University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Saturday, January 23
Greeley, Colo.
2:00 pm
University of Northern Colorado
vs
Northern Arizona
Photo by: Dean Popejoy
@UNCBearsWBB Looks To Extend Home Win Streak Against Northern Arizona
1/22/2016 4:26:00 PM | Women's Basketball
UNC has a three-game home win streak heading into Saturday's game vs NAU
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's basketball team will be looking to extend a few winning streaks when they tip-off against Northern Arizona at 2:00 p.m. Saturday inside Bank of Colorado Arena. The Bears enter the game with a three-game win streak overall at home and five-game long win streak in Big Sky games, dating back to last year.
For all the information on the game visit GameDay Central.
Game Notes: Northern Colorado | Northern Arizona
The Matchup
Northern Colorado looks to get back to .500 in Big Sky play and has some momentum with them coming off a 20 point win over Southern Utah on Thursday night. UNC's defense played a big factor in the win, holding SUU to 28.6 percent shooting and forcing 21 turnovers.
Northern Arizona comes into Saturday afternoon's game on a three-game losing streak, dropping its most recent game at North Dakota 63-56. The 'Jacks lead the game going into the fourth quarter, but a 10-0 UND run to start the fourth was the difference.
Scouting the Lumberjacks
Northern Arizona comes into Greeley on Saturday afternoon on a three-game losing streak. The 'Jacks streak was extended to three one Thursday when they fell to North Dakota 63-56.
For the season NAU is 1-5 in the Big Sky and 5-12 overall. Their lone win in the conference came at home against Southern Utah.
Northern Arizona is led by the inside-out combo of Rene Coggins and Alyssa Rader. Rader leads the team in both scoring (13.2 ppg) and rebounds (8.9 rpg). Her 8.9 rebounds a game leads the Big Sky.
Coggins isn't far behind her teammate scoring 12.2 points a game and dishing out 1.8 assists a game.
As a team NAU has struggled stopping its opponents at times allowing 71.2 points a game, ranking 10th in the Big Sky.
Last Time Against Northern Arizona
Northern Colorado burned down the nets in Flagstaff the last time the two teams squared off, shooting 63.2 percent in route to an 88-67 win.
With the great shooting four Bears finished in double figures scoring in D'shara Strange (27), Kyleigh Hiser (19), Stephanie Lee (14) and Kourteney Zadina (11).
In the lose NAU's Brittani Lusain led the team in scoring with 18, while also grabbing a team-leading eight rebounds.
Last Time Out
The Bears extended their home win streak to three-games on Thursday, defeating Southern Utah 64-44. Savannah Smith led the Bears offensively with a career-high 20 points. The other Savannah, Savannah Scott, set a career-high with 6 steals as the team forced 21 SUU turnovers.
Against the Big Sky
UNC is 97-120 all-time against Big Sky opponents. Since joining the conference in the 2006-07 season, the Bears are 87-84 all-time. Last season the Bears went 12-6 in the conference to finish third.
On This Date
Northern Colorado is 5-3 all-time on January 23. At home UNC is a perfect 3-0. The last time the Bears took the court on the date was also against Northern Arizona. They would win the game in overtime 86-82 in Flagstaff.
Month of January
Northern Colorado is just a bit below .500 in the first month of a new year. The Bears have accumulated a 175-179 mark in January. Under current head coach Kamie Ethridge the team is 6-8.
Career-High Game
A pair of Bears set career highs against Southern Utah on January 21. Savannah Smith scored 20 points on solid shooting while teammate Savannah Scott had six steals to set a new career high for herself. Scott also missed out on tying her career high in rebounds by one (9). The front court duo of Rebecca Howell and Courtney Smith both just missed out on career high points. Howell finished with 12, three off her best and Smith had eight, two shy of hers.
Finding Her Spot
Freshman forward Courtney Smith has grown into her role for the Bears this year. Over the past three games she has played some valuable minutes for the team. In those games she is averaging 15.3 minutes and 6.3 points giving UNC improved depth in the front court.
Road Woes
UNC has struggled on the road this season going 1-7 in true road games. The Bears are averaging 54.6 points a game way from Bank of Colorado Arena and allowing opponents to score 62.2. In the team's first seven road games, opponents have outshot UNC .434-to-.374.
Comeback Week
Northern Colorado had a pair of comeback victories to open home conference play. First against Idaho State UNC had it's second biggest comeback as a program after overcoming a 14 point deficit. Kourteney Zadina hit the game-winning shot with 1.9 seconds left to scure the win. Against Weber State on that Saturday UNC once again overcame a double figure deficit. This one of the 12 point variety when Savannah Scott hit the game winner as time expired.
Finding Their Roles
Northern Colorado seems to be settling into its roles on the team as conference play has started. While Kourteney Zadina and Kyleigh Hiser are looked at as sharp shooters, Savannah Scott and Kianna Williams have stepped up as stat sheet stuffers. Another couple roles that have been well defined for the team are the solid inside presence of Rebecca Howell and Courtney Smith on both ends of the court.
D-D-D-Defense
The Bears has really stepped it up defensively as Big Sky play has started. In the team's first seven Big Sky games, Northern Colorado is holding teams to just 57.6 points a game, ranking first in the conference.
UNC put the clamps down on defense last Thursday night in the second half. For the half the Bears made a stop on 24 of Idaho State's 31 possessions. They also held ISU to just two points in the third quarter and 1-of-12 shooting. The Bengals were held scoreless for an 11:06 period allowing UNC to come back and take a seven point lead.
Against Montana State defense once again proved to be important in UNC's comeback attempt. In the third quarter of the game, the Bears held the Bobcats to just 2-13 shooting and six points overall.
The Bears defense had its best performance to date against Southern Utah (1/21). Not only did they hold the T-Birds to 44 points, but they forced 21 turnovers, 10 via steals and held them to 28.6 percent shooting.
Kiwi Stuffing the Stat Sheet
Kianna Williams has taken off in her sophomore season doing it all for the Bears. She ranks fourth on the team in scoring (7.4 ppg), tied for second in assists (2.5 apg), second in rebounds (4.3 rpg) and second in steals (1.7 spg).
70 is the Mark
Coach Ethridge always preaches to her team that if they score 70 points they are in a good position to win. This season that has happened in four of the teams seven wins.
From Downtown
The Bears have been feeling it from behind the arc this season averaging 8.2 made threes a game. That ranks tied for 19th best in the nation, but only third best in the Big Sky. Both Idaho (3rd) and Sacramento State (2nd) are ahead of UNC.
Stuck Like Glue
After the game against South Dakota State, Kamie Ethridge called Savannah Scott, "the glue that keeps the team together." Scott has had a strong start to her sophomore season. She has stuffed the stat sheet with her play averaging 10.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.9 steals a game.
Valuing the Ball
Once again this year UNC is valuing the rock, and forcing teams into turnovers. They rank 27th in the country and second in the Big Sky with a 1.18 assist-turnover ratio.
RPI Report
UNC is ranked 173 as of 1/21, fourth best in the Big Sky. Idaho is the highest at 107.
What's on Deck?
It's travel partner week for the Bears, meaning only one game next Saturday. UNC will travel to Grand Forks, North Dakota to take on the Fighting Hawks of UND. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
Around the Den
Men's basketball earned her first road win of the season Thursday over Southern Utah 90-80 and looks for a weekend sweep when they face Northern Arizona Saturday.
Track and Field continues its indoor season, heading down to Colorado Springs for a three-day event at the Air Force Academy.
For all the information on the game visit GameDay Central.
Game Notes: Northern Colorado | Northern Arizona
The Matchup
Northern Colorado looks to get back to .500 in Big Sky play and has some momentum with them coming off a 20 point win over Southern Utah on Thursday night. UNC's defense played a big factor in the win, holding SUU to 28.6 percent shooting and forcing 21 turnovers.
Northern Arizona comes into Saturday afternoon's game on a three-game losing streak, dropping its most recent game at North Dakota 63-56. The 'Jacks lead the game going into the fourth quarter, but a 10-0 UND run to start the fourth was the difference.
Scouting the Lumberjacks
Northern Arizona comes into Greeley on Saturday afternoon on a three-game losing streak. The 'Jacks streak was extended to three one Thursday when they fell to North Dakota 63-56.
For the season NAU is 1-5 in the Big Sky and 5-12 overall. Their lone win in the conference came at home against Southern Utah.
Northern Arizona is led by the inside-out combo of Rene Coggins and Alyssa Rader. Rader leads the team in both scoring (13.2 ppg) and rebounds (8.9 rpg). Her 8.9 rebounds a game leads the Big Sky.
Coggins isn't far behind her teammate scoring 12.2 points a game and dishing out 1.8 assists a game.
As a team NAU has struggled stopping its opponents at times allowing 71.2 points a game, ranking 10th in the Big Sky.
Last Time Against Northern Arizona
Northern Colorado burned down the nets in Flagstaff the last time the two teams squared off, shooting 63.2 percent in route to an 88-67 win.
With the great shooting four Bears finished in double figures scoring in D'shara Strange (27), Kyleigh Hiser (19), Stephanie Lee (14) and Kourteney Zadina (11).
In the lose NAU's Brittani Lusain led the team in scoring with 18, while also grabbing a team-leading eight rebounds.
Last Time Out
The Bears extended their home win streak to three-games on Thursday, defeating Southern Utah 64-44. Savannah Smith led the Bears offensively with a career-high 20 points. The other Savannah, Savannah Scott, set a career-high with 6 steals as the team forced 21 SUU turnovers.
Against the Big Sky
UNC is 97-120 all-time against Big Sky opponents. Since joining the conference in the 2006-07 season, the Bears are 87-84 all-time. Last season the Bears went 12-6 in the conference to finish third.
On This Date
Northern Colorado is 5-3 all-time on January 23. At home UNC is a perfect 3-0. The last time the Bears took the court on the date was also against Northern Arizona. They would win the game in overtime 86-82 in Flagstaff.
Month of January
Northern Colorado is just a bit below .500 in the first month of a new year. The Bears have accumulated a 175-179 mark in January. Under current head coach Kamie Ethridge the team is 6-8.
Career-High Game
A pair of Bears set career highs against Southern Utah on January 21. Savannah Smith scored 20 points on solid shooting while teammate Savannah Scott had six steals to set a new career high for herself. Scott also missed out on tying her career high in rebounds by one (9). The front court duo of Rebecca Howell and Courtney Smith both just missed out on career high points. Howell finished with 12, three off her best and Smith had eight, two shy of hers.
Finding Her Spot
Freshman forward Courtney Smith has grown into her role for the Bears this year. Over the past three games she has played some valuable minutes for the team. In those games she is averaging 15.3 minutes and 6.3 points giving UNC improved depth in the front court.
Road Woes
UNC has struggled on the road this season going 1-7 in true road games. The Bears are averaging 54.6 points a game way from Bank of Colorado Arena and allowing opponents to score 62.2. In the team's first seven road games, opponents have outshot UNC .434-to-.374.
Comeback Week
Northern Colorado had a pair of comeback victories to open home conference play. First against Idaho State UNC had it's second biggest comeback as a program after overcoming a 14 point deficit. Kourteney Zadina hit the game-winning shot with 1.9 seconds left to scure the win. Against Weber State on that Saturday UNC once again overcame a double figure deficit. This one of the 12 point variety when Savannah Scott hit the game winner as time expired.
Finding Their Roles
Northern Colorado seems to be settling into its roles on the team as conference play has started. While Kourteney Zadina and Kyleigh Hiser are looked at as sharp shooters, Savannah Scott and Kianna Williams have stepped up as stat sheet stuffers. Another couple roles that have been well defined for the team are the solid inside presence of Rebecca Howell and Courtney Smith on both ends of the court.
D-D-D-Defense
The Bears has really stepped it up defensively as Big Sky play has started. In the team's first seven Big Sky games, Northern Colorado is holding teams to just 57.6 points a game, ranking first in the conference.
UNC put the clamps down on defense last Thursday night in the second half. For the half the Bears made a stop on 24 of Idaho State's 31 possessions. They also held ISU to just two points in the third quarter and 1-of-12 shooting. The Bengals were held scoreless for an 11:06 period allowing UNC to come back and take a seven point lead.
Against Montana State defense once again proved to be important in UNC's comeback attempt. In the third quarter of the game, the Bears held the Bobcats to just 2-13 shooting and six points overall.
The Bears defense had its best performance to date against Southern Utah (1/21). Not only did they hold the T-Birds to 44 points, but they forced 21 turnovers, 10 via steals and held them to 28.6 percent shooting.
Kiwi Stuffing the Stat Sheet
Kianna Williams has taken off in her sophomore season doing it all for the Bears. She ranks fourth on the team in scoring (7.4 ppg), tied for second in assists (2.5 apg), second in rebounds (4.3 rpg) and second in steals (1.7 spg).
70 is the Mark
Coach Ethridge always preaches to her team that if they score 70 points they are in a good position to win. This season that has happened in four of the teams seven wins.
From Downtown
The Bears have been feeling it from behind the arc this season averaging 8.2 made threes a game. That ranks tied for 19th best in the nation, but only third best in the Big Sky. Both Idaho (3rd) and Sacramento State (2nd) are ahead of UNC.
Stuck Like Glue
After the game against South Dakota State, Kamie Ethridge called Savannah Scott, "the glue that keeps the team together." Scott has had a strong start to her sophomore season. She has stuffed the stat sheet with her play averaging 10.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.9 steals a game.
Valuing the Ball
Once again this year UNC is valuing the rock, and forcing teams into turnovers. They rank 27th in the country and second in the Big Sky with a 1.18 assist-turnover ratio.
RPI Report
UNC is ranked 173 as of 1/21, fourth best in the Big Sky. Idaho is the highest at 107.
What's on Deck?
It's travel partner week for the Bears, meaning only one game next Saturday. UNC will travel to Grand Forks, North Dakota to take on the Fighting Hawks of UND. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
Around the Den
Men's basketball earned her first road win of the season Thursday over Southern Utah 90-80 and looks for a weekend sweep when they face Northern Arizona Saturday.
Track and Field continues its indoor season, heading down to Colorado Springs for a three-day event at the Air Force Academy.
Players Mentioned
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