Women's Basketball hosts Sacramento State in Big Sky clash

Thursday, February 10

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

Sacramento State

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Photo by: Jam David

2/9/2022 1:19:00 PM | Women's Basketball

ESPN+LIVE STATS GAME NOTES

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

GREELEY, Colo. – Fresh off a sensational 48-point victory over Portland State, Northern Colorado looks to keep its winning ways going, hosting Sacramento State.

Game Info
Who: vs Sacramento State (11-10, 7-5)
When: February 10 at 6 p.m. MT
Where: Bank of Colorado Arena
How To Follow: LIVE STREAM | LIVE STATS | UNC_BearsWBB

Opening Tip
The last time the Bears and Hornets met, Kurstyn Harden turned in one of the most remarkable performances of the season. Harden posted 30 points, including 22 in the fourth quarter alone as the Texas native posted her third double-double of the season.

After holding Portland State to 45 points, Kristen Mattio's defense has leapfrogged Montana to claim the No. 1 spot in the Big Sky. The Bears are holding opponents to 59.4 points per game, No. 90 in the nation.

Senior Micayla Isenbart has started to find her groove lately. After scoring eight points at home against Northern Arizona, Isenbart followed up with a season-high 15 in the win over the Vikings. The Stratton, Colorado native has also posted at least five rebounds in four straight games.

Sophomore sensation Hannah Simental is already closing in on a significant milestone. Entering Thursday's matchup, Simental has 450 career points, 50 shy of 500.

Last Time Out
Northern Colorado produced one of its most resounding wins in recent memory. The 93-45 victory over Portland State saw the most points scored since 2017, the largest margin of victory since the '80s and yet another stellar defensive effort. Eleven different Bears scored, while four UNC players reached double figures, including a career-high 10 points for Sydney Stensgard.

Scouting the Hornets
Sacramento State remains one of the hottest teams in the Big Sky Conference. First-year head coach Mark Campbell has won seven of the last eight games, including a massive victory over Idaho State at the end of January.

Graduate transfer Lianna Tillman is coming off another Player of the Week performance. Tillman leads the Big Sky in scoring, averaging 20.9 points per game and is No. 1 in assists with 6.9 per contest.

Meanwhile, JUCO transfer Isnelle Natabou ranks first in rebounding (13.7), field goal percentage (.687) and fifth in scoring at 16.4 per game.

As a team, the Hornets take care of the rock. Campbell's team is No. 47 in the nation in fewest turnovers.

History against Sacramento State
The Bears will be looking to avenge the loss to the Hornets back on January 24. However, Northern Colorado owns a 21-10 record over Sacramento State, including a 12-2 mark inside Bank of Colorado Arena.

What's Ahead?
The Bears head back out on the road for a quick stop at Southern Utah on Monday, February 14 before returning home on February 17 against Idaho 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.