(Evansville, Indiana) Atlantic native and Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat Ryan Hawkins recognized as the Most Outstanding Player at the Elite Eight NCAA Tournament.
The Northwest Missouri State University, men’s basketball team captured the program’s third NCAA Division II national championship with an 80-54 victory over West Texas A&M on Saturday. Ryan Hawkins scored a game-high 31 points and 18 rebounds. He splashed in 10-of-16 shots from the floor, including 2-of-3 from long-range and nine-of-ten from the free-throw line.
Hawkins says the team battled through the uncertain times this season and still came away with a national title.
During the Elite 8 Tournament, Northwest won its three games by a total margin of 78 points – setting the Elite Eight record previously set by Jefferson in the 1970 tournament (75 points). Additionally, the 26-point win ranks as the second-largest margin of victory in the championship game. North Carolina Central won the 1989 national title by a 27-point margin.
Northwest is now 3-0 in national championship games and 34-20 all-time in NCAA Tournament play. Hawkins says the record says a lot about the culture instilled by the coaching staff into this program.
As Ryan looks back on his journey at Northwest, he points to the community’s support that will stay with him forever.
Currently, Ryan plans to return for his second senior season at Northwest and pursue his master’s degree before moving on to his next journey in basketball.
Meanwhile, Bearcats Head Coach Ben McCollum recorded his 300th career coaching victory in the win over West Texas A & M. He’s guided Northwest to a record of 300-78 over 12 seasons.
Northwest’s 28 wins this season are the most of any NCAA Division II school, and the 28 wins for the Bearcats ties them with Gonzaga for the most NCAA men’s basketball victories this season.
