Saturday, March 9 | 6 p.m. | Municipal Auditorium  | Kansas City, Mo.
No. 4 Washburn vs. No. 1 Northwest Missouri State
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Bearcat Radio Network
John Coffey - Play-by-Play
Matt Tritten - Analyst

Bearcat Gatherings 
Hosted by the Northwest Missouri State University Alumni Association, The Quaff Bar & Grill, 1010 Broadway St., is where Bearcat fans will gather for pre and post game events. On Saturday, March 9, the gathering will begin at approximately 4 p.m. These events are free to Northwest fans of all ages. Complimentary chips and salsa and a cash bar will be available.  

Ticket Info
Tickets can be purchased at the Municipal Auditorium box office or online through Ticketmaster. All tickets are General Admission.

All-Tournament Ticket - $85
Single-Session Pass - $25 (good for any session during the tournament)
Students - $10 (ages 7 through college (with school ID), good for any session)
Children 6 and under are free

BEARCATS TAKE AIM AT 12TH MIAA TOURNAMENT CROWN
The No. 4-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball team (25-4, overall) will look to advance to its ninth consecutive MIAA Tournament championship game when the Bearcats take on the Washburn Ichabods Saturday at 6 p.m. in historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.
    Northwest is making its 38th appearance in the MIAA Tournament, a mark that ranks second to Central Missouri (39).
    
ROAD TO THE TITLE
Northwest scored an 80-52 quarterfinal win over Missouri Western. The Bearcats will take on Washburn in Saturday's semifinal at 6 p.m. Washburn scored an 87-64 win over Rogers State in the third quarterfinal.
    Northwest is 8-4 vs. Washburn all-time in the MIAA Tournament, but the Ichabods lead the all-time series, 66-58.
    Northwest won both regular season games against Washburn (68-65 in Maryville; 75-72 in Topeka). Head coach Ben McCollum is 4-1 vs. Washburn in the MIAA Tournament and holds a 24-10 record in all games vs. the Ichabods.
    The 2024 MIAA Tournament men's championship game is set for Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

'CATS HAVE WON 22 STRAIGHT MIAA TOURNEY GAMES AT MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM
Northwest has won 22 consecutive league tourney games at Municipal Auditorium.
    Northwest's last MIAA tourney loss in Municipal Auditorium came in the 2015 semifinals against Pittsburg State (L, 65-58 - March 7, 2015).
    Northwest has won each of the last seven MIAA tournaments that have taken place at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.
    Overall, Northwest has won 25 of its last 26 games in this venue. The Bearcats dropped an 83-77 non-conference matchup with Sioux Falls in the 2021-22 season on Nov. 13, 2021, in Municipal Auditorium.

SEED TALK
The Bearcats captured the No. 1 seed in the 2024 MIAA Tournament for the 12th time in program history. Six times previously, Northwest has entered as the No. 1 seed and won the tourney crown.
    The No. 1 seed has won the tournament title 21 times.
    The No. 2 seed captured the crown 14 times, including each of the last two years.
    The No. 3 seed has won five tourney titles. The No. 4 seed has won it twice, while the No. 5 seed (Pittsburg State in 2015) has won it once.

NORTHWEST OWNS A FEW MIAA TOURNAMENT RECORDS
Northwest owns the MIAA record for tournament victories (55), tournament titles (11), consecutive championships won (5), consecutive title games reached (8), consecutive tournament victories (17) and No. 1 seed awards (12).

MIAA Tournament Victories
Northwest Missouri State    55-26
Washburn            44-25
Central Missouri        36-33
Missouri Western        29-26
Missouri Southern        25-28
Pittsburg State        22-22
Southwest Baptist*        12-20
Fort Hays State        14-14
Central Oklahoma        11-10
Southeast Missouri State*    10-7
Truman State*            9-14
Lincoln                8-11
Emporia State            8-24
Nebraska-Kearney        6-6
Omaha*                4-2
Missouri-St. Louis*        3-9
Missouri S&T*            3-10
Northeastern State        3-8
Missouri State*        1-1
Rogers State            2-5
Lindenwood*            1-6
Newman                 0-0
*-no longer MIAA member

MIAA Tournament Titles
Northwest Missouri State - 11
Central Missouri - 6
Washburn - 6
Missouri Western - 4
Southeast Missouri State - 4
Missouri Southern - 3
Southwest Baptist - 2
Truman State - 2
Fort Hays State - 1
Pittsburg State - 1
Missouri S&T - 1
Missouri St. Louis - 1
Omaha - 1

BEARCATS IN MIAA TOURNEY
All-Time - MIAA Tournament
Overall - 55-26
First Round - 1-0
Quarterfinals - 25-7
Semifinals - 18-12
Championships - 11-7
Overtime Games - 0-4

Northwest Record When Seeded:
No. 1 - 22-5
No. 2 - 17-4
No. 3 - 9-8
No. 4 - 1-1
No. 5 - 2-3
No. 6 - 0-1
No. 7 - 0-0
No. 8 - 0-3

Northwest Record Against:
Central Missouri - 4-5
Central Oklahoma - 3-0
Emporia State - 5-0
Fort Hays State - 3-0
Lincoln - 4-0
Lindenwood - 1-0
Missouri-Rolla - 1-0
Missouri Southern - 5-2
Missouri-St. Louis - 1-1
Missouri Western - 8-4
Nebraska-Kearney - 1-0
Northeastern State - 1-0
Pittsburg State - 6-4
Rogers State - 1-0
Southeast Missouri State - 1-1
Southwest Baptist - 1-3
Truman - 1-2
Washburn - 8-4

MCCOLLUM IN MIAA TOURNAMENT
Overall, Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum is 30-5 in the MIAA Tournament. He has guided the Bearcats to nine appearances in the finals with seven tournament championships.
    McCollum has guided Northwest to a perfect 13-0 mark in MIAA quarterfinal games.
    McCollum has posted a mark of 9-3 in the MIAA semifinals. McCollum and Northwest have won eight consecutive MIAA semifinal matchups.
    McCollum is 7-2 in MIAA championship games.
    McCollum has won a league-best seven tournament titles, surpassing the old mark of five set by Washburn's Bob Chipman. Chipman won five crowns in 25 tourney appearances. McCollum has won seven titles in 12 tourney appearances.
    With his next title game appearance, McCollum would equal the mark of 10 set by Chipman.
    McCollum has also posted an NCAA Tournamet mark of 30-6. In tournament play, McCollum has gone 60-11 as the head coach at Northwest Missouri State.

Coaches MIAA Tournament Win Percentage
1.    Ben McCollum (NW)    30-5    .857
2.    Kevin Muff (PSU)        7-3    .700
3.    Lynn Nance (UCM/SBU)    8-4    .667
    Terry Evans (UCO)    6-3    .667
    Derrin Hansen (UNO)    4-2    .667

Coaches MIAA Tournament Victories
1.    Bob Chipman (WU)    34-20
2.    Ben McCollum (NW)    30-5
3.    Tom Smith (MWSU)    24-17
4.    Steve Tappmeyer (NW)    23-14
5.    Robert Korn (MSSU)    18-18

Coaches MIAA Tournament Championships Won
1.    Ben McCollum (NW)        7
2.    Bob Chipman (WU)        5
3.    Ron Shumate (SEMSU)        4
    Tom Smith (MWSU)        4
    Steve Tappmeyer (NW)        4
    Kim Anderson (UCM/PSU    4

Coaches MIAA Tournament Title Games Reached
1.    Bob Chipman (WU)    10
2.    Ben McCollum (NW)    9
3.    Steve Tappmeyer, (NW)    9
4.     Tom Smith (MWSU)    7
5.    Ron Shumate (SEMSU)    6

NORTHWEST HAS WON 11 TITLES IN 18 MIAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME APPEARANCES
Northwest made its 18th MIAA Tournament title game appearance in 2023 with its 61-53 win over Central Oklahoma. Northwest is 11-7 in MIAA title games.
    Northwest's 18 title game appearances increases its MIAA record for the most by any school. UCM ranks second with 15 title game appearances.

Northwest in MIAA Title Games
1984 - UCM 70, Northwest 65
1989 - Northwest 82, UCM 77
1998 - MWSU 65, Northwest 52
1999 - Truman St. 70, Northwest 68
2000 - MSSU 90, Northwest 79
2001 - WU 81, Northwest 74
2002 - Northwest 71, MWSU 58
2004 - Northwest 78, WU 71
2008 - Northwest 57, ESU 51
2013 - UCM 79, Northwest 76 (OT)
2016 - Northwest 61, UNK 53
2017 - Northwest 69, UCM 61
2018 - Northwest 80, WU 74
2019 - Northwest 82, WU 53
2020 - Northwest 78, MSSU 76
2021 - WU 69, Northwest 68
2022 - Northwest 84, WU 76
2023 - Nortwhest 61, UCO 53

DREAMER LOOKS TO JOIN ALL-TIME MIAA TOURNAMENT LISTS
Bearcat senior Wes Dreamer will look to add his name to the all-time scoring and rebounding lists at the 2024 MIAA Tournament.
    Dreamer has already played in 13 MIAA Tournament games to rank tied for second in league history. Dreamer has tallied 167 points and 53 rebounds in his 13 MIAA tourney games.

All-Time Points Scored - MIAA Tournament
1.    Trevor Hudgins (NW, 2019-22)    261 (12 games)
2.     Justin Pitts (NW, 2015-18)    242 (11 games)
3.    Diego Bernard (NW, 2018-23)    196 (15 games)
4.    Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-21)    189 (12 games)
5.    Ron Nunnelly (UCM, 1982-85)    181 (9 games)
6.    Tyler Geiman (WU, 2018-22)    173 (13 games)
7.    Wes Dreamer (NW, 2020-pr.)    167 (13 games)
8.    Oscar Gonzalez (PSU, 1996-99)    166 (9 games)
9.    Josh Gibbs (UCO, 2013-14)    162 (7 games)
10.    Jalen Lewis (WU, 2019-22)    157 (10 games)

All-Time Rebounds - MIAA Tournament
1.    Diego Bernard (NW, 2019-23)    107 (15 games)
2.    Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-21)    84 (12 games)
3.     Clarence Tyson (WU, 1993-94)    71 (6 games)
    Brady Skeens (WU, 2016-18)    71 (6 games)
5.    Glenn Stanley (SBU, 1990-91)    66 (5 games)
6.    Ryan Murphy (WU, 2000-03)    59 (10 games)
7.    Connor Beranek (UNK, 2014-16)    57 (7 games)
    Tyler Geiman (WU, 2018-22)    57 (13 games)
9.    Chris-Ebou Ndow (NW, 2016-18)    55 (9 games)
    Jonny Clausing (WU, 2020-22)    55 (7 games)

All-Time Assists - MIAA Tournament
1.    Tyler Geiman (WU, 2018-22)    74 (13 games)
2.     Jordan Canfield (WU, 1993-97)    77 (12 games)
3.    Matt Wallace (NW, 2012-15)    58 (10 games)
4.    Eddin Santiago (MSSU, 1999-02)    53 (8 games)
    Trevor Hudgins (NW, 2019-22)    53 (12 games)
6.    Justin Pitts (NW, 2015-18)    49 (11 games)
    Diego Bernard (NW, 2019-23)    49 (15 games)
8.    Kelvin Parker (NW, 2001-04)    46 (11 games)
9.    Michael Morris (SEMO, 1985-88)    45 (8 games)
10.    Oscar Gonzalez (PSU, 1996-99)    42 (9 games)

All-Time Steals - MIAA Tournament
1.    Diego Bernard (NW, 2019-23)    30 (15 games)
2.    Eddin Santiago (PSU, 1999-02)    23 (8 games)
    Scott Fleming (NW, 2000-03)    23 (11 games)
4.    Kelvin Parker (NW, 2001-04)    19 (11 games)
    Trevor Hudgins (NW, 2019-22)    19 (12 games)
6.    Hiram Ocasio (MSSU, 2002-05)    18 (8 games)
7.    Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-21)    17 (12 games)
8.    Keith Linson (UCM, 1994-97)    16 (8 games)
9.    Ron Nunnelly (UCM, 1982-85)    15 (9 games)
    Armando Becker (UCM, 1990-91)    15 (6 games)
    Matt Wallace (NW, 2012-15)    15 (10 games)

All-Time Games Played - MIAA Tournament
1.    Diego Bernard (NW, 2019-23)    15 games
2.    Tyler Geiman (WU, 2018-22)    13 games
    Wes Dreamer (NW, 2020-pr.)    13 games
4.     Jordan Canfield (WU, 1993-97)    12 games
    Ryan Welty (NW, 2017-20)    12 games
    Ryan Hawkins (NW, 2018-21)    12 games
    Trevor Hudgins (NW, 2019-22)    12 games
    Luke Waters (NW, 2020-23)    12 games
9.    Scott Fleming (NW, 2000-03)    11 games
    Kelvin Parker (NW, 2001-04)    11 games
    Seth Heckart (UCO, 2013-16)    11 games
    Brett Dougherty (NW, 2015-18)    11 games
    Justin Pitts (NW, 2015-18)    11 games

DREAMER NAMED MIAA PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Senior Wes Dreamer (Alvo, Neb.) became the ninth straight Bearcat to capture MIAA Player of Year status. It is the 14th time a Bearcat has gained the MIAA's top honor in league history.
    Dreamer ranks second in the MIAA in scoring at 18.7 points per game. He ranks sixth in the league in rebounding at 6.7 boards per contest. Dreamer ranks fifth in the MIAA with 57 made three-pointers. Dreamer put up 20 or more points in 15 games and was a two-time MIAA Athlete of the Week recipient this season.
    It is Dreamer's initial first-team honor after gaining second-team status in 2022-23 and third-team accolades in 2021-22.
 
Northwest's MIAA Players of the Year
1970-71, Carl Jenkins
1997-98, Shakey Harrington
2003-04, Kelvin Parker
2006-07, Hunter Henry
2013-14, DeShaun Cooper
2015-16, Justin Pitts
2016-17, Justin Pitts
2017-18, Justin Pitts
2018-19, Joey Witthus
2019-20, Trevor Hudgins
2020-21, Trevor Hudgins
2021-22, Trevor Hudgins
2022-23, Diego Bernard
2023-24, Wes Dreamer

MCCOLLUM CLAIMS 9TH MIAA COACH OF THE YEAR ACCOLADE
Head coach Ben McCollum was voted as the league's Coach of the Year for the ninth time.
    He led the Bearcats to the program's 24th overall MIAA regular season title and 12th of his coaching career in Maryville, Mo. Northwest has won 11 consecutive MIAA regular season championships. Northwest went 20-2 in MIAA play – becoming the third team in league history to record 20 or more conference victories. McCollum guided Northwest to its 13th straight 20-win season – the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II men's basketball programs.

Northwest's MIAA Coach of Year Awards
1988-89, Steve Tappmeyer
1997-98, Steve Tappmeyer
2000-01, Steve Tappmeyer
2006-07, Steve Tappmeyer
2011-12, Ben McCollum 
2014-15, Ben McCollum 
2015-16, Ben McCollum 
2016-17, Ben McCollum 
2018-19, Ben McCollum 
2019-20, Ben McCollum 
2020-21, Ben McCollum 
2022-23, Ben McCollum
2023-24, Ben McCollum

FOUR BEARCAT PLAYERS EARN ALL-MIAA STATUS
Northwest had four players each earn all-MIAA status with Wes Dreamer (first team, MIAA Player of the Year), Bennett Stirtz (second team), Isaiah Jackson (honorable mention, all-defensive team) and Mitch Mascari (honorable mention) gaining league recognition.
    Sophomore guard Bennett Stirtz (Liberty, Mo.) collected second-team all-MIAA honors for the second straight season. Stirtz ranks No. 8 in the MIAA in scoring at 15.1 points per game. Stirtz was a three-time MIAA Athlete of the Week selection in 2023-24. Stirtz put up nine 20-point scoring contests this year. Stirtz is shooting 52.1% from the field.
    Junior Isaiah Jackson (Independence, Mo.) landed a spot on the MIAA All-Defensive team as well as honorable mention all-MIAA status. Jackson leads the team in assists (128). He ranks second on the squad in rebounds (150), while averaging 7.1 points per game. Jackson ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.2). He ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in assists per game (4.7). He has turned the ball over only 57 times. Jackson is one of seven MIAA players to have 100 assists, 100 rebounds and 175 points this season.
    Junior Mitch Mascari (Geneva, Ill.) was named as an honorable mention all-MIAA performer. Mascari has started all 29 games and averaged 10.0 points per contest. Mascari has drained four or more three-pointers in nine contests this season. He has made at least one three-pointer in 25 of 29 contests. Overall, Mascari ranks No. 3 in the MIAA in three-pointers made (71). Mascari is making 49.3% of his three-point shots, which ranks No. 4 in the nation and leads the conference. Mascari ranked second in the MIAA in three-pointers made (55) in conference games only. Mascari shot a league-best 50.5% (55-of-109) from 3-point range in MIAA contests.

NORTHWEST CAPTURED ITS 11TH STRAIGHT MIAA CROWN
Northwest clinched 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 198-24.
    Over the last eight seasons in MIAA play, Northwest has a record of 148-14 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    20-2
Totals    200-24

'CATS CAPTURE 24TH MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLE
Northwest clinched the program's 24th MIAA regular season crown.
    Northwest has won 17 outright MIAA titles and has shared the league crown on seven occasions.

MIAA Regular Season Titles
Northwest - 24
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
2023-24 - 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

14-GAME WIN STREAK
Northwest is riding a 14-game winning streak. The 14-game winning streak is tied for the second-longest active streak in NCAA Div. II men's basketball behind only Gannon's 16-game mark.
    The Bearcats have won 19 of their last 20 games.

NCAA Div. II Active Win Streaks
1.    Gannon        16
2.    Northwest Mo. St.        14
    Nova Southeastern        14
4.    Colorado Mesa        11
5.    Minnesota State        10
    Miles            10
7.    Jefferson        9
8.    California, Pa.        8
    West Liberty        8
    Arkansas Tech        8

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
14 - Jan. 18, 2024 - pres.

'CATS PILE UP MIAA WINS, YEAR AFTER YEAR
Northwest has won 18 or more MIAA games in six consecutive seasons.
    Six teams in league history have won 19 or more MIAA games and the Bearcats have done it five times.
    Northwest is the only league school to have won 20 or more games in a season. The Bearcats have accomplished 20-MIAA wins on three occasions (2020-21, 2022-23 and 2023-24).

Most MIAA League Wins in a Season
21, Northwest Mo. St. (2020-21)
20, Northwest Mo. St. (2022-23)
20, Northwest Mo. St. (2023-24)
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)

SO MUCH SUCCESS VS MIAA OPPONENTS
Northwest has won 37 of its last 39 matchups with MIAA opponents dating back Jan. 14, 2023.

BEARCATS RANK NO. 2 IN SCORING DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 59.7 points per game. The Bearcats rank second in the MIAA in scoring defense behind only Fort Hays State (57.5 ppg).
    Only three opponents (Central Oklahoma, Missouri Western and Washburn) have scored 70 or more points against the Bearcats in Northwest's last 22 games.
    Under the direction of head coach Ben McCollum, the Bearcats are 186-6 when holding the opposition to less than 60 points.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
1.     Fort Hays State        57.5
2.    Northwest Mo. St.        59.7
3.    Miles            61.0
4.    Fayetteville St.        61.7
5.    Walsh        62.1
6.    Winston-Salem        63.3
7.    Central Missouri        63.4
8.    Hillsdale        63.9
9.    West Alabama        64.1
10.    Alaska-Anchorage        65.0

'CATS MAKING MORE THAN HALF ITS SHOTS
The Bearcats rank No. 4 in the nation in field goal percentage having made 51.4% of its shots this season. The Bearcats have shot 50.0% or better in 15 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 (40.6%).

NCAA Div. II Field Goal Percentage
1.    Charleston, W.Va.        51.6
2.    Jefferson        51.4
3.    Illinois-Springfield        51.4
4.    Northwest Mo. St.        51.4
5.    McKendree        51.1
6.     Carson-Newman        51.0
7.    Emmanuel, Ga.        50.7
8.     Lincoln Memorial        50.7
9.    California, Pa.        50.6
10. Colorado Mesa        50.6

NCAA Div. II 3-Point Field Goal Percentage
1.     Carson-Newman        43.0
2.    Lubbock Christian        42.4
3.    Eastern New Mexico        42.1
4.    Illinois-Springfield        41.9
5.    Lake Superior St.        40.7
6.    Northwest Mo. St.        40.6
7.    Truman St.        39.7
8.    Arkansas Tech        39.7
9.    Saint Leo        39.6
10.    Bentley        39.5

NOT MANY REBOUNDS FOR THE OPPOSITION
Northwest has allowed the fewest rebounds per game in the nation by its opponents (23.1). Northwest also ranks No. 17 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 seven 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), Northeastern State (18) and Missouri Western (19).

NCAA Div. II Fewest Rebounds/Game
1.     Northwest Mo. St.        23.1
2.    Cal Poly Humboldt        27.6
3.    Arkansas-Monticello        27.6
4.    Southwest Baptist        27.7
5.    UNC Pembroke        29.0
6.    Emmanuel, Ga.        29.0
7.    Hillsdale        29.2
8.    Missouri-St. Louis        29.7
9.    Texas A&M-International    29.8
10.    Colorado Mines        29.9

NO. 13 FREE THROW SHOOTERS IN THE NATION
Northwest ranks No. 10 in the nation in the free throw percentage at 78.0%.

NO. 2 IN NATION IN POINTS PER POSSESSION BY SYNERGY
The Bearcat men's basketball squad ranks No. 2 in the nation among all programs, and No. 1 in NCAA Div. II, 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    1.083
3. Charleston, W.Va.    1.066
4. Minnesota St.        1.057
5. Gannon        1.054
6. Illinois-Springfield    1.053
7. Carson-Newman    1.050
8. Jefferson        1.048
9. Emmanuel, Ga.        1.046
10. Upper Iowa        1.044

Points Per Possession (All College Men's Basketball)
1. Morningside        1.097
2. Northwest Mo. St.    1.088
3. Indiana St.        1.083
    Lubbock Christian    1.083
5. St. John's (Minn.)    1.080
6. Indiana Wesleyan    1.074
7. Charleston, W.Va.    1.066
8. UConn            1.063
    Dordt            1.063
10. Kentucky        1.062

'CATS AT NO. 3 IN LATEST MASSEY RATINGS
Northwest holds down the No. 3 spot in the nation in the latest Massey Ratings (March 4, 2024).
    Northwest is the top-ranked MIAA team in the Massey Ratings (Masseyratings.com/cb/ncaa-d2/ratings).

Massey Ratings (NCAA Div. II - 3/8/24)
1. Nova Southeastern    7.51
2. Minnesota St.        7.46
3. Northwest Mo. St.    7.30
4. Minnesota-Duluth    7.18
5. West Texas A&M    7.18
6. MSU Moorhead    7.14
7. Colorado Mesa        7.04
8. Fort Lewis        6.95
9. Dallas Baptist        6.85
10. Fort Hays St.        6.84

'CATS LEAD LEAGUE IN SCORING MARGIN
Northwest was the only MIAA school averaging a double-digit scoring margin in league games. Northwest went 20-2 with an average scoring margin of 12.7 points per game. Fort Hays State ranks second in league games with a +7.5 scoring margin with a mark of 17-5 in conference matchups.
    Fort Hays State allowed a league-low 1,277 points (58.0 ppg) in league play. Northwest was second having allowed 1,328 points (60.4 ppg) in MIAA games.
    Northwest ranks T-No. 8 in the nation in scoring margin in all games (+13.5).

NCAA Div. II Scoring Margin
1.    Nova Southeastern        +24.3
2.    West Liberty        +19.3
3.    Gannon        +18.7
4.    East Stroudsburg        +15.9
5.    Minnesota St.        +15.1
6.    Charleston, W.Va.        +14.1
7.    Northwest Mo. St.        +13.6
8.    California, Pa.        +13.9
9.    Fort Lewis        +13.7
10.    Colorado Mesa        +13.6

LIMITED LOSSES IN 8 YEARS
Northwest has suffered only 20 losses in the last eight seasons. The Bearcats have compiled a record of 249-20 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
25-4 - 2023-24

STIRTZ IS GROOVING IN HIS LAST EIGHT
Sophomore guard Bennett Stirtz is shooting 58.9% (53-of-90 FGs) and is averaging 16.4 points per game over his last nine contests.

ABREU FINDS HIS SCORING TOUCH
Junior Daniel Abreu has scored in double-figures in seven straight games. He has also drained at least one 3-pointer in eight consecutive games.
    Abreu ranks No. 4 on the team in scoring at 9.6 points per game. He is shooting 85.9% from the free throw line by making 55-of-64 at the stripe.

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 25 of 29 contests.
    Mascari ranks second in the MIAA in three-pointers made in conference games only (55). Central Oklahoma's Jaden Wells has sank 57 in league games.
    Mascari shot a league-best 50.5% (55-of-109) from 3-point range in MIAA contests.
    Overall, Mascari ranks No. 3 in the MIAA in three-pointers made (71). Mascari is making 49.3% of his three-point shots, which ranks No. 2 in the nation and leads the conference.

MIAA 3-Point Field Goals Made Leaders
1.    Jaden Wells (Central Oklahoma)        80
2.    Owen Long (Emporia State)            77
3.    Mitch Mascari (Northwest Mo. St.)        71
4.    Avery Taggert (Missouri Southern)        59
5.    Wes Dreamer (Northwest Mo. St.)        57

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 (128). He ranks second on the squad in rebounds (150), while averaging 7.1 points per game.
    Jackson ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.2). He ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in assists per game (4.7). He has turned the ball over only 57 times.
    He ranks No. 10 in Bearcat history with 267 career assists.

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.)    267

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 eight in the MIAA in scoring.
    Dreamer ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in scoring at 18.7. Dreamer ranks No. 6 in the league in rebounding (6.7). Dreamer ranks No. 11 in the league in minutes played per game (34.2).
    Stirtz ranks No. 8 in the MIAA in scoring at 15.1 points per contest. Stirtz ranks No. 9 in the league in minutes played per game (34.5). Stirtz ranks No. 6 in the MIAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.8).

SCORING SUPERLATIVES


Senior Wes Dreamer tallied his 29th career 20-point game, and 15th of the season, with a 22-point performance against Missouri Western in the MIAA quarterfinals. Dreamer has reached double-figure scoring 87 times as a Bearcat.
    Junior Daniel Abreu tallied his second career 20-point scoring game with 20 points vs. MWSU. Abreu has scored 10 or more points 35 times in his Bearcat career.
        
Career Double-Figure Scoring Games
Wes Dreamer - 87
Bennett Stirtz - 47
Daniel Abreu - 35
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 - 29
Bennett Stirtz - 11
Mitch Mascari - 3
Daniel Abreu - 2
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 6.7 boards per game.
    Dreamer's 28 steals ranks No. 3 on the team this season. Dreamer has accumulated 110 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 (154). Including all NCAA levels, Dreamer ranks No. 29 in total games played.
    Dreamer ranks No. 5 among active NCAA Div. II players in three-pointers made (312) and No. 7 in three-pointers attempted (775).
    He ranks No. 15 in points (1,800) and No. 14 in rebounds (798) among NCAA Div. II active leaders.

NCAA Div. II Active Career Leaders 3-Pointers Made
1.     Zach Toussaint (West Texas A&M)        368
2.    Matthew Ragsdale (Black Hills St.)        366
3.    Drew Blair (Minnesota Duluth)        340
4.    Luke Burnett (Alabama-Huntsville)        324
5.    Wes Dreamer (Northwest Mo. St.)        312
6.    Jaden Wells (Central Oklahoma)        306
7.    Reese Glover (Missouri Western)        301
8.    Brian Free (Northwestern Oklahoma)        293
9.    Matt Becht (Southern New Hampshire)    279
10. Jamal Barnes (St. Thomas Aquinas)        271

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 1,800 points, 700 rebounds and 300 made three-pointers.
    Dreamer has put up 1,800 points, 798 rebounds and 312 made three-pointers.
    Scheierman has posted 2,141 points, 1,207 rebounds and 339 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
Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    1,800 pts/798 rbs
Victor Coleman (1980-84)    1,795 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
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 798 rebounds to rank No. 6 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.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pres.)            798
7.     Joe Hurst (1983-1986)            777
8.     David Alvey (1973-1977)            677
9.     Chris-Ebou Ndow (2015-2018)    654
10.     Victor Coleman (1981-1984)            586

WES HAS TAKEN, BURIED A FEW SHOTS
Senior forward Wes Dreamer ranks in the top-10 in Bearcat history in field goals made and attempted.

Northwest Field Goals Made in a Career
1.     Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)        946
2.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)            887
3.     Victor Coleman (1981-84)        793
4.    Diego Bernard (2018-23)        788
5.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)        753
6.    David Alvey (1974-77)            644
7.    Joe Hurst (1983-86)            635
8.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)        600
9.    Hunter Henry (2006-09)        589
10. Kelvin Parker (2001-04)        571

Northwest Field Goals Attempted in a Career
1.     Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)        1,830
2.    Justin Pitts (2014-18)            1,681
3.    Diego Bernard (2018-23)        1,562
4.     Victor Coleman (1981-84)        1,527
5.    Ryan Hawkins (2017-21)        1,427
6.    David Alvey (1974-77)            1,310
7.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)        1,243
8.    DeShaun Cooper (2009-14)        1,220
9.    Joe Hurst (1983-86)            1,217
10. Kelvin Parker (2001-04)        1,208

DREAMER AMONG TOP-10 3-POINT SHOOTERS IN PROGRAM HISTORY
Senior Wes Dreamer has knocked in 306 career three-pointers to rank No. 3 in school history. Dreamer is one of six MIAA players to have reached 300 made three-pointers in a career.
    Dreamer has made at least one three-pointer in seven straight games entering Saturday's MIAA semifinal. Dreamer has connected on two or more made three-pointers in 17 games this year.

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.)        312
5.     Jaden Wells (Central Oklahoma - 2020-pr.)        306
6.    Reese Glover (Missouri Western - 2019-pr.)        301
7.    Ryan Hawkins (Northwest Mo. St. - 2017-21)        285
8.    Eddie Jackson (Pittsburg State - 2004-06)        273
9.     Oscar Gonzalez (Pittsburg State - 1996-99)        272
10. Justin Pitts (Northwest Mo. St. - 2014-18)        271

Northwest 3-Pointers Made in a Career
1.     Trevor Hudgins (2018-22)    435
2.    Zach Schneider (2013-17)    370
3.    Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)    312
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.)    775
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 fifth Bearcat to reach 1,800 career points. He ranks No. 5 in program history with 1,800 points in 154 career games (11.7 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. Wes Dreamer (2019-pr.)        1,800 pts
6.    Victor Coleman (1980-84)        1,795 pts
7.    David Alvey (1973-77)            1,747 pts
8.    Scott Fleming (1999-2003)        1,727 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 390-90 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)    .861 (519-84, 19 yrs.)
2. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .814 (262-60, 10 yrs.)
3. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .813 (390-90, 15 yrs.)
4. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .782 (502-140, 20 yrs.)
5. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .776 (416-120, 18 yrs.)
6. Jeff Young (Walsh)    .759 (457-145, 21 yrs.)
7. Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    .722 (248-95, 11 yrs.)
8. Bob Pietrack (Fort Lewis)    .714 (185-74, 10 yrs.)
9. Charlie Ernst (Findlay)    .712 (272-110, 13 yrs.)
10. Dave Holmquist (Biola)    .706 (1,058-440, 47 yrs.)
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

NCAA All Divisions Active Head Coach Win Percentage
1. Jim Crutchfield (Nova Southeastern)    .861 (519-84, 19 yrs.)
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .835 (712-141, 25 yrs.)
3. Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    .814 (262-60, 10 yrs.)
4. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .813 (390-90, 15 yrs.)
5. Matt Logie (Montana State)    .794 (289-75, 13 yrs.)
6. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .787 (397-107, 16 yrs.)
7. Bob Bolen (Glenville State)    .782 (502-140, 20 yrs.)
8. Joe Lombardi (Indiana, Pa.)    .776 (416-120, 18 yrs.)
9. John Krikorian (Chris. Newport)    .770 (378-113), 17 yrs.)
10. Bill Self (Kansas)    .764 (793-245, 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)    .861 (519-84, 19 yrs.)*
2. Mark Few (Gonzaga)    .835 (712-141, 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)    .814 (262-60, 10 yrs.)*
6. Ben McCollum (Northwest Mo. St.)    .813 (390-90, 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. John Kresse (Coll. of Charleston)    .797 (560-143, 23 yrs.)
11. Matt Logie (Whitworth/Point Loma/Montana St.)    .794 (289-75, 13 yrs.)*
12. Josh Schertz (Indiana State)    .787 (397-107, 16 yrs.)*
13. Dave Robbins (Virginia Union)    .786 (713-194, 30 yrs.)
14. Jerry Tarkanian (LBSU/UNLV/Fresno)    .784 (729-201, 31 yrs.)
15. Francis Schmidt (Arkansas/TCU/Tulsa)    .782 (258-72, 17 yrs.)
* - active head coaches
Source: NCAA Statistics (Minimum of 10 Years Experience)

RARE COMPANY - LESS THAN 100 LOSSES WITH 10 YEARS OF HEAD COACHING EXPERIENCE
Ben McCollum is one of 15 active NCAA men's basketball head coaches to have less than 100 losses with at least 10 years of head coaching experience.

Tom Brown (West Texas A&M)    60 losses (10 yrs.)
Bob Pietrack (Fort Lewis)    74 losses (10 yrs.)
Matt Logie (Montana State)    75 losses (13 yrs.)
Elliott Steinmetz (Yeshiva)    80 losses (10 yrs.)
Kevin Bettencourt (Endicott)    82 losses (10 yrs.)
Greg Mitchell (Hope)        84 losses (10 yrs.)
Jim Crutchfield (Nova SE)    84 losses (18 yrs.)
Josh Merkel (Randolph-Macon)    85 losses (13 yrs.)
Tom Glynn (Rivier)        88 losses (10 yrs.)
Ben McCollum (NWMSU)    90 losses (15 yrs.)
Landry Kosmalski (Swarthmore)    93 losses (11 yrs.)
Andy Bronkema (Ferris St.)    95 losses (11 yrs.)
John Tauer (St. Thomas)    96 losses (13 yrs.)
Will Wade (McNeese St.)    97 losses (10 yrs.)
Grant McCasland (Texas Tech)    98 losses (10 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 (31), 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    31-3
Lincoln            26-2
Washburn        24-10
Pittsburg State        22-5
Missouri Southern    21-11
Fort Hays State        19-7
Emporia State        20-7
Central Missouri    17-12
Northeastern State    16-0
Nebraska-Kearney    16-1
Central Oklahoma    15-3
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 390.
    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 241-63 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 3/8/24)
1.     Bob Chipman (Washburn)    569
2.    Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    516
3.    Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    413
4.    Steve Tappmeyer (NW)    408
5.    Ben McCollum (NW)    390*
6.    Boyd King (Truman State)    379
7.    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    345*
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 3/8/24)
1.    Bob Chipman (Washburn)    352
2.    Tom Smith (UCM, MWSU)    281
3.    Ben McCollum (Northwest)    241*
4.    Robert Corn (Mo. Southern)    234
5.    Mark Johnson (Fort Hays St.)    220*
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 155-3 in games decided by 20 points or more.
    Northwest has won 153 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)

NORTHWEST HAS WON 12
IN A ROW IN BEARCAT ARENA
Northwests's 12-game home winning streak is the seventh-longest active mark in the country.

NCAA Div. II Active Home Win Streaks
1.    Nova Southeastern        59
2.    Minnesota State        16
    Fort Lewis        16
    West Georgia        16
5.    Gannon        15
6.    Southeastern Okla. St.    14
7.    Northwest Mo. St.        12
8.    Millersville        11
    Wingate        11
10.    Lincoln Memorial        10
    Lake Superior St.        10

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE IN BEARCAT ARENA
Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest has compiled a home mark of 176-14, including a tally of 120-10 in MIAA play.
    Since Jan. 14, 2015, Northwest has compiled a home record of 131-7. In that same stretch, Northwest is 95-4 in home MIAA contests.
    Northwest has won 23 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 12-0 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    12-0 (11-0)

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 (21 wins this season)
Gonzaga - 27 (22 wins this season)
Northwest Missouri State - 13 (22 wins this season)
Oregon - 13 (18 wins this season)
Belmont - 13 (17 wins this season)

'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.

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 and tied for the eighth-most made by a D-II player 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

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)
    Missouri Western (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 241 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 (357) and Southern Indiana (277).
    Northwest is ranked No. 4 in this week's poll, which is the 151st time (fourth-best total in Div. II) the Bearcats have been inside the top-10 in the poll. It is the 131st time Northwest has been ranked in the top five - second-most in the poll's history behind Kentucky Wesleyan's 161 times in the top five.

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)
46, Nova Southeastern (12/14/2021-pres.) ACTIVE
45, West Texas A&M (2/5/2019-1/25/2022)
43, Evansville (1/10/1963-3/3/1966)
40, Wittenberg (3/9/1961-2/4/1965)
39, Ashland (12/12/1968-3/11/1971)
38, Salem (1/28/1997-2/21/2000)

Consecutive weeks in NABC Top 5
60, Northwest Missouri State (3/6/2018-2/15/2022)
40, Grambling (3/2/1961-1/28/1965)
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 
357, Kentucky Wesleyan
277, Southern Indiana
241, Northwest Missouri State
238, Florida Southern
236, 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
151, Northwest Missouri State
150, Virginia Union
135, Bellarmine
131, Indiana (Pa.)
124, Florida Southern
117, Lincoln Memorial
107, MSU Denver

Most weeks ranked in top 5 
161, Kentucky Wesleyan
131, 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
23, Nova Southeastern
22, Florida Southern
20, MSU Denver
18, Indiana (Pa.)
18, Kentucky State

GLOCK SIGNS TO BECOME A BEARCAT
Head coach Ben McCollum announced the signing of Marcus Glock to a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the Bearcats beginning in 2024-25.
    Glock is a 6'3", 185-pound guard from Wahoo, Neb. He is the seventh-ranked basketball prospect in the state of Nebraska according to MaxPreps. Glock is a three-time all-state honoree at Wahoo High School for head coach Kevin Scheef. Glock is a four-time all-conference pick. He has led Wahoo to the state tournament in each of the past two seasons. He has a 4.00 GPA and ranks second in his class.
    Glock set the Wahoo HS scoring record with 54 points vs. Crete HS on Feb. 1, 2024. Glock broke the record set by his father, Jason, who posted 52 points vs. Schuyler HS on Feb. 16, 1990.
    Glock is the son of Jason and Patricia Glock. His older sister, Elle, plays volleyball at the University of Louisville. He has a younger brother, Landon. His father, Jason, played basketball at the University of Nebraska from 1991-1996.

MATTEONI INKS NLI TO BE A 'CAT
Head coach Ben McCollum announced the signing of Joey Matteoni to a National Letter-of-Intent to compete for the Bearcats beginning in 2024-25.
    Matteoni is a 6'8", 215-pound forward from Overland Park, Kan. He is a first-team all-state performer for head coach Aaron Ihm at Blue Valley Northwest High School. Matteoni helped lead his high school squad to a state championship. He is also a first-team all-conference honoree.
    Matteoni put up a 28-point, 20-rebound, 9-assist effort against Confluence Prep earlier this season. He possesses a 3.9 grade point average. Matteoni played AAU ball for Drive 5 Elite and head coach David Ricks.
    He is the son of Tony and Alisa Matteoni.

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.