University of Northern Colorado Athletics
University of Northern Colorado
2-7,1-3Big Sky
University of Montana
3-3,1-1Big Sky
Bears hold off Lady Griz in overtime for first Big Sky win
1/3/2021 4:28:00 PM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Determined to earn its first conference win of the season, Northern Colorado Women's basketball staved off another late run from Montana to claim the victory, 77-76.
Were it not for the change in uniforms between Friday night and Sunday afternoon, fans could be forgiven for thinking they were seeing déjà vu.
Behind an electrifying defensive effort and red-hot shooting from deep, the Bears jumped out to the early lead and (for the most part) never looked back.
1Q | Nailed the 3⃣‼️#BearsStrong #BigSkyWBB pic.twitter.com/rGx62LXOZx
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) January 3, 2021
Grabbing her first start of the season, Jaiden Galloway directed the offense, finding high-school teammate Alisha Davis early and often. Though Galloway didn't rack up prolific numbers on the stat sheet, her precision-like decision making and relentless defense made a major impact on the final outcome.
Davis was a key contributor to UNC's halftime lead. By the end of the game, the Aurora, Colorado native compiled 21 points, 14 rebounds, a career-high six blocks and two steals.
3Q | @alishaaa_5 with the bucket 💪#BearsStrong #BigSkyWBB pic.twitter.com/VLKcX9hlMU
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) January 3, 2021
As Montana chipped away at the Bears' 24-point lead and eventually forced overtime, it was the cool resolve of senior Alexis Chapman that sparked Northern Colorado's run to open the extra period. Chapman finished with eight points, six in overtime alone.
OT | Knocks the 3⃣ down‼️#BearsStrong #BigSkyWBB pic.twitter.com/na0oNC7WqK
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) January 3, 2021
When it to crunch time, UNC leaned on its young guards in Jasmine Gayles and Hannah Simental. The two were a combined 15-20 at the charity stripe to ice the contest and hand head coach Jenny Huth her first Big Sky win of the season.
Postgame Thoughts
Game Notes
- Jaiden Galloway picked up her first start of her career as a Bear
- Alisha Davis recorded a career-high six blocks against the Lady Griz.
- Davis also notched her sixth double-double of the season.
- UNC led by as many as 24 points but never trailed in the win over Montana
- Hannah Simental (16 points) reached double figures for the third time this season.
- The Bears pulled down 20 offensive rebounds leading to 21 second-chance points.
What's Ahead?
Northern Colorado will hit the road next weekend to face Montana State on Thursday, January 7 and Saturday, January 9.
