Chapman's 23 points lift Bears over Griz in OT

Wednesday, March 2

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

12-15,8-11Big Sky

Montana

18-10,11-8Big Sky

OT 1

Montana

Northern Colo.

Photo by: Jam David

3/2/2022 10:02:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

GREELEY, Colo. – Alexis Chapman had scored in double figures 49 times for the Bears. Wednesday night against Montana, Chapman made it an even 50, tying her career-best with 23 as Northern Colorado outdueled the Griz, 72-64, in overtime.

Montana and UNC traded blows in the opening moments of the contest. Hannah Simental started out perfect (2-2 from the floor, 1-1 from deep and 2-2 from the free-throw line) while the Griz shot 42 percent from the floor to grab the early lead.

Kurstyn Harden started to find her rhythm in the paint during the second quarter, scoring seven points and pulling down three rebounds.

.@kurstyn_harden gets it to go!#GetUpGreeley🐻🏀 pic.twitter.com/BhS5AnCHUE
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) March 3, 2022

Defensively, the Bears began to tighten up as well, particularly on the perimeter. Montana shot just 2-7 from distance in the second quarter, a theme that would continue for the rest of the evening.

Head coach Kristen Mattio's crew prepared for one more push in the final quarter trailing by eight.

Quickly, UNC rattled off a 9-2 run to erase the deficit and put the pressure squarely back on Montana in front of a rocking Bank of Colorado Arena.

Northern Colorado got timely buckets from Sydney Stensgard, Micayla Isenbart and Chapman.

The Bears trailed by seven points with one minute to play but Chapman and Stensgard weren't going to disappoint the home fans.

A three by Chapman and a two from the sophomore Stensgard brought UNC within one possession.

.@20_chapman CAN'T MISS#GetUpGreeley🐻🏀 pic.twitter.com/wngzMuvpVT
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) March 3, 2022

After Montana went 1-2 from the free-throw line, it left nine seconds for a little bit of Blue and Gold Magic. All the time Chapman needed it turns out.

With the "Bank" of Colorado Arena open late-night, the graduate banked in a three to send the game into extra time.

TIE GAME!!!#GetUpGreeley🐻🏀 pic.twitter.com/fkrOpyCLKo
— UNC Bears WBB (@UNC_BearsWBB) March 3, 2022

Momentum in hand, the Bears clawed out to the early lead in overtime and never looked back. In the game's waning moments, clutch free-throws from Simental and Isenbart sealed the deal and delivered UNC the 72-64 victory.

Stat of the Game
Northern Colorado collected 14 offensive rebounds in the game, compared to Montana's eight, leading to eight crucial second-chance points.

What They Said
Alexis Chapman, Hannah Simental and head coach Kristen Mattio

Game Notes

Alexis Chapman tied her career-high with 23 points.
Hannah Simental (16 points) and Kurstyn Harden (15 points) were the other Bears to finish in double-figures.
Both Harden and Allie Downing finished with a team-high 8 rebounds.
Northern Colorado is now 2-1 in overtime games this season.
UNC's 46 rebounds were the most since grabbing 48 against Portland State in early February.

What's Ahead
One last contest remains inside Bank of Colorado arena this season. Northern Colorado celebrates the careers of eight stellar seniors on Friday night against Montana 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.