Downing stays hot, Bears unable to get by Griz

Saturday, December 4

Missoula, Mont.

2 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

2-5,0-2Big Sky

Montana

7-1,2-0Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Montana

Photo by: Dean Popejoy

12/4/2021 4:09:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

MISSOULA, Mont. – Allie Downing continued her stellar shooting and the Bears' defense flexed its muscles through large portions of Saturday afternoon but it wasn't enough to get by Montana as UNC fell in Missoula, 57-44.

Whether it's the crisp Big Sky air or just simply impeccable timing, Allie Downing seems to love playing against the Montana Schools.

Following a career-high 18 points on six made three-pointers two days prior in Bozeman, Downing picked up right where she left off. The New Madison Ohio, native splashed in two in the opening quarter to get the Bears off and running.

It wasn't just Downing who came out hot against the Griz. As a team, UNC shot 5-6 from downtown, grabbing a three-point lead after the first ten minutes.

While Northern Colorado didn't quite have the same offensive output as the first quarter, stifling defense kept the Griz from gaining much ground. The Bears were particularly astute in guarding the three-point line, leaving Montana 2-10 from long-range at the midway point.

In fact, two three-pointers were all Northern Colorado would surrender as the Griz finished 2-16 on the afternoon.

Alexis Chapman four her stroke with the mid-range jumper as well, finding four crucial points late in the half to keep UNC in the lead.

Downing continued her red-hot shooting from distance to open the third quarter, making it a perfect 4-4 from beyond the arc to start her afternoon. She'd finish with 14 points along with a team-high eight rebounds.

A 7-0 run in the third frame swung the momentum, and the lead, back toward Montana.

Northern Colorado's defense held strong once again in the final 10 minutes, holding the Griz to just 2-12 shooting but eight trips to the charity stripe, combined with Bears unable to find the bottom of the bucket, UNC wasn't able to pull off the comeback, dropping the contest, 57-44.

Stat of the Game
Allie Downing hit her first four three-pointers of the game. The senior has hit 10 threes over the last two games.

What they Said
Head coach, Kristen Mattio
"We had a great start in the first quarter today and that was something we really wanted to focus on. I really thought at times, defensively, we were extremely good and disruptive to Montana. Ultimately, we have to close games out and execute in a 40-minute battle. I thought Allie Downing was great for us both games this weekend. She really shot the ball well."

Game Notes

Allie Downing strung together her second straight double-figure scoring effort of the season.
Downing's eight rebounds doubled her career-best
As a team, Northern Colorado shot 47 (8-17) percent from three-point range.
The Bears out-assisted the Griz, 8-6.

What's Ahead
The Bears head to Omaha for one last road game on December 11 before returning to Bank of Colorado Arena on December 13 against Oklahoma Panhandle State. Tickets can be purchased at UNCBears.com/Tickets

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.