University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Saturday, February 20
Greeley, Colo.
2:00 pm
University of Northern Colorado
vs
North Dakota
Photo by: Dean Popejoy
@UNCBearsWBB Look to Close Out Homestand on High Note
2/18/2016 9:23:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Northern Colorado women’s basketball ends it three-game homestad Saturday against North Dakota
GREELEY, Colo. – The Northern Colorado women's basketball team will be looking to end its three-game homestand on a high note Saturday afternoon when they host North Dakota. The Bears are currently 1-1 on the during this three-game stretch defeating Idaho last Thursday in overtime, before falling to Eastern Washington last Saturday. It will be the second time this season the Bears and Fighting Hawks meet, UND defended its home court in January when UNC visited with a 54-51 win.
Game Notes: Northern Colorado | North Dakota | Big Sky
For all the information on the game, visit Gameday Central.
Gameday Happenings
Saturday's game is Donor and Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day, the team would like to thank all of those who support the team with a reception before the game. Starting at 12:45, all women's basketball donors and season ticket holders are invited to come by the Champions Room for some food and beverages to say thank you.
Student's do not want to miss the game either, one lucky student will be picked to attempt a half-court shot at halftime to win an Apple Watch. The half-court shot is brought to the fans by game sponsor Pepsi.
The Matchup
With less than a month until the Big Sky Tournament in Reno, Nevada Saturday night's game between Northern Colorado and North Dakota is important for both teams.
UNC is looking to improve its seeding from their current spot of eighth before heading to Reno, while UND tries to keep pace for one of the coveted top four spots that will earn them a bye in the first round.
Scouting the Fighting Hawks
North Dakota just saw it seven-game win streak snapped on Saturday when Idaho defeated them 65-59 in Grand Forks.
The Fighting Hawks win streak helped propel them into the race for a top four spot in Reno for the conference tournament after the team got out to a slow start in conference play. Coming into the weekend, UND is in a tie for fifth place with Montana at 8-5, just a half game behind Weber State for that four spot
The duo of Mia Loyd and Makailah Dyer lead North Dakota on the court. Dyer is leading the team in scoring with 12.6 ppg while dishing out 3.3 apg and grabbing 4.0 rpg. Loyd leads the team in rebounding with 8.3 a game and is second in scoring with 12.2 ppg.
With the help of Loyd, UND has the best rebounding margin in the Big Sky, out-rebounding its opponents by 9.0 a game.
Last Time Against North Dakota
Northern Colorado just missed out on a road victory over North Dakota the last time the two met, when Savannah Smith's buzzer-beater hit off the back rim to force overtime in a 54-51 game.
Smith led the Bears in scoring for the game, with 15 points while also grabbing two steals and two rebounds.
North Dakota's Makailah Dyer and Stephanie Smith combined to score 24 of the teams 54 points.
Last Time Out
Northern Colorado saw its five-game home win streak end last Saturday when they hosted Eastern Washington. The Eagles defeated the Bears 66-57 behind some solid second half defense that held UNC to just 17 points.
Against the Big Sky
UNC is 100-123 all-time against Big Sky opponents. Since joining the conference in the 2006-07 season, the Bears are 90-87 all-time. Last season the Bears went 12-6 in the conference to finish third.
On This Date
The Bears are 7-3 all time when playing on February 20th. That team is currently on a five game winning streak on the date, going back to 1998. At home UNC is 4-1 including the last time they played in 2014 when they defeated Sacramento State 62-55.
Month of February
Northern Colorado had a historic February last season, tying a program record with seven wins in the month and going 7-1 overall. As a program the Bears are 148-165 during the second month of the year.
Veteran Off the Bench
Kyleigh Hiser has become a valuable player off the bench for UNC. Last weekend she averaged 13.5 points and shot 55.0 percent from the field. Hiser led the team in scoring against Eastern Washington with 17 points.
Inside Presence
Senior Rebecca Howell has become a force inside for UNC. Having a three game stretch from 2/4-2/11 averaging 15.7 points and 4.0 rebounds on 61.8 percent shooting. Against Weber State she set a new career-high with 18 points scored.
Nail Bitter
Drama has been high recently for UNC, with two of its past four games going into overtime. In those two OT games, UNC has gone 1-1, falling to Weber State and defeating Idaho.
When Northern Colorado played at Weber State. The Bears and Wildcats played in the longest game in program history going to three overtimes. The previous longest was a double-overtime game against North Dakota State on January 3, 2000. Northern Colorado also lost that game by three.
For the season, the Bears have been in eight games decided by four points or less, compiling a 4-4 record in them.
#RoadtoReno
New this year the Big Sky Conference will be headed to Reno, Nevada for both the men's and women's tournament. The #RoadToReno will begin on New Year's Eve and take place over March 7-13 for the women's tournament.
If the season were to end today, UNC would be playing in the opening round as the No. 8 seed against No. 9 seed Idaho State. UNC still has an outside shot at one of the top four spots and a bye, but will need to win every game to do so.
UNC's Swiss Army Knife
Savannah Scott has turned into UNC's Swiss army knife this year, doing it all for the Bears. She leads the team in points (9.7), rebounds (5.0) and steals (1.9) while also being second in assists (2.7).
On February 4th she recorded her first career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in UNC's game at Weber State.
Savvy Taking Off
Redshirt freshman Savannah Smith has become a key player off the bench for UNC recently. She had a career high 20 points against Southern Utah (1/21) and tied it at Weber State (2/4) and has scored in double figures ever since the SUU game. Over that seven game stretch she is averaging 15.0 points on 40.9 percent shooting, including hitting on 17 3-pointers.
D-D-D-Defense
The Bears have really stepped it up defensively in Big Sky play. In the team's 13 Big Sky games, Northern Colorado is holding teams to just 60.5 points a game, ranking second in the conference, just 0.1 point behind Idaho State.
UNC put the clamps down on defense on January 7th against Idaho State 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.
Against Idaho on February 11th, UNC's defense once again proved to be valuable holding Idaho to just 7 3-pointers, which was below its season average of 10.5. The Bears also forced the Vandals into 18 turnovers.
Setting the Bar High
The Bears have been setting a bunch of new career-highs recently. Savannah Scott has set new career-highs in three different categories over the last five games in assists, 10 vs NAU (1/23), steals, six vs SUU (1/21), and rebounds, 10 vs WSU (2/4). Scott is not the only Savannah setting career-highs, Savannah Smith has scored 20 points twice, first vs Southern Utah and then against Weber State. She also grabbed a career high six rebounds against SUU. Finally Kianna Williams and Rebecca Howell set new highs of their own against Weber State. Williams grabbed 10 rebounds in the game and Howell scored 18 points.
Road Woes
Northern Colorado hopes its road woes this season are over after picking up the victory at Idaho State on Saturday. UNC has struggled on the road this season going 2-9 in true road games. The Bears are averaging 57.1 points a game way from Bank of Colorado Arena and allowing opponents to score 63.0. In the team's 11 road games, opponents have outshot UNC .432-to-.386.
Comeback Week
Northern Colorado had a pair of comeback victories to open home conference play. Against Idaho State UNC had its 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 secure 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.
From Downtown
The Bears have been feeling it from behind the arc this season averaging 8.1 made threes a game. That ranks tied for 15th best in the nation, but only third best in the Big Sky. Both Idaho (4th) and Sacramento State (1st) are ahead of UNC.
Valuing the Ball
Once again this year UNC is valuing the rock, and forcing teams into turnovers. They rank 43rd in the country and fifth in the Big Sky with a 1.07 assist-turnover ratio.
RPI Report
UNC is ranked 169 as of 2/17, fourth best in the Big Sky. North Dakota is the highest at 129.
What's on Deck?
The Bears head out on their final road trip of the year playing at Sacramento State (2/25) and Portland State (2/27) next week.
Around the Den
Men's basketball looks to end its road trip on a high note when they play against North Dakota Saturday night.
Baseball begins is season with a five-game road trip this week. The Bears open the season with a three-game series against Wichita State before taking on Kansas on Monday and Tuesday.
Track and field competes at the Joe Davies Open in Golden, Colorado.
Both men's tennis hosts Sacramento State on Sunday while women's tennis takes on Colorado College Saturday and Eastern Washington Sunday. All of the matches are at home.
Softball is in its second week of the season, traveling back to Texas again this week to compete in the Cardinals Classic.
Game Notes: Northern Colorado | North Dakota | Big Sky
For all the information on the game, visit Gameday Central.
Gameday Happenings
Saturday's game is Donor and Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day, the team would like to thank all of those who support the team with a reception before the game. Starting at 12:45, all women's basketball donors and season ticket holders are invited to come by the Champions Room for some food and beverages to say thank you.
Student's do not want to miss the game either, one lucky student will be picked to attempt a half-court shot at halftime to win an Apple Watch. The half-court shot is brought to the fans by game sponsor Pepsi.
The Matchup
With less than a month until the Big Sky Tournament in Reno, Nevada Saturday night's game between Northern Colorado and North Dakota is important for both teams.
UNC is looking to improve its seeding from their current spot of eighth before heading to Reno, while UND tries to keep pace for one of the coveted top four spots that will earn them a bye in the first round.
Scouting the Fighting Hawks
North Dakota just saw it seven-game win streak snapped on Saturday when Idaho defeated them 65-59 in Grand Forks.
The Fighting Hawks win streak helped propel them into the race for a top four spot in Reno for the conference tournament after the team got out to a slow start in conference play. Coming into the weekend, UND is in a tie for fifth place with Montana at 8-5, just a half game behind Weber State for that four spot
The duo of Mia Loyd and Makailah Dyer lead North Dakota on the court. Dyer is leading the team in scoring with 12.6 ppg while dishing out 3.3 apg and grabbing 4.0 rpg. Loyd leads the team in rebounding with 8.3 a game and is second in scoring with 12.2 ppg.
With the help of Loyd, UND has the best rebounding margin in the Big Sky, out-rebounding its opponents by 9.0 a game.
Last Time Against North Dakota
Northern Colorado just missed out on a road victory over North Dakota the last time the two met, when Savannah Smith's buzzer-beater hit off the back rim to force overtime in a 54-51 game.
Smith led the Bears in scoring for the game, with 15 points while also grabbing two steals and two rebounds.
North Dakota's Makailah Dyer and Stephanie Smith combined to score 24 of the teams 54 points.
Last Time Out
Northern Colorado saw its five-game home win streak end last Saturday when they hosted Eastern Washington. The Eagles defeated the Bears 66-57 behind some solid second half defense that held UNC to just 17 points.
Against the Big Sky
UNC is 100-123 all-time against Big Sky opponents. Since joining the conference in the 2006-07 season, the Bears are 90-87 all-time. Last season the Bears went 12-6 in the conference to finish third.
On This Date
The Bears are 7-3 all time when playing on February 20th. That team is currently on a five game winning streak on the date, going back to 1998. At home UNC is 4-1 including the last time they played in 2014 when they defeated Sacramento State 62-55.
Month of February
Northern Colorado had a historic February last season, tying a program record with seven wins in the month and going 7-1 overall. As a program the Bears are 148-165 during the second month of the year.
Veteran Off the Bench
Kyleigh Hiser has become a valuable player off the bench for UNC. Last weekend she averaged 13.5 points and shot 55.0 percent from the field. Hiser led the team in scoring against Eastern Washington with 17 points.
Inside Presence
Senior Rebecca Howell has become a force inside for UNC. Having a three game stretch from 2/4-2/11 averaging 15.7 points and 4.0 rebounds on 61.8 percent shooting. Against Weber State she set a new career-high with 18 points scored.
Nail Bitter
Drama has been high recently for UNC, with two of its past four games going into overtime. In those two OT games, UNC has gone 1-1, falling to Weber State and defeating Idaho.
When Northern Colorado played at Weber State. The Bears and Wildcats played in the longest game in program history going to three overtimes. The previous longest was a double-overtime game against North Dakota State on January 3, 2000. Northern Colorado also lost that game by three.
For the season, the Bears have been in eight games decided by four points or less, compiling a 4-4 record in them.
#RoadtoReno
New this year the Big Sky Conference will be headed to Reno, Nevada for both the men's and women's tournament. The #RoadToReno will begin on New Year's Eve and take place over March 7-13 for the women's tournament.
If the season were to end today, UNC would be playing in the opening round as the No. 8 seed against No. 9 seed Idaho State. UNC still has an outside shot at one of the top four spots and a bye, but will need to win every game to do so.
UNC's Swiss Army Knife
Savannah Scott has turned into UNC's Swiss army knife this year, doing it all for the Bears. She leads the team in points (9.7), rebounds (5.0) and steals (1.9) while also being second in assists (2.7).
On February 4th she recorded her first career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in UNC's game at Weber State.
Savvy Taking Off
Redshirt freshman Savannah Smith has become a key player off the bench for UNC recently. She had a career high 20 points against Southern Utah (1/21) and tied it at Weber State (2/4) and has scored in double figures ever since the SUU game. Over that seven game stretch she is averaging 15.0 points on 40.9 percent shooting, including hitting on 17 3-pointers.
D-D-D-Defense
The Bears have really stepped it up defensively in Big Sky play. In the team's 13 Big Sky games, Northern Colorado is holding teams to just 60.5 points a game, ranking second in the conference, just 0.1 point behind Idaho State.
UNC put the clamps down on defense on January 7th against Idaho State 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.
Against Idaho on February 11th, UNC's defense once again proved to be valuable holding Idaho to just 7 3-pointers, which was below its season average of 10.5. The Bears also forced the Vandals into 18 turnovers.
Setting the Bar High
The Bears have been setting a bunch of new career-highs recently. Savannah Scott has set new career-highs in three different categories over the last five games in assists, 10 vs NAU (1/23), steals, six vs SUU (1/21), and rebounds, 10 vs WSU (2/4). Scott is not the only Savannah setting career-highs, Savannah Smith has scored 20 points twice, first vs Southern Utah and then against Weber State. She also grabbed a career high six rebounds against SUU. Finally Kianna Williams and Rebecca Howell set new highs of their own against Weber State. Williams grabbed 10 rebounds in the game and Howell scored 18 points.
Road Woes
Northern Colorado hopes its road woes this season are over after picking up the victory at Idaho State on Saturday. UNC has struggled on the road this season going 2-9 in true road games. The Bears are averaging 57.1 points a game way from Bank of Colorado Arena and allowing opponents to score 63.0. In the team's 11 road games, opponents have outshot UNC .432-to-.386.
Comeback Week
Northern Colorado had a pair of comeback victories to open home conference play. Against Idaho State UNC had its 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 secure 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.
From Downtown
The Bears have been feeling it from behind the arc this season averaging 8.1 made threes a game. That ranks tied for 15th best in the nation, but only third best in the Big Sky. Both Idaho (4th) and Sacramento State (1st) are ahead of UNC.
Valuing the Ball
Once again this year UNC is valuing the rock, and forcing teams into turnovers. They rank 43rd in the country and fifth in the Big Sky with a 1.07 assist-turnover ratio.
RPI Report
UNC is ranked 169 as of 2/17, fourth best in the Big Sky. North Dakota is the highest at 129.
What's on Deck?
The Bears head out on their final road trip of the year playing at Sacramento State (2/25) and Portland State (2/27) next week.
Around the Den
Men's basketball looks to end its road trip on a high note when they play against North Dakota Saturday night.
Baseball begins is season with a five-game road trip this week. The Bears open the season with a three-game series against Wichita State before taking on Kansas on Monday and Tuesday.
Track and field competes at the Joe Davies Open in Golden, Colorado.
Both men's tennis hosts Sacramento State on Sunday while women's tennis takes on Colorado College Saturday and Eastern Washington Sunday. All of the matches are at home.
Softball is in its second week of the season, traveling back to Texas again this week to compete in the Cardinals Classic.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
G/PG
/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
F
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