Saturday, Jan. 13 | 3:30 p.m. (CT) | MWSU Fieldhouse | St. Joseph, Mo.
No. 14 Northwest Missouri State at Missouri Western
WATCH | LISTEN | STATS | TICKETS | PARKING INFO

Bearcat Radio Network
John Coffey - Play-by-Play
Matt Tritten - Analyst

BEARCATS LOOK TO MAINTAIN MIAA LEAD IN ST. JOSEPH
The No. 14-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (11-3 overall, 7-1 MIAA) will hit the road for its third straight game Saturday in St. Joseph, Mo., against the Missouri Western Griffons (11-3, 5-3 MIAA). Tip is set for 3:30 p.m. at the MWSU Fieldhouse.
    The Griffons are 7-1 at home this season with their lone loss coming on Dec. 16 against Washburn at Civic Arena, 83-77. MWSU is receiving votes in the NABC poll.

ALL-TIME VS. GRIFFONS
Northwest holds a 65-35 lead in the all-time series vs. Missouri Western.
    Northwest has defeated Missouri Western 24 straight times. The Bearcats have also won 10 consecutive games vs. the Griffons in St. Joseph, Mo.
    Northwest tallied three victories over Missouri Western last season, including a 65-52 win in the quarterfinals of the MIAA tournament at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.    
    Head coach Ben McCollum is 29-2 vs. Missouri Western.

SO MUCH SUCCESS VS MIAA OPPONENTS
Northwest has won 23 of its last 24 matchups with MIAA opponents dating back to last season.
    Northwest has also won 10 of its last 11 MIAA road games. Its only loss in that stretch came earlier this season in a 57-49 setback at Fort Hays State (Dec. 7).

FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGES ARE HEATING UP
Northwest has shot 55% or better in three straight contests, including this past weekend's performances on the road in the MIAA.
    Northwest hit on 60.7% of its shots in a win over Clarke on Dec. 30. Northwest knocked in 55.1% of its shots in a triumph at Northeastern State on Jan. 4. The Bearcats drilled 55.3% of its field goals in a victory at Rogers State on Jan. 6.
    Northwest has shot 50.0% or better in six games this season.

LIMITED LOSSES IN 8 YEARS
Northwest has suffered only 19 losses in the last eight seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 235-19 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
11-3 - 2023-24

'CATS AT NO. 4 IN LATEST MASSEY RATINGS
Northwest holds down the No. 4 spot in the nation in the latest Massey Ratings (Jan. 8, 2024).
    Northwest is the top-ranked MIAA team in the Massey Ratings (Masseyratings.com/cb/ncaa-d2/ratings).

Massey Ratings (NCAA Div. II - 1/8/24)
1. MSU Moorhead    7.57
2. Minnesota St.        7.47
3. Nova Southeastern    7.44
4. Northwest Mo. St.    7.12
5. West Texas A&M    7.08
6. Minnesota Duluth    6.99
7. Central Oklahoma    6.94
8. Fort Lewis        6.91
9. Colorado Mesa        6.89
10. Angelo St.        6.89

BEARCATS RANK NO. 3 IN SCORING DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 3 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 176-6 when holding the opposition to less than 60 points.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.     Fort Hays State        57.1
2.    Alaska-Anchorage        59.9
3.    Northwest Mo. St.        60.6
4.    Miles            61.4
5.    Indianapolis        63.1
6.    Central Oklahoma        63.2
7.    Hillsdale        63.7
    West Alabama        63.7
9.    Fayetteville St.        63.8
    Mercyhurst        63.8

SECOND-BEST FT SHOOTERS IN THE NATION
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in the free throw percentage. The Bearcats lead the MIAA in free throw shooting at 80.7%, having made 255-of-316.

NCAA Div. II Free Throw %
1.     Pittsburgh-Johnstown    .821
2.    Northwest Mo. St.        .807
3.    Truman St.        .807
4.    Lincoln        .803
5.    St. Edward's, Texas        .801
6.    Cedarville        .800
7.    Shorter        .794
    Southeastern Okla. St.    .794
9.    Concordia-University Irvine    .793
10. Embry-Riddle        .791

NO. 14 IN FREE THROWS MADE
Northwest ranks No. 14 in the nation in free throws made per game (18.2). Pittsburg State ranks No. 8 in the nation and leads the MIAA with 19.2 free throws made per game.

NOT MANY REBOUNDS FOR THE OPPOSITION
Northwest has allowed the fewest rebounds per game in the nation by its opponents (23.8). 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.        23.8
2.    Arkansas-Monticello        27.3
3.    Johnson C. Smith        28.3
4.    Southwest Baptist        28.5
5.     Lewis        28.5
6.    UNC Pembroke        28.8
7.    Texas Permian Basin        28.8
8.    Illinois-Springfield        28.8
9.    Cal Poly Humboldt        29.0
10.    Southern Nazarene        29.4

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 No. 2 in the MIAA in scoring at 18.9 points per game. Dreamer is sixth in the MIAA with 29 made three-pointers. Dreamer ranks No. 6 in the MIAA in rebounding at 7.1 boards per contest. Dreamer ranks No. 7 in the league in minutes played per game (34.3).
    Stirtz ranks No. 11 in the MIAA in scoring at 15.4 points per contest. Stirtz ranks No. 8 in the league in steals (1.6). Stirtz ranks No. 10 in the league in minutes played per game (33.8).

SCORING SUPERLATIVES
Senior Wes Dreamer has scored 20 or more points in five of his last six contests - averaging 22.3 points per game.
    Dreamer notched his 22nd career 20-point scoring game with a 27-point performance at Rogers State.
    Stirtz collected his fourth 20-point scoring game this season and sixth of his career when he secured 23 points at Northeastern State. Stirtz scored 18 of his 23 points in the first half against the RiverHawks.
    Daniel Abreu has scored 10 or more points on six occasions this season. Abreu has reached double-figure scoring 26 times in his Bearcat career.
    
Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 76
Bennett Stirtz - 35
Daniel Abreu - 26
Byron Alexander - 19
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 - 22
Bennett Stirtz - 6
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's 15 steals ranks No. 2 on the team this season. Dreamer has accumulated 97 career steals entering this week's game at Missouri Western.
    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 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%).

JACKSON AIDS IN ALL AREAS
Junior guard Isaiah Jackson ranks second on the team in assists (51) and rebounds (50), while averaging 6.2 points per game.
    Jackson ranks No. 8 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.9). He ranks No. 6 in the MIAA in assists per game (4.3). He has turned the ball over only 27 times.

DREAMER AMONG ACTIVE NCAA LEADERS
Bearcat senior Wes Dreamer is the NCAA Div. II active career leader in games played (142). 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 (284) and No. 5 in three-pointers attempted (712).
    He ranks No. 11 in rebounds (724) and No. 13 in points (1,577).

NCAA Div. II Active Career Leaders 3-Pointers Made
1.     Zach Toussaint (West Texas A&M)        330
2.    Matthew Ragsdale (Black Hills St.)        313
3.    Drew Blair (Minnesota Duluth)        289
4.    Wes Dreamer (Northwest Mo. St.)        284
5.    Reese Glover (Missouri Western)        282
6.    Luke Burnett (Alabama-Huntsville)        271
7.    Jaden Wells (Central Oklahoma)        270
8.    Brian Free (Northwestern Oklahoma)        243
9.    Jamal Barnes (St. Thomas Aquinas)        241
10.    Joel Sternberger (Southeastern Okla. St.)    240

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 five 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
Kelvin Jones (Emmanuel)        2,663 pts/701 rbs
Joel Scott (Colorado State)    2,632 pts/1,082 rbs
Cam Martin (Boise State)        2,255 pts/953 rbs
Bryce Butler (Coll. of Charleston)    2,049 pts/818 rbs
Armando Bacot (North Carlina)    2,017 pts/1,491 rbs
Hunter Dickinson (Kansas)        1,888 pts/961 rbs
Zach Edey (Purdue)        1,867 pts/1,006 rbs
Baylor Scheierman (Creighton)    1,855 pts/1,062 rbs
Tanner Holden (Wright St.)        1,852 pts/796 rbs
Daniel Cook (St. John Peter)    1,828 pts/937 rbs
Anthony Roberts (Purdue-Ft. Wayne)    1,765 pts/714 rbs
Tyler Burton (Villanova)        1,762 pts/932 rbs
Bryson Bultman (Miami, Ohio)    1,725 pts/738 rbs
Mervin James (Rider)        1,675 pts/789 rbs
Johni Broome (Auburn)        1,670 pts/1,026 rbs
Charles Pride (St. Bonaventure)    1,657 pts/825 rbs
Nathan Bruns (Findlay)        1,655 pts/707 rbs
Jeff Hunter (Keene St.)        1,624 pts/1,145 rbs
Winston Hill (The Citadel)        1,618 pts/814 rbs
Anthony Pittman (W. Va. St.)    1,595 pts/904 rbs
Josh Oduro (Providence)        1,586 pts/819 rbs
Wes Dreamer (Northwest Mo. St.)    1,577 pts/724 rbs
Tyrece Radford (Texas A&M)    1,551 pts/784 rbs
Norchad Omier (Miami, Fla.)    1,549 pts/1,143 rbs
Ethan Porterfield (Indiana, Pa.)    1,539 pts/735 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 1,577 points, 724 rebounds and 281 made three-pointers.
    Scheierman has posted 1,855 points, 1,062 rebounds and 291 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.)    1,577 pts/724 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 724 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.)            724
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 284 career three-pointers to rank No. 4 in school history. Dreamer is one three-pointer 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.)    284
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.)    712
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 1,577 points in 142 career games (11.1 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.)        1,577 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 187-23.
    Over the last eight seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 137-13 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    7-1
Totals    187-23

PLENTY OF WINS IN ST. JOE
Northwest has won 27 of its last 28 games played in the city of St. Joseph.

Northwest's Last 28 Games in St. Joseph
L, 63-56 vs. Southwest Minnesota State (11/11/23)
W, 65-47 vs. Northern State (11/10/23)
W, 68-59 at Missouri Western (2/18/22)
W, 79-42 vs. Minn. Crookston (11/12/22)
W, 81-78 vs. Northern State (11/11/22)
W, 84-61 at Missouri Western (2/5/22)
W, 78-65 vs. Missouri-St. Louis (11/19/21)
W, 64-59 vs. Seattle Pacific (11/7/21)
W, 68-55 vs. Northern State (11/6/21)
W, 79-56 at Missouri Western (2/9/21)
W, 92-69 at Missouri Western (2/25/20)
W, 92-71 vs. MSU Moorhead (11/9/19
W, 60-52 vs. Minn.-Crookston (11/8/19)
W, 100-88 vs. Southern Nazarene (11/2/19)
W, 85-65 vs. Daemen (11/1/19)
W, 87-64 at Missouri Western (1/19/19)
W, 84-59 vs. Winona State (11/10/18)
W, 76-59 vs. Upper Iowa (11/9/18)
W, 100-86 vs. Ferris State (11/4/18)
W, 72-70 vs. Northern State (11/3/18)
W, 74-60 at Missouri Western (12/6/17)
W, 71-60 vs. Northern State (11/12/17)
W, 89-65 vs. Upper Iowa (11/10/17)
W, 74-58 at Missouri Western (1/28/17)
W, 76-58 vs. Wayne State (11/13/16)
W, 87-52 vs. Upper Iowa (11/11/16)
W, 66-60 at Missouri Western (1/9/16)
W, 89-52 vs. Wayne State (11/14/15)

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 376-89 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 (506-83, 19 yrs.)
2. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .810 (248-58, 10 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .809 (376-89, 14 yrs.)
4. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .792 (496-130, 20 yrs.)
5. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .785 (408-112, 18 yrs.)
6. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .757 (445-143, 21 yrs.)
7. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .726 (238-90, 11 yrs.)
8. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .722 (265-102, 13 yrs.)
9. Dave Holmquist (Biola)    .708 (1,052-433, 47 yrs.)
10. Ken Ammann (Concordia, Calif.)    .708 (511-211, 23 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .859 (506-83, 19 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (699-139, 25 yrs.)
3. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .810 (248-58, 10 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .809 (376-89, 14 yrs.)
5. Matt Logie (Montana State)    .808 (282-67, 13 yrs.)
6. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .792 (496-130, 20 yrs.)
7. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .787 (384-104, 16 yrs.)
8. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .785 (408-112, 18 yrs.)
9. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .768 (367-111), 17 yrs.)
10. Bill Self (Kansas)    .767 (785-238, 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)    .859 (506-83, 19 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (699-139, 25 yrs.)*
3. Clair Bee (Rider/LIU Brooklyn)    .824 (412-88, 21 yrs.)
4. Adolph Rupp (Kentucky)    .822 (876-190, 41 yrs.)
5. Bucky Harris (Jefferson)    .811 (240-56, 13 yrs.)
6. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .810 (248-58, 10 yrs.)*
7. Dolph Stanley (Beloit)    .810 (238-56, 12 yrs.)
8. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .809 (376-89, 14 yrs.)*
9. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma/Montana St.)    .808 (282-67, 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)    .792 (496-130, 20 yrs.)*
13. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .787 (384-104, 16 yrs.)*
14. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)    .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
15. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .785 (408-112, 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)    67 losses (13 yrs.)
Jim Crutchfield (Nova SE)    83 losses (18 yrs.)
Josh Merkel (Randolph-Macon)    84 losses (13 yrs.)
Ben McCollum (NWMSU)    89 losses (15 yrs.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)    89 losses (11 yrs.)
John Tauer (St. Thomas)    89 losses (13 yrs.)
Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    90 losses (11 yrs.)
Chris Beard (Ole Miss)        99 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 (15-0), Rogers State (7-0) and Newman (4-0).

McCollum vs. Current MIAA Foes
Missouri Western    29-2
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    15-0
Central Oklahoma    13-3
Rogers State        7-0
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 376. 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 227-62 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 1/8/24)
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)    376*
7.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    337
8.    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    334*
9.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
10.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    302
* - active head coaches

MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 1/5/24)
Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
Ben McCollum (Northwest)    228*
Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    213
Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    209*
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 150-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 148 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)

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.

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 233 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, 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-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 (1/17/2023-1/2/2024)
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
233, Northwest Missouri State
228, 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.