MARYVILLE, Missouri - The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men's basketball set the MIAA record for consecutive victories with its 43rd straight win in a 92-40 triumph over the University of Saint Mary (Kansas) in Bearcat Arena.
The previous record of 42 was set by the Bearcats back in the 1929-30 and 1930-31 seasons. The Bearcats went 31-0 in 1929-30 and then won their first 11 games of the 1930-31 season under then head coach Henry "Hank" Iba.
Northwest moved to 5-0 on the season as sophomore Diego Bernard and junior Ryan Hawkins each posted double-doubles. Bernard did not miss a shot from the field as he drained all seven shots, including three from three-point range as he scored a game-high 20 points. Bernard also grabbed 10 rebounds, notched six steals and handed out five assists. Hawkins went for 19 points and 10 rebounds in the victory.
The Bearcat bench also got involved by chipping in with 30 points. Northwest came into the game having produced 25 bench points through its first four contests. Redshirt freshman Luke Waters scored his first collegiate points and did not stop there as he was credited with 13 points and five assists. Junior Daric Laing scored a career-high 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field.
Northwest drained 13 three-pointers as seven different Bearcats made at least one three-pointer. Bernard was a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.
The Bearcats kept the Spires in check defensively. Saint Mary shot 28.6% from the field on 16-of-56 field goals. The Spires went 5-of-26 from distance. Northwest forced Saint Mary into 23 turnovers.
It was a 34-24 game with the Bearcats holding a 10-point lead with 3:29 left in the first half. Northwest used a 40-5 run to then open up a 74-29 advantage with 9:35 to play in the game. Northwest's largest lead of the night was the final margin of 52 points at 92-40.
The Bearcats next home game is set for Thursday, Nov. 21, when Northwest will play host to William Jewell. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m.
NOTES: Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Northwest is 110-9 in Bearcat Arena ... Northwest has also won 27 straight games in the month of November ... over the past four seasons, Northwest is 105-5 overall ... the Bearcats won the rebounding battle, 38-30 ... Northwest has shot 55% or better from the field in four of its first five games this season ... Northwest shot 55.6% from the field vs. Saint Mary.
--- Northwest Athletics ---