University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Saturday, January 12
Missoula, Mont.
2pm
University of Northern Colorado
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Montana
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Northern Colorado
25
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Montana
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Photo by: Dean Popejoy
Fast start helps @UNCBearsWBB reach 5-0 in Big Sky play
1/12/2019 4:38:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Northern Colorado women's basketball closed a three-game road trip with a 73-62 win over Montana
MISSOULA, Mont. – The train just keeps on rolling along for Northern Colorado women's basketball as they improved to 5-0 in the Big Sky and 10-4 overall with a 73-62 win over Montana Saturday afternoon to cap off a three-game road trip.
Savannah Smith once again paced the Bears, with her second 30-plus point game of the year finishing with 31. Two other UNC players joined her in double figures in Alexis Chapman with 17 and Abby Kain scoring 11.
UNC shot an impressive 44.3 percent from the field, including making eight 3-pointers in the win.
Northern Colorado came out fast, leading 13-5 a little more than three minutes in and never trailed in the game. Alexis Chapman was a big part of that early lead as she scored eight of the team's first 11 points. The hot start continued throughout the first quarter, as they went on a 16-2 run during it and led 25-14 after the first.
Smith scored 15 of her 31 points in the first quarter.
After shooting 50.0 percent in the first quarter the Bears got out to a slow start in the second but finished it with a flurry of baskets. Northern Colorado ended the first half on a 10-4 run to lead 44-32. The team shot 45.7 percent in the half including seven made 3-pointers.
Northern Colorado's lead stayed in the double figures for the majority of the third quarter until Montana went on an 8-0 to cut the lead in half to eight. Alexis Chapman took over from there making a layup and 3-pointer for a mini 5-0 to put the Bears back in front by double figures.
UM never gave in despite trailing throughout the whole game, going on another run in the fourth quarter. A 10-0 run made it a six-point ball game with 2:54 left, but Northern Colorado's defense clamped down and held the Griz scoreless the rest of the way.
What they said
Head Coach Jenny Huth
On the quick
"We came out and had great energy and focus to start the game. That is something we want to continue to do each and every game."
About Alexis Chapman's play
Alexis (Chapman) was aggressive for us all game long and she's understanding that our team needs that type of play from her. Her aggression helps us have balance on the perimeter.
On Abby Kain's role off the bench.
"Abby (Kain) had an awesome week of practice and she gives us versatility at the four spot. We are really proud of her contribution both offensively and defensively today."
What makes Savannah Smith such a hard player to game plan for
"Savannah (Smith) is a really dynamic player. She is a three level scorer and has a great feel for the game and change of pace. Our team does a good job playing off her, and screening for her as well."
Stat to know
The 3-point shot was a key in UNC's win over Montana as the Bears made eight 3s, while UM only had three.
Game notes
- Smith's 31 points gave her her fourth 30 point game of her career and second of the season. In Big Sky play she has scored at least 20 points in four of the five games where she is averaging 23.6 points a game in conference play.
- Abby Kain scored a career-high tying 11 points off the bench and added in five rebounds.
- Ali Meyer has now grabbed double-figure rebounds in 11 of the past 12 games, with 13 on Saturday.
- To go with her 17 points, Alexis Chapman grabbed a career-high tying five rebounds.
- The Bears had a season-high 14 steals.
- UNC extended its Big Sky regular season win streak to 15 games.
What's ahead
Northern Colorado returns to Bank of Colorado Arena on January 14 when Montana State visits, starting a three-game homestand.
Tickets for the MSU game and any UNC women's basketball game can be purchased by clicking here.
To stay up to date on all things UNC women's basketball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Twitter at @UNCBearsWBB.
Savannah Smith once again paced the Bears, with her second 30-plus point game of the year finishing with 31. Two other UNC players joined her in double figures in Alexis Chapman with 17 and Abby Kain scoring 11.
UNC shot an impressive 44.3 percent from the field, including making eight 3-pointers in the win.
Northern Colorado came out fast, leading 13-5 a little more than three minutes in and never trailed in the game. Alexis Chapman was a big part of that early lead as she scored eight of the team's first 11 points. The hot start continued throughout the first quarter, as they went on a 16-2 run during it and led 25-14 after the first.
Smith scored 15 of her 31 points in the first quarter.
After shooting 50.0 percent in the first quarter the Bears got out to a slow start in the second but finished it with a flurry of baskets. Northern Colorado ended the first half on a 10-4 run to lead 44-32. The team shot 45.7 percent in the half including seven made 3-pointers.
Northern Colorado's lead stayed in the double figures for the majority of the third quarter until Montana went on an 8-0 to cut the lead in half to eight. Alexis Chapman took over from there making a layup and 3-pointer for a mini 5-0 to put the Bears back in front by double figures.
UM never gave in despite trailing throughout the whole game, going on another run in the fourth quarter. A 10-0 run made it a six-point ball game with 2:54 left, but Northern Colorado's defense clamped down and held the Griz scoreless the rest of the way.
What they said
Head Coach Jenny Huth
On the quick
"We came out and had great energy and focus to start the game. That is something we want to continue to do each and every game."
About Alexis Chapman's play
Alexis (Chapman) was aggressive for us all game long and she's understanding that our team needs that type of play from her. Her aggression helps us have balance on the perimeter.
On Abby Kain's role off the bench.
"Abby (Kain) had an awesome week of practice and she gives us versatility at the four spot. We are really proud of her contribution both offensively and defensively today."
What makes Savannah Smith such a hard player to game plan for
"Savannah (Smith) is a really dynamic player. She is a three level scorer and has a great feel for the game and change of pace. Our team does a good job playing off her, and screening for her as well."
Stat to know
The 3-point shot was a key in UNC's win over Montana as the Bears made eight 3s, while UM only had three.
Game notes
- Smith's 31 points gave her her fourth 30 point game of her career and second of the season. In Big Sky play she has scored at least 20 points in four of the five games where she is averaging 23.6 points a game in conference play.
- Abby Kain scored a career-high tying 11 points off the bench and added in five rebounds.
- Ali Meyer has now grabbed double-figure rebounds in 11 of the past 12 games, with 13 on Saturday.
- To go with her 17 points, Alexis Chapman grabbed a career-high tying five rebounds.
- The Bears had a season-high 14 steals.
- UNC extended its Big Sky regular season win streak to 15 games.
What's ahead
Northern Colorado returns to Bank of Colorado Arena on January 14 when Montana State visits, starting a three-game homestand.
Tickets for the MSU game and any UNC women's basketball game can be purchased by clicking here.
To stay up to date on all things UNC women's basketball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Twitter at @UNCBearsWBB.
Team Stats
NC
UM
FG%
.443
.407
3FG%
.333
.300
FT%
.611
.688
RB
36
38
TO
11
16
STL
14
7
Game Leaders
Pts
31
FGM
10
3FGM
4
FTM
7
Pts
17
FGM
7
3FGM
3
FTM
0
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's Basketball
G/PG
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