University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Saturday, February 15
Sacramento, California
8 pm
University of Northern Colorado
17-8,10-4Big Sky
68
at
65
Sacramento State
13-11,6-9Big Sky
1
2
F
Northern Colo.
37
31
68
Sacramento St.
31
34
65
Photo by: Dean Popejoy
Grit, Resolve Leads Men's Hoops over Sacramento State
2/15/2020 10:48:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Northern Colorado shot 65.9 percent against Sacramento State Saturday night
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In a contest that saw Northern Colorado shoot 65.9 percent, it was their defense that made the plays of the game in a 68-65 win at Sacramento State Saturday night.
Twice Sacramento State had the chance to tie the game inside the final 1:15 and twice UNC's defense came up with the key stop to leave The Nest with the win. Sacramento State was unable to even attempt a game-tying shot as the clock expired as UNC's transition defense got back quickly following a missed shot.
Big Sky MVP front runner Jonah Radebaugh did a little bit of everything once again for UNC leading the team with 21 points and six assists while adding in four rebounds and a steal.
The Bears scorched the nets in the first half starting and ending the first half by going 7-for-7 from the field. The hot shooting led to a field goal percentage of 76.2 percent at the break.
UNC jumped out to a 15-6 lead before Sacramento State responded with a 9-0 run to tie the game at 15.
Northern Colorado seized control of the game again at the end of the first half with an 8-2 run and 37-31 lead.
UNC ran its consecutive made baskets mark to 10 with three makes to start the second half, building its lead to seven.
Radebaugh hit a big step-back three with 1:38 remaining in the game to put Northern Colorado up seven and be just enough room between UNC and Sac. The teams played within one or two possessions throughout the majority of the second half, but the Bears never relinquished the lead.
What They Said
Head Coach Jeff Linder
How the defense won the game
"Not only was it the defense that won it for us, but our ability to match their physicality. This is a tough place to come into and play at. The guys did a good job of getting stops at keys times, but we also did a good job of taking the brunt of their blows and didn't back down and found a way to get the stops."
On how Jonah Radebaugh responded following the flagrant foul call
"Following the free throws on the flagrant foul, it was a one-possession game. Jonah knew he had made a mistake but made up for going up and grabbing a big two-handed rebound and setting up Bodie for the key two free throws to push it back to a two-score game."
About the team's mentality this road trip
"The team did a good job this whole road trip with their mentality. After a tough game at home on Monday night and to come out and pick up two road wins is impressive. We showed our resolve and grit by earning these two road wins like we have done a lot this season. Now we have to come home and not have a let down against a talented and hungry Southern Utah team like we did this week against Portland State."
Stat of the Game
Northern Colorado shot 65.9 percent from the field, their best shooting game of the season.
Game Notes
- Jonah Radebaugh is now the 14th player in UNC men's basketball history to score over 1,200 points in his career. He sits at 1,219 for his career.
- Radebaugh is tied for the fourth-most assists in a career with Matt Kline (2003-07) at 337.
- Two other Bears finished in double figures scoring in Trent Harris (14) and Bodie Hume (10).
- It was the 19th time in UNC's DI history they shot over 60.0 percent in a game.
Around the Big Sky
The top of the Big Sky standings stayed the same as they were when Saturday began as Montana took care of Idaho State and Eastern Washington used a 51-point second half to defeat Portland State on the road.
What's Ahead
Northern Colorado returns home on Thursday, February 20 to host Southern Utah. Tip-off between the Bears and Thunderbirds is set for 7 pm MT. Take advantage of our Fan Application ticket special with $2 tickets, plus fees. The special is for online-only orders with the promo code; FAN
Tickets for the game and all UNC men's basketball games can be purchased at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849 or visiting the UNC Ticket Office located in the Campus Commons, (M-F, 10 am - 5 pm). All ticket purchases may include fees.
To stay up to date on all things UNC men's basketball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Twice Sacramento State had the chance to tie the game inside the final 1:15 and twice UNC's defense came up with the key stop to leave The Nest with the win. Sacramento State was unable to even attempt a game-tying shot as the clock expired as UNC's transition defense got back quickly following a missed shot.
Big Sky MVP front runner Jonah Radebaugh did a little bit of everything once again for UNC leading the team with 21 points and six assists while adding in four rebounds and a steal.
The Bears scorched the nets in the first half starting and ending the first half by going 7-for-7 from the field. The hot shooting led to a field goal percentage of 76.2 percent at the break.
The Bears are on 🔥🔥🔥! Harris with the 👌 and the Bears are 6-for-6 shooting! #GoUNCBears🐻🏀 #BigSkyMBB pic.twitter.com/FcU3lMpmIe
— UNC Men's Basketball (@UNC_BearsMBB) February 16, 2020
UNC jumped out to a 15-6 lead before Sacramento State responded with a 9-0 run to tie the game at 15.
Northern Colorado seized control of the game again at the end of the first half with an 8-2 run and 37-31 lead.
UNC ran its consecutive made baskets mark to 10 with three makes to start the second half, building its lead to seven.
That is now 🔟 straight makes for us! #GoUNCBears🐻🏀 #BigSkyMBB pic.twitter.com/rQG9sWXIae
— UNC Men's Basketball (@UNC_BearsMBB) February 16, 2020
Radebaugh hit a big step-back three with 1:38 remaining in the game to put Northern Colorado up seven and be just enough room between UNC and Sac. The teams played within one or two possessions throughout the majority of the second half, but the Bears never relinquished the lead.
💦💦💦 @Radebaugh12 with the BIG TIME 👌! #GoUNCBears🐻🏀 #BigSkyMBB pic.twitter.com/DgqnGjHPrq
— UNC Men's Basketball (@UNC_BearsMBB) February 16, 2020
What They Said
Head Coach Jeff Linder
How the defense won the game
"Not only was it the defense that won it for us, but our ability to match their physicality. This is a tough place to come into and play at. The guys did a good job of getting stops at keys times, but we also did a good job of taking the brunt of their blows and didn't back down and found a way to get the stops."
On how Jonah Radebaugh responded following the flagrant foul call
"Following the free throws on the flagrant foul, it was a one-possession game. Jonah knew he had made a mistake but made up for going up and grabbing a big two-handed rebound and setting up Bodie for the key two free throws to push it back to a two-score game."
About the team's mentality this road trip
"The team did a good job this whole road trip with their mentality. After a tough game at home on Monday night and to come out and pick up two road wins is impressive. We showed our resolve and grit by earning these two road wins like we have done a lot this season. Now we have to come home and not have a let down against a talented and hungry Southern Utah team like we did this week against Portland State."
Stat of the Game
Northern Colorado shot 65.9 percent from the field, their best shooting game of the season.
Game Notes
- Jonah Radebaugh is now the 14th player in UNC men's basketball history to score over 1,200 points in his career. He sits at 1,219 for his career.
- Radebaugh is tied for the fourth-most assists in a career with Matt Kline (2003-07) at 337.
- Two other Bears finished in double figures scoring in Trent Harris (14) and Bodie Hume (10).
- It was the 19th time in UNC's DI history they shot over 60.0 percent in a game.
Around the Big Sky
The top of the Big Sky standings stayed the same as they were when Saturday began as Montana took care of Idaho State and Eastern Washington used a 51-point second half to defeat Portland State on the road.
What's Ahead
Northern Colorado returns home on Thursday, February 20 to host Southern Utah. Tip-off between the Bears and Thunderbirds is set for 7 pm MT. Take advantage of our Fan Application ticket special with $2 tickets, plus fees. The special is for online-only orders with the promo code; FAN
Tickets for the game and all UNC men's basketball games can be purchased at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849 or visiting the UNC Ticket Office located in the Campus Commons, (M-F, 10 am - 5 pm). All ticket purchases may include fees.
To stay up to date on all things UNC men's basketball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Team Stats
UNC
SacSt
FG%
.659
.491
3FG%
.429
.273
FT%
.667
.667
RB
23
22
TO
15
8
STL
3
7
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
21
FGM
10
3FGM
1
FTM
0
Pts
14
FGM
5
3FGM
3
FTM
1
Pts
10
FGM
4
3FGM
1
FTM
1
Pts
8
FGM
4
3FGM
0
FTM
0
Players Mentioned
G
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