Women's Basketball unable to slip past Thunderbirds in OT

Tuesday, January 18

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

4-7,0-3Big Sky

Southern Utah

9-5,5-0Big Sky

OT 1

Southern Utah

Northern Colo.

1/18/2022 9:36:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

GREELEY, Colo. – Seven ties and seven lead changes highlighted a thrilling knock-down, drag-out contest with Southern Utah. Though sophomore sensation Hannah Simental sent the game into overtime, the Thunderbirds ultimately prevailed, 67-63.

Off for the better part of three weeks, it was slightly understandable the Bears took a moment to get their bearings. However, once Simental and company found a rhythm, they showed SUU they were in for a fight all night long.

The Pueblo native downed the first UNC bucket and never looked back. Simental collected 16 of her career-high 21 points in the first half alone.

.@hjsimental for three!#GetUpGreeley🐻🏀 pic.twitter.com/ihZeRcERc8
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) January 19, 2022

While its offensive production didn't break any records, head coach Kristen Mattio's defense needed no time to get back to work.

Already the second-best defensive unit in the conference, Northern Colorado dialed up another gem against the No. 1 team in the Big Sky Conference.

Holding Southern Utah to 10 and 12 points in the second and third quarters, respectively, UNC led by as many as 11 midway through the third frame. By the end of the evening, the Bears held the Thunderbirds to a minimal 2-11 from three-point range.

Meanwhile, junior forward Kurstyn Harden was busy picking up right where she left off before the new year.

The 🙅‍♀️denial🙅‍♀️ to the layup!@kurstyn_harden | #GetUpGreeley🐻🏀 pic.twitter.com/VXnBh0KTBp
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) January 19, 2022

Pulling down 11 rebounds to go with 18 points (ties her career-high), Harden secured her second straight double-double of the season.

SUU wasn't going to walk away just yet, though. The Thunderbirds mounted one last charge in the fourth quarter, retaking the lead and forcing the Bears to dig deep.

After a clutch three from Micayla Isenbart, the Bears had one last opportunity with the seconds waning down on the clock.

In-stepped Simental once more. A nifty reverse lay-up not only gave Simental a new career-high but sent the contest into overtime, giving Northern Colorado one last chance.

TIE GAME!#GetUpGreeley🐻🏀 pic.twitter.com/7X57x7HWEL
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) January 19, 2022

Ultimately, a three and six made three throws for the Thunderbirds proved to be the difference as SUU went on to take the victory, 67-63.

What They Said

Stat of the Game
Sophomore guard Hannah Simental reset her career-high with 21 points. Simental had previously garnered a career-best with 20 against Samford in November.

Game Notes

Kurstyn Harden notched her second straight double-double of the season.
Harden also finished 6-6 from the charity stripe.
UNC's defense held SUU to 18 percent from the three-point line (2-11)
Micayla Isenbart finished in double figures (10) for the second straight game.
Hannah Simental set a new career-high with 21 points, her second career 20-point game.

What's Ahead
It's a quick turnaround for Mattio and the Bears as UNC hosts Idaho on Thursday, January 20 at 6 p.m. MT. 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.