranks No. 2 on the team this season. Dreamer has accumulated 102 career steals.
    Dreamer ranks No. 7 on Northwest's all-time blocked shots list with 64.

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.)    64
8.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-22)    60
9.    Floyd Farrow (2000-01)    59
10. Kyle Schlake (2010-14)    58

DREAMER AMONG ACTIVE NCAA LEADERS
Bearcat senior Wes Dreamer is the NCAA Div. II active career leader in games played (147). Including all NCAA levels, Dreamer ranks No. 19 in total games played.
    Dreamer ranks No. 4 among active NCAA Div. II players in three-pointers made (294) and No. 6 in three-pointers attempted (740).
    He ranks No. 12 in points (1,659) and No. 13 in rebounds (756) among NCAA Div. II active leaders.

NCAA Div. II Active Career Leaders 3-Pointers Made
1.     Zach Toussaint (West Texas A&M)        335
2.    Matthew Ragsdale (Black Hills St.)        326
3.    Drew Blair (Minnesota Duluth)        301
4.    Wes Dreamer (Northwest Mo. St.)        294
5.    Luke Burnett (Alabama-Huntsville)        293
6.    Reese Glover (Missouri Western)        289
7.    Jaden Wells (Central Oklahoma)        286
8.    Brian Free (Northwestern Oklahoma)        256
9.    Jamal Barnes (St. Thomas Aquinas)        254
10.    Jett Sternberger (Southeastern Okla. St.)    247

DREAMER JOINS AN ELITE LIST OF 1,600-POINT SCORERS & 700+ REBOUNDS
Dreamer is only the third Bearcat to reach 1,600 points and 700 rebounds in his career joining Diego Bernard and Ryan Hawkins in that elite category.
    Dreamer is among six active NCAA Div. II player to reach 1,600 points and 700 rebounds. Through all NCAA Divisions, there are 34 active players with 1,600 points and 700 rebounds.

Active NCAA Players with 1,500+ Points/700+ Rebounds
Kelvin Jones (Emmanuel)        2,771 pts/734 rbs
Joel Scott (Colorado State)    2,689 pts/1,112 rbs
Jahmir Young (Maryland)        2,381 pts/711 rbs
Cam Martin (Boise State)        2,267 pts/969 rbs
Bryce Butler (Coll. of Charleston)    2,096 pts/842 rbs
Armando Bacot (North Carlina)    2,081 pts/1,534 rbs
Zach Edey (Purdue)        2,017 pts/1,087 rbs
Hunter Dickinson (Kansas)        1,994 pts/1,012 rbs
Baylor Scheierman (Creighton)    1,960 pts/1,112 rbs
Daniel Cook (St. John Fisher)    1,948 pts/984 rbs
Tanner Holden (Wright St.)        1,944 pts/840 rbs
Anthony Roberts (Purdue-Ft. Wayne)    1,825 pts/744 rbs
Tyler Burton (Villanova)        1,806 pts/966 rbs
Bryson Bultman (Miami, Ohio)    1,782 pts/775 rbs
Johni Broome (Auburn)        1,765 pts/1,078 rbs
Mervin James (Rider)        1,764 pts/815 rbs
Charles Pride (St. Bonaventure)    1,717 pts/854 rbs
Jeff Hunter (Keene St.)        1,716 pts/1,216 rbs
Nathan Bruns (Findlay)        1,704 pts/716 rbs
Anthony Pittman (W. Va. St.)    1,695 pts/942 rbs
Drew Pember (UNC Asheville)    1,686 pts/709 rbs
Christian Parker (Mount Union)    1,680 pts/743 rbs
Josh Oduro (Providence)        1,666 pts/855 rbs
Wes Dreamer (Northwest Mo. St.)    1,659 pts/756 rbs
Trey Mitchell (Kentucky)        1,652 pts/743 rbs
Jalen Vaughns (Neumann)        1,639 pts/713 rbs
Norchad Omier (Miami, Fla.)    1,638 pts/1,190 rbs
Tyrece Radford (Texas A&M)    1,638 pts/824 rbs
Ethan Porterfield (Indiana, Pa.)    1,629 pts/785 rbs
Maalik Cartwright (Delta St.)    1,629 pts/711 rbs
Keion Brooks Jr. (Washington)    1,623 pts/700 rbs
Branden Carlson (Utah)        1,612 pts/735 rbs
Fillip Bulatovic (Carthage)        1,606 pts/785 rbs
Jake Mazrimas (Illinois College)    1,600 pts/896 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 1,600 points, 700 rebounds and 290 made three-pointers.
    Dreamer has put up 1,659 points, 756 rebounds and 294 made three-pointers.
    Scheierman has posted 1,960 points, 1,112 rebounds and 312 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
Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    1,659 pts/756 rbs
Hunter Henry (2006-09)    1,592 pts/808 rbs
Joe Hurst (1982-86)    1,580 pts/777 rbs
Russ Miller (1976-80)    1,282 pts/837 rbs
Jeff Hutcheon (1985-89)    1,203 pts/519 rbs
Matt Redd (1996-99)    1,200 pts/571 rbs
Don Sears (1966-70)    1,154 pts/874 rbs
Dillon Starzl (2011-14)    1,153 pts/518 rbs
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 756 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.)            756
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 294 career three-pointers to rank No. 3 in school history.

Northwest 3-Pointers Made in a Career
1.     Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)    435
2.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)    370
3.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    294
4.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)    285
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.)    740
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 10th Bearcat to reach 1,600 career points. He ranks No. 10 in program history with 1,659 points in 147 career games (11.3 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. Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)        1,659 pts
11.    Hunter Henry (2006-09)        1,592 pts
12.    Joe Hurst (1982-86)            1,580 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

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 380-90 in 15 years at Northwest.
    McCollum ranks No. 4 among all NCAA basketball head coaches (minimum of 10 years) in win percentage.
    He also ranks No. 8 all-time among all NCAA men's basketball coaches with at least 10 years head coaching experience.

NCAA Div. II Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .859 (510-84, 19 yrs.)
2. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .814 (254-58, 10 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .809 (380-90, 15 yrs.)
4. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .788 (498-134, 20 yrs.)
5. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .785 (413-113, 18 yrs.)
6. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .757 (449-144, 21 yrs.)
7. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .725 (242-92, 11 yrs.)
8. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .720 (267-104, 13 yrs.)
9. Bob Pietrack (Fort Lewis)    .708 (177-73, 10 yrs.)
10. Dave Holmquist (Biola)    .707 (1,054-436, 47 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .859 (510-84, 19 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (703-140, 25 yrs.)
3. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .814 (254-58, 10 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .809 (380-90, 15 yrs.)
5. Matt Logie (Montana State)    .806 (286-69, 13 yrs.)
6. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .788 (498-134, 20 yrs.)
7. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .787 (389-105, 16 yrs.)
8. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .785 (413-113, 18 yrs.)
9. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .768 (371-112), 17 yrs.)
10. Bill Self (Kansas)    .766 (788-241, 31 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions All-Time Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (West Liberty/Nova Southeastern)    .859 (510-84, 19 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (703-140, 25 yrs.)*
3. Clair Bee (Rider/LIU Brooklyn)    .824 (412-88, 21 yrs.)
4. Adolph Rupp (Kentucky)    .822 (876-190, 41 yrs.)
5. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .814 (254-58, 10 yrs.)*
6. Bucky Harris (Jefferson)    .811 (240-56, 13 yrs.)
7. Dolph Stanley (Beloit)    .810 (238-56, 12 yrs.)
8. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .809 (380-90, 15 yrs.)*
9. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma/Montana St.)    .806 (286-69, 13 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)    .788 (498-134, 20 yrs.)*
13. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .787 (388-105, 16 yrs.)*
14. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)    .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
15. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .785 (413-113, 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 seven 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)    69 losses (13 yrs.)
Jim Crutchfield (Nova SE)    84 losses (18 yrs.)
Josh Merkel (Randolph-Macon)    84 losses (13 yrs.)
Ben McCollum (NWMSU)    90 losses (15 yrs.)
John Tauer (St. Thomas)    92 losses (13 yrs.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)    92 losses (11 yrs.)
Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    92 losses (11 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 (29), Lincoln (26), Washburn (23), Pittsburg State (22) and Missouri Southern (20).
    He is undefeated against Northeastern State (15-0), Rogers State (7-0) and Newman (5-0).

McCollum vs. Current MIAA Foes
Missouri Western    29-3
Lincoln            26-2
Washburn        23-10
Pittsburg State        22-5
Missouri Southern    20-11
Fort Hays State        18-7
Emporia State        19-7
Central Missouri    17-12
Nebraska-Kearney    15-1
Northeastern State    15-0
Central Oklahoma    14-3
Rogers State        7-0
Newman        5-0

MCCOLLUM RANKS NO. 5 IN MIAA WINS
Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum ranks No. 5 on the MIAA's all-time head coaching wins list with 380. McCollum passed the mark of 379 wins set by Truman State's Boyd King, who coached in Kirksville from 1946-71.
    Former Bearcat leader Steve Tappmeyer holds down the No. 4 spot in league history with 408 wins when he was at Northwest.
    Ben McCollum has a mark of 232-63 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 1/28/24)
1.     Bob Chipman (Washburn)    569
2.    Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    516
3.    Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    413
4.    Steve Tappmeyer (NW)    408
5.    Ben McCollum (NW)    380*
6.    Boyd King (Truman State)    379
7.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    337
    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    337*
9.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
10.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    302
* - active head coaches

MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 1/28/24)
1.    Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
2.    Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
3.    Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
4.    Ben McCollum (Northwest)    232*
5.    Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    213
    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    213*
7.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    191
8.    Boyd King (Truman State)    159
9.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    130
10. A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    128
11.    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 152-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 150 consecutive games when the final scoring margin is 20 or more points. The last time the Bearcats lost a game by 20 points or more came Jan. 20, 2010, when Missouri Southern posted an 88-63 win in Joplin, Mo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

WINS AFTER LOSSES
Head coach Ben McCollum has produced a mark of 22-1 in his last 23 games after a loss.
    The Bearcats are 4-0 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.

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.

'CATS NET 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.

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.

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

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 26 LOSSES SINCE START OF 2015-16
Northwest has dropped only 26 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
6 - 76-70 at Missouri Western (1/13/24)
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 regained its national ranking in the Dec. 19 poll.
    Northwest has been ranked in the NABC Top 25 poll 236 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)
41, Nova Southeastern (12/14/2021-pres.) ACTIVE
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)
37, Nova Southeastern (1/4/2021-1/9/2024)
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 (1/17/2023-1/2/2024)
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
236, Northwest Missouri State
231, 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.