MARYVILLE, Missouri – The No. 1-ranked Northwest Missouri State University men’s basketball team shot a sizzling 67.8% from the floor in a 95-59 rout of the visiting University of Nebraska at Kearney Lopers in Bearcat Arena.

The triumph gave Northwest its 20th win of the season, marking the 10th consecutive season the Bearcats have reached 20 or more victories. It’s the 10th 20-win season for head coach Ben McCollum equaling the school record of 10 20-win seasons set by Steve Tappmeyer.

Northwest (20-1 overall) shot a blistering 20-of-30 from the field (66.7%) in the opening half and followed it up with an even better 20-of-29 (69.0%) in the second half. The Bearcats drained 12-of-22 from three-point range that featured an equal 6-of-11 in each half.

Bearcat junior guard Diego Bernard put on a stat-stuffing performance with a game-high 21 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot. Bernard went 9-of-13 from the field, which featured 3-of-5 from three-point range.

As good as Bernard was, his cast of teammates surrounding him were equal to the task. Sophomore Luke Waters continued his torrid shooting by going 6-of-7 from the field and was a perfect 3-of-3 from deep to tally 15 points. Senior Ryan Hawkins was 6-of-9 from the field with 14 points, while junior Trevor Hudgins knocked in seven of 11 field goals for 14 points. Freshman Daniel Abreu contributed with career-highs in points (11) and rebounds (5).

Northwest buried 12 of its first 14 shots and built a commanding 27-6 lead. Northwest would eventually lead 32-8 at the 8:58 media timeout. The Bearcats cruised to a 48-20 halftime lead.

The Bearcats continued their assault on the hoop in the second half and led by as many as 40 at 89-49.

Northwest will finish the regular season Saturday at home in Bearcat Arena against the Fort Hays State Tigers. Northwest and Fort Hays State will tip at 3:30 p.m., following the women’s contest.