Women's Basketball offense comes to life, can't outrun Lumberjacks

Saturday, February 5

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

8-11,4-7Big Sky

Northern Arizona

10-10,7-5Big Sky

Northern Ariz.

Northern Colo.

Photo by: Jam David

2/5/2022 5:50:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

GREELEY, Colo. – Facing the same Lumberjack team for the second time in six days, Northern Colorado led for more than 30 minutes before a late surge from Northern Arizona put them over the top and stole the victory, 77-71.

After a road trip that saw the Bears travel over 5,000 miles and took over 13 days, head coach Kristen Mattio's crew came out hot in front of the home fans at Bank of Colorado Arena.

An 11-0 run to open the contest saw Allie Downing, Sabine Lipe, Kurstyn Harden and Micayla Isenbart all turn up on the scoresheet.

UNC's offensive output remained in high gear throughout the afternoon, turning in one of its highest shooting efforts at 45.3 percent.

Hannah Simental announced herself to the home crowd with eight second-quarter points, including two triples.

NAU wasn't going to head back to Flagstaff quietly, however. After 21 points in the second frame, the game was all knotted up at 34 with 20 minutes to go.

Northern Colorado stormed out of the locker room once again in the third quarter. Kurstyn Harden worked away at the low block while Jaiden Galloway added a few timely buckets.

After shooting nearly 54 percent from the floor in the quarter, the Bears owned a seven-point lead heading into the final frame.

While six different Northern Colorado players scored in the fourth, UNC just couldn't keep pace with the Lumberjacks who surged for 30 points on 50 percent shooting to overtake the Bears.

Mattio's crew fought to the bitter end with Lipe nailing a three to keep a two-possession game with moments to go. NAU remained calm at the free-throw line, though, hitting 13-15 to seal the game and earn the win, 77-71.

Stat of the Game
Northern Colorado's 71 points were the second-most the Bears have tallied this season and the most in Big Sky Conference play.

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

Game Notes

Hannah Simental's team-high 16 points mark the 14^th time she's reached double-figures this season and the seventh consecutive game.
Kurstyn Harden also reached double digits with 14 points. It was the 11^th time she's reached double-figures and the sixth time in a row.
Harden's four steals signaled a career-high.
UNC was an efficient 15-18 (83.3 %) from the free-throw line.

What's Ahead
Northern Colorado stays at home with a matchup on Monday, February 7 against Portland State. It'll be a double-header with the men's team right after. 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.