Bears Outlast Chicago State

Tuesday, November 21

Cancun, Mexico

1 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

3-2,0-0Big Sky

Chicago State

1-5,0-0DI Independent

OT 1

Northern Colo.

Chicago St.

11/21/2023 9:23:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)Updated Season Stats Postgame Notes

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

CANCUN, Mexico – Riley Abercrombie's turnaround fade away in the lane with 42 seconds remaining in overtime lifted Northern Colorado over Chicago State 78-77 at Hard Rock Cancun Tuesday.

Zach Bloch accounted for eight of the Bears (3-2) 78 points – on 3 of 5 from the field, including 2 of 4 from 3-point range – with both of his threes occurring in overtime.

Saint Thomas registered his fourth-straight double-double with a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Dejour Reaves netted a career-high 24 points.

UNC ran off nine in succession, building a 15-9 advantage with 8:32 left in the first half and went to the break with a 36-25 advantage.

Back-to-back layups by Brock Wisne and Thomas to open the second half extended the Bears' margin to 15 at 40-25, with 18:39 remaining in regulation.

Despite hitting 51.7% (15-29) from the field, UNC trailed by three with nine seconds left on the clock but the Bears rushed the ball up the court and Reaves sank a tying triple from the left wing, forcing the extra five minutes.

Bloch opened the scoring in overtime with a jumper 15 seconds into the frame. The Cougars trimmed the deficit to one before Bloch sank a three and pushed the advantage to four with 3:01 remaining. Following five points from Chicago State, setting up Abercrombie for the game-winner. The Cougars held the final chance but the attempt as time expired fell short.

COACHES QUOTE
"It was almost a tale of three games," head coach Steve Smiley said. "We really could have been up more at the half, holding them to zero assists, with 12 errors. In the second half, we got a little careless with the ball and they hit some big shots. It was a complete team effort and we got some big plays from Zach [Bloch] and Riley [Abercrombie] in the extra period. Saint [Thomas] and Dejour [Reaves] had great games. We are excited to play again tomorrow and hopefully win a championship."

Team and Series Notes
• UNC improved to 3-2 on the season, while the Cougars dropped to 1-5.
      • The game is the first-ever meeting between the two programs on the hardwood.

Inside the Box
• The Bears shot 47% (31-66) from the field, including 29.6% (8-27) from 3-point range, while Chicago State went 29-57 (50.9%) and 7-18 (38.9%), respectively.
• UNC outrebounded the Cougars 37-21, including 16-11 on the offensive glass.
• The Bears shot 8-10, while Chicago State hit 12 of 19.
• UNC committed 20 turnovers, while creating 17.

• Starters: Riley Abercrombie, Dejour Reaves, Langston Reynolds, Saint Thomas and Brock Wisne

POINTS FROM           UNC    CSU
Turnovers                    10        22
In the Paint                  42        36
Second Chance          15        11
Fast Break                  20        13
Bench                          10        19

Next Game: The Bears compete for the Mayan Division Championship at the Cancun Challenge at 1 p.m. MT Wednesday.

Next Home Game: UNC returns to The Bank Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. against CSUN. To purchase tickets, visit uncbears.com/tickets or call 970-351-4849. Tickets can also be purchased at the Campus Commons Ticket Office, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.