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

BEARCATS, GRIFFONS COLLIDE SATURDAY IN MARYVILLE
The No. 7-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (21-4 overall, 17-2 MIAA) will play its final home game of the regular season Saturday against the Missouri Western Griffons (15-10 overall, 9-10 MIAA). Tip is set for 3:30 p.m. in Bearcat Arena.
    Saturday will serve as a Pink Out game for the Bearcats.

ALL-TIME VS. GRIFFONS
Northwest holds a 65-36 lead in the all-time series vs. Missouri Western.
    Northwest has defeated Missouri Western 14 straight times in Bearcat Arena. MWSU's last win over Northwest in Bearcat Arena came Jan. 7, 2008 (66-63).
    The Griffons snapped a 24-game losing streak to the Bearcats with a 76-70 victory in St. Joseph, Mo., on Jan. 13.
    Head coach Ben McCollum is 29-3 vs. Missouri Western.

NORTHWEST ONE WIN AWAY FROM 11TH STRAIGHT MIAA REGULAR SEASON CROWN
Northwest is one win away from clinching a share of its 11th consecutive MIAA regular season crown.
    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 196-24.
    Over the last eight seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 146-14 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    15-2
Totals    195-24

'CATS LOOK TO CAPTURE 24TH MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLE
Northwest is one win away or one Fort Hays State loss away from clinching the program's 24th MIAA regular season crown.
    Northwest has won 16 outright MIAA titles and has shared the league crown on seven other occasions.

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

Northwest's Outright MIAA Titles
1925-26 - H.F. Lawrence
1928-29 - H.F. Lawrence
1929-30 - Henry Iba
1931-32 - Henry Iba
1932-33 - Henry Iba
1939-40 - Wilber Stalcup
1945-46 - Ryland Milner
1986-87 - Lionel Sinn
2014-15 - Ben McCollum
2015-16 - Ben McCollum
2016-17 - Ben McCollum
2017-18 - Ben McCollum
2018-19 - Ben McCollum
2019-20 - Ben McCollum
2020-21 - Ben McCollum
2022-23 - Ben McCollum

Northwest's Shared MIAA Titles
1926-27 - H.F. Lawrence
1997-98 - Steve Tappmeyer
2001-02 - Steve Tappmeyer
2006-07 - Steve Tappmeyer
2011-12 - Ben McCollum
2013-14 - Ben McCollum
2021-22 - Ben McCollum

10-GAME WIN STREAK
Northwest enters Saturday's game vs. Missouri Western in the midst of 10-game winning streak. The 10-game winning streak is tied for the third-longest active streak in NCAA Div. II men's basketball.

NCAA Div. II Active Win Streaks
1.    West Texas A&M        21
2.    Gannon        12
3.    Northwest Mo. St.        10
    Fort Lewis        10
    Minnesota-Duluth        10
6.    Concord        9
    Southeastern Okla. St.    9
8.    Nova Southeastern        8
9.    Kentucky Wesleyan        7
    Charleston, W.Va.        7

YET ANOTHER 10-GAME WIN STREAK FOR MCCOLLUM
Northwest has produced 12 winning streaks of 10 games or more under the direction of head coach Ben McCollum.

10-Game Winning Streaks for Mac
10 - Jan. 9, 2014 - Feb. 8, 2014
10 - Jan. 28, 2015 - March 5, 2015
17 - Jan. 6, 2016 - March 13, 2016
24 - Nov. 11, 2016 - Feb. 16, 2017
23 - Feb. 23, 2017 - Dec. 30, 2018
46 - Nov. 3, 2018 - Dec. 5, 2019
28 - Dec. 16, 2019 - Jan. 2, 2021
18 - Jan. 9, 2021 - March 5, 2021
14 - Nov. 14, 2021 - Jan. 17, 2022
21 - Feb. 23, 2022 - Dec. 11, 2022
17 - Jan. 14, 2023 - March 11, 2023
10 - Jan. 18, 2024 - pres.

NORTHWEST HAS WON 11
IN A ROW IN BEARCAT ARENA
Northwests's 11-game home winning streak is tied for the eighth-longest in the country.

NCAA Div. II Active Home Win Streaks
1.    Nova Southeastern        56
2.    Minnesota State        14
    Gannon        14
    West Georgia        14
    Fort Lewis        14
6.    Fort Hays State        13
7.    Benedict        12
8.    Northwest Mo. St.        11
    Southeastern Okla. St.    11
10. West Texas A&M        10
    Northern Michigan        10

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 175-14, including a tally of 119-10 in MIAA play.
    Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 130-7. In that same stretch, Northwest is 94-4 in home MIAA contests.
    Northwest has won 22 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 11-0 at home this season in Bearcat Arena. Northwest has won 26 of its last 27 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    11-0 (10-0)

'CATS ARE GOOD AT 17 OR MORE MIAA WINS
Northwest has won 17 or more MIAA games eight times in program history. Only 14 teams have won 17 or more MIAA games in a season and Northwest has accomplished it eight times. Northwest has won 17 or more MIAA games in six consecutive seasons.

Most MIAA League Wins in a Season
21, Northwest Mo. St. (2020-21)
20, Northwest Mo. St. (2022-23)
19, Missouri Southern (2010-11)
19, Northwest Mo. St. (2015-16)
19, Northwest Mo. St. (2018-19)
18, Central Missouri (2009-10)
18, Northwest Mo. St. (2016-17)
18, Northwest Mo. St. (2019-20)
18, Northwest Mo. St. (2021-22)
18, Central Oklahoma (2021-22)
18, Central Oklahoma (2022-23)
17, Southwest Baptist (2008-09)
17, Fort Hays State (2021-22)
17, Northwest Mo. St. (2023-24)

13TH STRAIGHT 20-WIN SEASON
Northwest has won 20 or more games in 13 consecutive seasons.
    It is the longest active 20-win season streak among NCAA Division II programs.
    The University of Kansas holds the longest active streak among NCAA Div. I teams at 35 win a row. Gonzaga University has an active streak of 27 consecutive 20-win seasons.
    Head coach Ben McCollum's 13 20-win seasons are the most among Northwest men's basketball coaches. McCollum surpassed Steve Tappmeyer, who held the previous mark of 10 20-win seasons on the Bearcat sidelines.

Northwest Coaching 20-Win Seasons
Ben McCollum - 13
Steve Tappmeyer - 10
Hank Iba - 3
Lionel Sinn - 3
Sparky Stalcup - 1

Active Consecutive 20-Win Seasons
Kansas - 35 (20 wins this season)
Gonzaga - 27 (20 wins this season)
Northwest Missouri State - 13 (21 wins this season)
Oregon - 13 (17 wins this season)
Belmont - 13 (15 wins this season)

NORTHWEST AMONG FIVE NCAA DIV. II SCHOOLS WITH 20 WINS IN MBB & WBB
The Northwest Missouri State women's and men's basketball teams have each reached the 20-win mark this season. Northwest is among five schools in NCAA Div. II basketball to have both women's and men's squad tally 20 or more wins this season. Northwest is joined by Colorado Mesa, Gannon, Minnesota State and Nova Southeastern.
    It is only the third time in program history that the Northwest women and men have each won 20 games in the same season. It also occured in 2003-04 (WBB - 24-7; MBB - 29-5) and 1983-84 (WBB - 25-5; MBB - 24-7).

'CATS HOLD TWO-GAME LEAD IN MIAA
Northwest maintained its two-game lead over Fort Hays State in the MIAA standings when the Bearcats scored a 73-56 win over Northeastern State.
    Northwest is 17-2 in MIAA games. FHSU is second in the league standings at 15-4. Pittsburg State, Washburn and Rogers State are tied for third at 11-7. Central Oklahoma and Missouri Southern are tied for sixth at 10-8. Emporia State and Lincoln are tied for eighth at 9-9. Missouri Western holds down 10th place in the league standings at 9-10.
    Northwest has clinched a spot in the MIAA Tournament. The Bearcats will be seeded either No. 1 or No. 2 in the 2024 MIAA Tournament, which is set for March 6-10 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.
    If the tournament started today, Northwest would be the top seed and would play the winner of the Emporia State-Lincoln matchup.

SO MUCH SUCCESS VS MIAA OPPONENTS
Northwest has won 33 of its last 35 matchups with MIAA opponents dating back to last season.

JACKSON IS DOING IT ALL
Junior guard Isaiah Jackson is one of four MIAA players to have 100 assists, 100 rebounds and 170 points this season.
Player            Asst.    Reb.    Pts.
Isaiah Jackson (NW)    109    123    171    
Jaxon Jones (NSU)    124    116    232
Kaleb Hammeke (FHSU)    100    130    353
Danquez Dawsey (UCO)    136    101    352

NO. 6 FREE THROW SHOOTERS IN THE NATION
Northwest ranks No. 6 in the nation in the free throw percentage at 78.8%.

NCAA Div. II Free Throw %
1.    Wingate        .798
2.    Chaminade        .796
3.    St. Edward's, Texas        .794
4.    Lincoln        .790
5.    Adams St.        .790
6.    Northwest Mo. St.        .788
7.    Molloy        .788
8.    Lubbock Christian        .785
9.    Florida Southern        .785
10.    Gannon        .785

BEARCATS RANK NO. 2 IN SCORING DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 59.9 points per game. The Bearcats rank second in the MIAA in scoring defense behind only Fort Hays State (56.4 ppg).
    Only two opponents (Missouri Western and Washburn) have scored 70 or more points against the Bearcats in Northwest's last 19 games.
    Under the direction of head coach Ben McCollum, the Bearcats are 183-6 when holding the opposition to less than 60 points.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.     Fort Hays State        56.4
2.    Northwest Mo. St.        59.9
3.    Miles            60.9
4.    Fayetteville St.        62.2
5.    Walsh        62.6
6.    Central Missouri        63.0
7.    West Alabama        63.1
8.    Winston-Salem        63.2
9.    Hillsdale        63.8
10.    Alaska-Anchorage        64.1

NO. 21 IN FTs MADE
Northwest ranks No. 21 in the nation in free throws made per game (17.4).

NO. 1 IN NATION IN POINTS PER POSSESSION BY SYNERGY
The Bearcat men's basketball squad ranks No. 1 in the nation among all programs by averaging 1.088 points per possession according to Synergy Sports Technology.

Points Per Possession (NCAA Div. II)
1. Northwest Mo. St.    1.088
2. Lubbock Christian    1.080
3. Charleston, W.Va.    1.074
4. Carson-Newman    1.067
5. Minnesota St.        1.063
6. Gannon        1.057
7. Jefferson        1.054
8. Illinois-Springfield    1.049
9. Ferris St.        1.040
10. Upper Iowa        1.037

Points Per Possession (All College Men's Basketball)
1. Northwest Mo. St.    1.088
2. Morningside        1.086
3. St. John's (Minn.)    1.081
4. Lubbock Christian    1.080
5. Indiana St.        1.076
6. Charleston, W.Va.    1.074
7. Indiana Wesleyan    1.070
8. Dordt            1.069
9. Connecticut        1.068
10. Carson-Newman    1.067

'CATS AT NO. 4 IN LATEST MASSEY RATINGS
Northwest holds down the No. 4 spot in the nation in the latest Massey Ratings (Feb. 20, 2024).
    Northwest is the top-ranked MIAA team in the Massey Ratings (Masseyratings.com/cb/ncaa-d2/ratings).

Massey Ratings (NCAA Div. II - 2/20/24)
1. West Texas A&M    7.48
3. Nova Southeastern    7.47
3. Minnesota St.        7.44
4. Northwest Mo. St.    7.27
5. Minnesota-Duluth    7.24
6. MSU Moorhead    7.21
7. Colorado Mesa        7.07
8. Fort Lewis        7.04
9. Dallas Baptist        7.03
10. Fort Hays St.        7.04

'CATS LEAD LEAGUE IN SCORING MARGIN
Northwest is the only MIAA school averaging a double-digit scoring margin in league games. Northwest is 17-2 with an average scoring margin of 13.1 points per game. Fort Hays State ranks second in league games with a +8.1 scoring margin with a mark of 15-4 in conference matchups.
    Fort Hays State has allowed a league-low 1,078 points (56.7 ppg) in league play. Northwest is second having allowed 1,145 points (60.3 ppg) in MIAA games.
    Northwest ranks No. 9 in the nation in scoring margin in all games (+14.0).

NCAA Div. II Scoring Margin
1.    Nova Southeastern        +23.5
2.    West Liberty        +21.0
3.    Gannon        +19.9
4.    Fort Lewis        +16.0
5.    Minnesota St.        +15.5
6.    East Stroudsburg        +15.0
7.    Charleston, W.Va.        +14.7
8.    Carson-Newman        +14.4
9.     Northwest Mo. St.        +14.0
    Ferris St.        +14.0

NOT MANY REBOUNDS FOR THE OPPOSITION
Northwest has allowed the fewest rebounds per game in the nation by its opponents (23.0). Northwest also ranks No. 14 in the nation in rebound margin (+7.0).
    Northwest limited Central Missouri to 16 total rebounds in its 76-54 win over the Mules. Northwest has held six teams to less than 20 rebounds in a game this season - Emporia State (12), Central Missouri (16), Upper Iowa (17), Missouri-St. Louis (17), Clarke (18) and Northeastern State (18).

NCAA Div. II Fewest Rebounds/Game
1.     Northwest Mo. St.        23.0
2.    Arkansas-Monticello        26.7
3.    Southwest Baptist        27.8
4.    Cal Poly Humboldt        27.8
5.    UNC Pembroke        28.5
6.    Mercyhurst        29.2
7.    Hillsdale        29.3
8.    Emmanuel, Ga.        29.5
9.    Colorado School of Mines    29.7
10.    Missouri-St. Louis        29.9

'CATS MAKING MORE THAN HALF ITS SHOTS
The Bearcats rank No. 5 in the nation in field goal percentage having made 51.3% of its shots this season. The Bearcats have shot 50.0% or better in 12 games this season - including a 70-percent game vs. Rogers State (73.9%) and three 60-percent games vs. Nebraska-Kearney (63.2%), vs. Clarke (60.7%) and Central Missouri (60.5%).
    Northwest also ranks No. 6 in the nation in three-point field goal percentage shooting as a team (40.3%).

NCAA Div. II Field Goal Percentage
1.     Carson-Newman        52.2
2.    Jefferson        51.9
3.    Charleston, W.Va.        51.7
4.    McKendree        51.5
5.    Northwest Mo. St.        51.3
6.    Illinois-Springfield        51.0
7.    Emmanuel, Ga.        50.8
8.    Ashland        50.8
9.    California, Pa.        50.5
10.    Colorado Mesa        50.2

NCAA Div. II 3-Point Field Goal Percentage
1.     Carson-Newman        43.5
2.    Eastern New Mexico        41.7
3.    Illinois-Springfield        41.5
4.    Lubbock Christian        41.1
5.    Lake Superior St.        40.8
6.    Northwest Mo. St.        40.3
7.    Arkansas Tech        40.3
8.    Saint Leo        39.9
9.    Truman St.        39.7
10.    Daemen        39.6

LIMITED LOSSES IN 8 YEARS
Northwest has suffered only 20 losses in the last eight seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 245-20 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
21-4 - 2023-24

MASCARI BURIES NINE TRIPLES AT WASHBURN
Junior guard Mitch Mascari scored a career-high 27 points as he knocked in 9-of-12 three-pointers in a 75-72 victory.
    The nine three-pointers are the most made by an MIAA men's basketball performer this season.
    The nine triples rank tied for the sixth-most 3-pointers made in a game by a Bearcat.

3-Pointers Made in a Game (Bearcat History)
1.     11, Trevor Hudgins vs. Rogers State (12/4/21)
    11, Trevor Hudgins vs. Saint Mary (12/29/21)
    11, Trevor Hudgins vs. Central Oklahoma (1/20/22)
4.     10, Justin Pitts vs. Northeastern State (11/30/17)
    10, Wes Dreamer vs. Briar Cliff (11/26/21)
6.     9, Zach Schneider vs. Central Oklahoma (1/3/15)
    9, Ryan Welty vs. Northeastern State (12/17/16)
    9, Trevor Hudgins vs. Missouri-St. Louis (11/19/21)
    9, Mitch Mascari vs. Washburn (2/10/24)
10. 8, 10 times

MITCH LIGHTS IT UP FROM DOWNTOWN
Mitch Mascari has drained four or more three-pointers in nine contests this season. He has made at least one three-pointer in 21 of 25 contests.
    Mascari ranks second in the MIAA in three-pointers made in conference games only (49). Central Oklahoma's Jaden Wells has sank 51 in league games.
    Mascari is shooting a league-best 51.6% from 3-point range in MIAA contests.
    Overall, Mascari ranks No. 3 in the MIAA in three-pointers made (63). Mascari is making 49.6% of his three-point shots, which ranks No. 3 in the nation and leads the conference.

NCAA Div. II 3-Point Percentage Leaders
1.     John Zhao (Carson Newman)            53.5% (71-132)
2.    Donell Nixon (Wingate)            52.4% (67-132)
3.    Mitch Mascari (Northwest Mo. St.)        49.6% (63-127)
4.    Nick Brenegan (Carson-Newman)        49.5% (97-196)
5.    Jaden Graves (Augustana)            48.4% (74-153)

ISAIAH EYES A STUFFED STAT SHEET
Junior Isaiah Jackson produced a career-high 11 assists in a 105-53 win over Nebraska-Kearney. Jackson has recorded five or more assists in eight games this season.
    Jackson leads the team in assists (109). He ranks second on the squad in rebounds (123), while averaging 7.4 points per game.
    Jackson ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.1). He ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in assists per game (4.7). He has turned the ball over only 51 times.

Northwest Career Assists
1.    Trevor Hudgins (2018-21)    700
2.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)        575
3.    Diego Bernard (2018-23)    521
4.    Kelvin Parker (2001-04)    492
5.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)    489
6.    Victor Coleman (1981-84)    467
7.    Mark Yager (1979-82)        449
8.    Scott Fleming (2000-03)    435
9.    Matt Wallace (2011-15)    410
10.    Isaiah Jackson (2020-pr.)    252

FIRST CAREER DOUBLE-DOUBLE FOR JACKSON
Isaiah Jackson collected his first career double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds in a 64-61 double-overtime win over No. 24 Fort Hays State.
    Earlier this season, 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
Isaiah Jackson - 1

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 10 in the MIAA in scoring.
    Dreamer ranks second in the MIAA in scoring at 18.5 points per game. He ranks fifth in the league in rebounding at 6.8 boards per contest. Dreamer is fourth in the MIAA with 48 made three-pointers. Dreamer ranks No. 8 in the league in minutes played per game (35.3).
    Stirtz ranks No. 10 in the MIAA in scoring at 14.8 points per contest. Stirtz ranks No. 11 in the league in minutes played per game (34.0). Stirtz ranks No. 7 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.9).

SCORING SUPERLATIVES
Sophomore Bennett Stirtz put up his seventh 20-point scoring game of the season and ninth of his career with a 23-point effort against Rogers State. Stirtz had his 43rd career double-figure game against Northeastern State.
    Junior Isaiah Jackson notched 13 points vs. Northeastern State to earn his 16th double-figure scoring contest of his career.
    Junior Daniel Abreu gained his 31st double-figure scoring game with a 12-point performance vs. Northeastern State.
    Junior Mitch Mascari has posted 23 career double-figure scoring games after he had 11 points against Northeastern State.
    Junior Byron Alexander had 12 points for his 22nd career double-figuring scoring game vs. Northeastern State.
    Redshirt freshman Trey Moala gained his first career double-figure scoring game with 11 points and nine rebounds against Northeastern State.
    
Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 83
Bennett Stirtz - 43
Daniel Abreu - 31
Mitch Mascari - 23
Byron Alexander - 22
Isaiah Jackson - 16
Luke Moustakas - 6
Jack Ratigan - 3
Spencer Schomers - 2
Blake Danitschek - 1
Trey Moala - 1

Career 20-Point Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 26
Bennett Stirtz - 9
Mitch Mascari - 3
Daniel Abreu - 1
Isaiah Jackson - 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 6.8 boards per game.
    Dreamer's 22 steals ranks No. 2 on the team this season. Dreamer has accumulated 104 career steals.
    Dreamer ranks T-No. 6 on Northwest's all-time blocked shots list with 66.

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
    Wes Dreamer (2019-pres.)    66
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 (150). Including all NCAA levels, Dreamer ranks No. 26 in total games played.
    Dreamer ranks No. 5 among active NCAA Div. II players in three-pointers made (303) and No. 6 in three-pointers attempted (756).
    He ranks No. 16 in points (1,721) and No. 14 in rebounds (774) among NCAA Div. II active leaders.

NCAA Div. II Active Career Leaders 3-Pointers Made
1.     Zach Toussaint (West Texas A&M)        358
2.    Matthew Ragsdale (Black Hills St.)        345
3.    Drew Blair (Minnesota Duluth)        323
4.    Luke Burnett (Alabama-Huntsville)        307
5.    Wes Dreamer (Northwest Mo. St.)        303
6.    Jaden Wells (Central Oklahoma)        300
7.    Reese Glover (Missouri Western)        299
8.    Brian Free (Northwestern Oklahoma)        284
9.    Jamal Barnes (St. Thomas Aquinas)        271
10.    Augustin Reede (Northern St.)        255

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 1,700 points, 700 rebounds and 300 made three-pointers.
    Dreamer has put up 1,721 points, 774 rebounds and 303 made three-pointers.
    Scheierman has posted 2,071 points, 1,168 rebounds and 325 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.)    1,721 pts/774 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 774 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.)            774
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 303 career three-pointers to rank No. 3 in school history. Dreamer is one of four MIAA players to have reached 300 made three-pointers in a career.

MIAA Career 3-Pointers Made
1.     Trevor Hudgins (Northwest Mo. St. - 2018-22)        435
2.    Zach Schneider (Northwest Mo. St.. - 2013-17)        370
3.    Elyjah Clark (Missouri Southern - 2016-20)        365
4.    Wes Dreamer (Northwest Mo. St. - 2019-pr.)        303
5.     Jaden Wells (Central Oklahoma - 2020-pr.)        300
6.    Reese Glover (Missouri Western - 2019-pr.)        299

Northwest 3-Pointers Made in a Career
1.     Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)    435
2.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)    370
3.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    303
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.)    756
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 ninth Bearcat to reach 1,700 career points. He ranks No. 9 in program history with 1,721 points in 150 career games (11.5 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. Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)        1,721 pts
9.     DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)        1,702 pts
10.    Kelvin Parker (2000-04)        1,692 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 386-90 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. 7 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 (515-84, 19 yrs.)
2. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .818 (260-58, 10 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .811 (385-90, 15 yrs.)
4. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .785 (501-137, 20 yrs.)
5. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .782 (416-116, 18 yrs.)
6. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .758 (453-145, 21 yrs.)
7. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .723 (245-94, 11 yrs.)
8. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .714 (270-108, 13 yrs.)
9. Bob Pietrack (Fort Lewis)    .714 (182-73, 10 yrs.)
10. Dave Holmquist (Biola)    .706 (1,056-439, 47 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .860 (515-84, 19 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (708-141, 25 yrs.)
3. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .818 (260-58, 10 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .811 (385-90, 15 yrs.)
5. Matt Logie (Montana State)    .799 (287-73, 13 yrs.)
6. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .786 (393-107, 16 yrs.)
7. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .785 (501-137, 20 yrs.)
8. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .782 (416-116, 18 yrs.)
9. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .768 (374-113), 17 yrs.)
10. Bill Self (Kansas)    .765 (792-243, 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 (515-84, 19 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .834 (708-141, 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)    .818 (260-58, 10 yrs.)*
6. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .811 (385-90, 15 yrs.)*
7. Bucky Harris (Jefferson)    .811 (240-56, 13 yrs.)
8. Dolph Stanley (Beloit)    .810 (238-56, 12 yrs.)
9. John Wooden (Indiana State/UCLA)    .804 (664-162, 29 yrs.)
10. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma/Montana St.)    .799 (287-73, 13 yrs.)*
11. John Kresse (Coll. of Charleston)    .797 (560-143, 23 yrs.)
12. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)    .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
13. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .786 (393-107, 16 yrs.)*
14. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .785 (501-137, 20 yrs.)*
15. Jerry Tarkanian (LBSU/UNLV/Fresno)    .784 (729-201, 31 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)    73 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.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)    92 losses (11 yrs.)
John Tauer (St. Thomas)    94 losses (13 yrs.)
Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    94 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 six MIAA opponents: Missouri Western (29), Lincoln (26), Washburn (23), Pittsburg State (22), Missouri Southern (20) and Emporia State (20)
    He is undefeated against Northeastern State (16-0), Rogers State (8-0) and Newman (5-0).

McCollum vs. Current MIAA Foes
Missouri Western    29-3
Lincoln            26-2
Washburn        24-10
Pittsburg State        22-5
Missouri Southern    20-11
Fort Hays State        19-7
Emporia State        20-7
Central Missouri    17-12
Northeastern State    16-0
Nebraska-Kearney    16-1
Central Oklahoma    14-3
Rogers State        8-0
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 386.
    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 238-63 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 2/18/24)
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)    386*
6.    Boyd King (Truman State)    379
7.    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    342*
8.    Kim Anderson (UCM, PSU)    337
9.    Willard Sims (Truman State)    310
10.    A.J. McDonald (Missouri St.)    302
* - active head coaches

MIAA Regular Season Victories Only (as of 2/18/24)
1.    Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
2.    Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
3.    Ben McCollum (Northwest)    238*
4.    Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
5.    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    218*
6.    Steve Tappmeyer (Northwest)    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

3-0 VS. RANKED FOES THIS SEASON
Northwest is 3-0 this season against foes ranked in the NABC Top 25. The Bearcats began the season with a 65-47 win over No. 21 Northern State (Nov. 10). Northwest added a 63-59 victory over No. 15 Emporia State (Dec. 16). The Bearcats collected a 64-61 double-overtime triumph over No. 24 Fort Hays State (Feb. 3).
    Head coach Ben McCollum has posted a career record of 43-15 vs. ranked opponents. Northwest is 34-4 in its last 38 games vs. ranked opponents.

Bearcats vs. NABC Ranked Foes (Since 2016)
W, 64-61 (2OT) vs. No. 24 Fort Hays State (2/3/24)
W, 63-59 vs. No. 15 Emporia State (12/16/23)
W, 65-47 vs. No. 21 Northern State (10/10/23)
L, 61-57 vs. No. 15 Southern Nazarene (3/12/23)
W, 61-53 vs. No. 12 Central Oklahoma (3/5/23)
W, 65-51 vs. No. 7 Central Oklahoma (2/23/23)
L, 69-58 at No. 7 Central Oklahoma (1/12/23)
L, 74-65  at No. 22 Emporia State (12/17/22)
W, 78-62 vs. No. 5 West Texas A&M (11/5/22)
W, 67-58 vs. No. 5 Augusta (3/26/22)
W, 70-57 vs. No. 22 Black Hills State (3/24/22)
W, 61-43 vs. No. 14 Bentley (3/22/22)
W, 70-56 at No. 5 Augustana (3/15/22)
W, 53-50 vs. No. 21 Fort Hays State (3/5/22)
W, 57-49 vs. No. 18 Fort Hays State (2/2722)
L, 76-75 (OT) at No. 18 Central Oklahoma (1/20/22)
W, 64-59 vs. No. 21 Seattle Pacific (11/7/21)
W, 68-55 vs. No. 15 Northern State (11/6/21)
W, 80-54 vs. No. 5 West Texas A&M (3/27/21)
W, 77-46 vs. No. 8 Flagler (3/25/21)
W, 98-77 vs. No. 18 West Liberty (3/24/21)
W, 91-86 (OT) at No. 2 Northern State (3/16/21)
W, 85-44 vs. No. 17 Washburn (3/14/21)
W, 88-85 (OT) at No. 15 Washburn (2/20/21)
W, 78-76 vs. No. 22 Missouri Southern (3/8/20)
W, 77-76 vs. No. 17 Missouri Southern (2/20/20)
W, 96-75 at No. 14 Missouri Southern (2/13/20)
W, 100-88 vs. No. 9 Southern Nazarene (11/2/19)
W, 85-65 vs. No. 22 Daemen (11/1/19)
W, 64-58 vs. No. 6 Point Loma (3/30/19)
W, 76-53 vs. No. 20 Saint Anselm (3/28/19)
W, 70-59 vs. No. 13 Southern Nazarene (3/17/19)
W, 100-86 vs. No. 13 Ferris State (11/4/19)
W, 70-56 vs. No. 15 Lincoln Memorial (12/19/17)
W, 71-61 vs. No. 3 Fairmont State (3/25/17)
W, 79-67 vs. No. 15 Lincoln Memorial (3/23/17)
W, 55-52 vs. No. 18 Southwest Minnesota State (3/14/17)
W, 82-71 vs. No. 18 Augustana (11/17/16
L, 80-78 at No. 1 Augustana (3/15/16)

100-POINT MARK
Northwest has scored 100 or more points 19 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)
105-53 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (2/1/24)

100 OR MORE IN MIAA REGULAR SEASON PLAY
Northwest put up 105 points in a 52-point win over Nebraska-Kearney. It is the fifth time that a McCollum coached Bearcat team has scored 100 or more in an MIAA regular season game

100-Point MIAA Games under McCollum
111 vs. Pittsburg State (Jan. 31, 2019)
105 vs. Northeastern State (Jan. 3, 2019)
105 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (Feb. 1, 2024)
104 vs. Southwest Baptist (Jan. 16, 2014)
101 vs. Missouri Western (Dec. 18, 2021)

90-PLUS = SUCCESS
Northwest has posted a mark of 64-0 when scoring 90 or more points with head coach Ben McCollum. Northwest has put up three games of 90 or more points this season that includes a 91-82 win over Upper Iowa, a 100-44 victory over Clarke and a 105-53 throttling of Nebraska-Kearney.

80 OR MORE BREEDS WINS
Northwest has produced a mark of 170-8 when scoring 80 or more points under Ben McCollum.

'CATS, MCCOLLUM ROLLING IN BIG WINS
Under head coach Ben McCollum the Bearcats are 154-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 152 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 11-7 in overtime contests since taking over the program in the 2009-10 season.

Overtime Games Under Ben McCollum
W, 64-61 vs. No. 24 Fort Hays State (2/3/24) -- Double OT
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 OT
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)

'CATS SET SCHOOL RECORD WITH 73.9% FG SHOOTING
Northwest shot a school-record 73.9% from the field in its 84-63 win over Rogers State. Northwest drained 34-of-46 shots from the floor to eclipse the old mark of 72.9% (35-of-48 FGs) vs. Missouri Western set on Dec. 18, 2021.
    Northwest buried 18-of-20 second-half shots, including 15-of-15 on two-point shots against the Hillcats.

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)

10+ MIAA WINS IN 13 STRAIGHT SEASONS
Northwest captured its 10th MIAA win of the season 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 extended its streak to 14 consecutive seasons this year.

10+ MIAA Wins (Consecutive Years)
1. Washburn (14)
2. Northwest Mo. St. (13)
3. Missouri Southern (11)
4. Fort Hays State (4)
    Central Oklahoma (4)
5. Emporia State (3)
7. Rogers State (2)
8. Lincoln (1)
    Pittsburg State (1)

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.

BEARCAT BREAKOUT VS UNK
Northwest tallied season-highs in points (105), three-pointers (18), field goal percentage (63.2%), three-point field goal percentage (60.0%) and assists (33) in its 52-point destruction of UNK.
    The 18 three-pointers and 33 assists are season-highs for any MIAA men's basketball team.
    Northwest's 33 assists vs. UNK are the most for the Bearcats in the Ben McCollum coaching era. The 33 assists is tied for the ninth-highest single-game total in NCAA Div. II basketball this year.

18 TRIPLES VS. UNK
Northwest's 18 made three-pointers vs. Nebraska-Kearney ties for the seventh-most in program history. It ranks as Northwest's fifth-best total in MIAA games.

Most 3-Pointers Made Single-Game
22 vs. Briar Cliff (Nov. 26, 2021)
20 vs. Manhattan Christian (Nov. 19, 2004)
20 vs. Central Missouri (Jan. 29, 2022)
19 vs. Northeastern State (Nov. 30, 2017)
19 vs. Northeastern State (Jan. 3, 2019)
19 vs. Emporia State (Jan. 9, 2021)
18 vs. Avila (Dec. 10, 1998)
18 vs. Northeastern State (Dec. 17, 2016)
18 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (Feb. 1, 2024)

FOURTH 50-POINT WIN UNDER MCCOLLUM'S DIRECTION
Northwest's 52-point win over Nebraska-Kearney was the fourth victory of 50 or more points under head coach Ben McCollum.

50-Point Wins over McCollum
100-44 (+56) vs. Clarke (Dec. 30, 2023)
105-53 (+52) vs. Neb.-Kearney (Feb. 1, 2024)
108-58 (+50) vs. Simpson (Dec. 30, 2018)
105-55 (+50) vs. Man. Christian (Nov. 16, 2009)

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 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

'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 239 times in the history of its program, which ranks as the third-most of any NCAA Div. II team in history trailing only Kentucky Wesleyan (356) and Southern Indiana (277).
    Northwest is ranked No. 7 in this week's poll, which is the 149th time (5th-best total in Div. II) the Bearcats have been inside the top 10 in the poll.

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)
44, Nova Southeastern (12/14/2021-pres.) ACTIVE
43, Evansville (1/10/1963-3/3/1966)
40, Wittenberg (3/9/1961-2/4/1965)
39, Ashland (12/12/1968-3/11/1971)
38, Salem (1/28/1997-2/21/2000)

Consecutive weeks in NABC Top 5
60, Northwest Missouri State (3/6/2018-2/15/2022)
40, Grambling (3/2/1961-1/28/1965)
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
239, Northwest Missouri State
238, Florida Southern
234, 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
149, 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

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.