University of Northern Colorado Athletics
University of Northern Colorado
2-8,1-4Big Sky
Montana State University
4-3,1-0Big Sky
Bobcats take first of two meetings in Bozeman
1/7/2021 9:48:00 PM | Women's Basketball
BOZEMAN, Mont. – It was tough sledding offensively for both Northern Colorado and Montana State Thursday evening in Worthington Arena. Neither side shot north of 30 percent from the field as the Bobcats took away the victory, 54-46.
The Bears began the game on the front foot, keeping the Bobcats at bay and patiently waiting to attack the basket.
1Q | Jaiden Galloway gets us going! #BearsStrong #BigSkyWBB pic.twitter.com/lXpgANL5we
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) January 8, 2021
Sophomore Mele Finau once again made an impact off the bench for head coach Jenny Huth. Finau's hot-hand led to 3-of-3 shooting in the first quarter, giving UNC the early lead.
1Q | "Bank" - @melfinau ... probably#BearsStrong #BigSkyWBB pic.twitter.com/K0OKxqufFI
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) January 8, 2021
Neither team could create any comfort in the second stanza and albeit slim, the Bears had the halftime lead.
With Alisha Davis in foul trouble, MSU began attacking the basket with regularity and slowly crept out to its first lead since the opening half.
When Davis returned, her presence of the defensive end created a plethora of issues for the Bobcats. Offensively, Davis slowly climbed into double figures for the ninth time this season.
3Q | @alishaaa_5 cleaning up the glass!#BearsStrong #BigSkyWBB pic.twitter.com/Les4y1pax0
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) January 8, 2021
Jasmine Gayles and Alexis Chapman each hit big buckets down the stretch but the Bears' final scoring burst wasn't enough as MSU pulled away at the free-throw line.
4Q | @20_chapman with a HUGE three and we're back within 5!!#BearsStrong #BigSkyWBB pic.twitter.com/Tfqwl4WqW3
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) January 8, 2021
Postgame Thoughts
Jenny Huth, Head Coach
"I thought we defended well for the most part, but we still need growth to keep teams off the free-throw line. Overall, I like the way we are defending. We need to capitalize better on their switches and attack the paint. I thought we settled for too many threes and lost the rebound battle. We'll bounce back, learn, grow and come at it hard on Saturday for another opportunity."
Game Notes
- For the second time in three games, Mele Finau begins a game shooting 3-for-3 from the field
- Jaiden Galloway earns her second start in as many games for the Bears
- UNC held Montana State under 30 percent shooting. It's the second time in three games the Bears' defense has produced such a number.
- Alisha Davis managed to reach double figures for the ninth time this season.
- Olivia Wikstrom's four rebounds match her career-high.
- Jaiden Galloway posted a game-high and career-high three steals.
What's Ahead?
Northern Colorado and Montana State will turn around and do this again on Saturday afternoon. The game is slated for noon MT.
To stay up to date on all things UNC Women's basketball, visit UNCBears.com, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the new UNC Athletics app by clicking here.
