Bears open Lobo Classic with Bison takedown

Friday, November 25

Albuquerque, N.M.

7:30 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

2-4,0-0Big Sky

North Dakota State

1-5,0-0Summit League

Northern Colo.

North Dakota St.

11/25/2022 9:50:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Taking the lead midway through the first half, the Northern Colorado men's basketball team dropped North Dakota State, 80-70, on the first day of action at the Lobo Classic on Friday.

Northern Colorado (2-4) struggled from beyond the 3-point line but continued to use aggressive play inside to generate a nearly perfect (23-of-24) performance from the free throw line.

Fouled on a 3-point attempt as time expired for the first half, freshman Caleb Shaw converted all three attempts to extend UNC's lead to 13 with the score resting at 40-27 before heading to the locker room.

The Bison pulled to within five points (69-64) with just over two minutes remaining and intentionally sent the Bears to the line where they shot 6-of-6 in the final minute to secure the win.

With 10 points and nine rebounds, Dalton Knecht nearly pulled in a 'double-double' in the first half alone before finishing with a team-high 22 points and 12 boards.

A single point back, Daylen Kountz ended the night with 21 points with the boost of a 7-of-7 conversion from the stripe. Hitting two of the team's three jumpers from beyond the arc, Matt Johnson II added 17 points along with three assists.

The Bears will continue play at the Lobo Classic on Saturday when they face Jacksonville State. UNC closes out the trip against the host squad from New Mexico on Sunday, Nov. 27.