@UNC_BearsMBB opens the Big Sky tourney looking to take down the T-Birds for the third time

Thursday, March 14

Boise, Idaho

5:30 PM

University of Northern Colorado

Southern Utah University

UNC opens the Big Sky Championships against Southern Utah.

3/13/2019 6:27:00 PM | Men's Basketball

By: Ryan Ronan

BOISE, Idaho – Northern Colorado is ready to take the court in the My Place Big Sky Championships and they will do so against a familiar foe. Southern Utah took care of Idaho State in the first round of the tournament and now the two teams will play for the second time in a week.

BEAR BITES

Last time they were on the floor UNC suffered a heartbreaking loss to Northern Arizona.
Jordan Davis led the Bears in scoring, again, and ended the season as the leading scorer in the conference.
Bodie Hume knocked down five three-point shots.
UNC swept five conference opponents this season including Southern Utah.

The Thunderbirds won their first-round matchup against 10th seeded Idaho State. They pulled away in the second half outscoring them by 15 after trailing by one at the half.

THUNDERBIRD THOUGHTS

In their win over Idaho State, SUU had five players score in double figures led by Andre Adams who scored a game-high 23.
Adams is one of four Thunderbirds who average at least 10 points a game.
Southern Utah was led by knocking down 11 three-pointers.
UNC stifled the SUU offense in the two meetings this season and will rely on their defense to advance in the tournament.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

The Bears held SUU to just 10 three-point makes in the two meetings, including just three a week ago in Cedar City.
Adams was held to just 11 combined points in the two Bears wins.
The Bears offense knocked down 17 triples in a pair of victories.
UNC will have to balance out their scoring attack in to win the third matchup. Only two players aside from Davis scored in double figures versus the Thunderbirds.

If you couldn't make the trip to Boise, you can check out the Bears at Cables Pub and Grill or on Pluto TV. The game will tip at 5:30 p.m. with the winner advancing to the semifinal to face the winner of Eastern Washington and Montana State.