Simental's career night leads Bears over Wildcats

Saturday, February 19

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

11-13,7-9Big Sky

Weber State

9-17,5-12Big Sky

OT 1

Weber St.

Northern Colo.

Photo by: Jam David

2/19/2022 5:54:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

GREELEY, Colo. – Hannah Simental is a certified scorer.

A career-high 26 points, including 4-6 from three-point land and 8-8 from the charity stripe propelled Northern Colorado to its second consecutive win, beating Weber State 60-55 in Overtime.

The Bears came out of the gates with the same defensive intensity as the fourth quarter on Thursday. After allowing just four points in the final frame against Idaho State, UNC forced Weber State to just seven in the first quarter on Saturday.

It didn't take long for Simental to assert her dominance in the game. Ten points in the opening quarter with two triples had everyone inside Bank of Colorado arena well aware of her presence.

.@hjsimental is TAKING OVER#GetUpGreeley🐻🏀 pic.twitter.com/g1vFrkVPA2
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) February 19, 2022

Neither team was light's out offensively but the Northern Colorado defense made sure the Wildcats didn't make any back-breaking runs.

As the game wore on, different players made timely contributions on both ends of the floor to keep the UNC intact. A Callie Boyles bucket here, a Jaiden Galloway steal there and by the fourth quarter, it remained a one-possession contest.

Great pass, better shot!#GetUpGreeley🐻🏀 pic.twitter.com/Sr86llq6xC
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) February 19, 2022

With only seconds on the clock at the end of the regulation, Weber State had the coming out of a timeout. However, Mattio's defense flexed once more, forcing a five-second violation to ensure the Bears would be the decision-makers at the end of the game.

Although Alexis Chapman's turnaround jumper didn't find the bottom of the net, the more than 900 fans in Greeley felt the Bears were close to pulling away.

In stepped Simental for the final time.

The sophomore simply would not let her team lose, hitting clutch three's and remaining perfect at the free-throw line.

Can't guard @hjsimental #GetUpGreeley🐻🏀 pic.twitter.com/SL57B1e0cB
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) February 19, 2022

In fact, this season Simental is 41-44 from the line in the fourth quarter and overtime.

As a team, UNC was 12-14 at the charity stripe. Galloway, Kurstyn Harden and Sabine Lipe all had their clutch moments along with Simental to put a stamp on the victory, 60-55.

Stat of the Game
Northern Colorado was almost perfect from the free-throw line, shooting 16-18, including 12-14 in the fourth quarter and overtime.

What They Said
Hannah Simental, Micayla Isenbart and head coach Kristen Mattio

Game Notes

Hannah Simental surpassed 500 career points with her first three-pointer in the first quarter. It's taken the sophomore less than two seasons to reach the milestone.
Simental also poured in a career-high 26 points on the evening.
The Bears are now 11-2 when leading after the third quarter.
Micayla Isenbart's four assists were a season-high.
Kurstyn Harden's 12 rebounds were one shy of her career-best.

What's Ahead
UNC heads out on the road for its final trip of the season, facing Eastern Washing on Thursday, February 24 at 7 p.m. MT. The Bears will be back in Greeley on March 2, when they take on Montana. 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.