UNC Tames Tigers in Opener

Monday, November 6

Greeley, Colo.

7:30 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

1-0,0-0Big Sky

Colorado College

0-0,0-0SCAC

Colorado Col.

Northern Colo.

11/7/2023 12:32:00 AM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)Postgame Notes

By: Michael High, Asisstant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Big second half paced Northern Colorado to an 80-50 victory over Colorado College in the 2023-24 season opener at Bank of Colorado Arena Monday.

The Bears rattled off 11-straight points over six minutes, building a 13-point advantage at 25-12, with 8:50 remaining in the opening half.

They went to the locker room with a 40-26 gap, after holding the Tigers to 31.4% shooting from the field in the first 20 minutes. UNC hit just 10 shots in the half but held the advantage by knocking down 10 more free throws and two more triples.

In the second half, both sides produced at a higher clip, with Northern Colorado knocking down half of its attempts from the field, including 5 of 13 from 3-point range.

The Bears extended their winning streak to 32 games when holding their opponent below 40% from the floor.

UNC Scoring Leader: Brock Wisne (13)
UNC Rebound Leader: Riley Abercrombie (8)
UNC Assist Leader: Four Players (2)
UNC Steals Leader: Dejour Reaves (2)
UNC Blocks Leader: Dejour Reaves (1)

Team Records: UNC 1-0, Colorado College 0-0 (Exh. Game for CC)

Team Notes

UNC holds a 10-7 mark in season openers since joining the Big Sky Conference as a full-fledged DI member.
The Bears improved to 15-5 in home openers since moving up to DI (the last loss occurred in 2017 against UC Davis).
UNC outshot the Tigers 43.5% to 35.4%, including 39.1% to 18.8% from 3-point range.
The Bears knocked down 61.5% (24-39) from the free-throw line, while Colorado College hit 6 of 10 (60%).
UNC held the advantage in rebounds (46-43), with both teams grabbing 13 on the offensive glass.
The Bears created 18 turnovers, while committing seven and held an 8-6 edge in steals.

Series vs. Colorado College

UNC leads the all-time series 75-39.
The Bears extended their winning streak over the Tigers to 13 games, dating back to the 1960-61 season.
They won their 17th straight game at home over Colorado College.

Individuals
• Starters: Riley Abercrombie, Zach Bloch, Dejour Reaves, Saint Thomas and Brock Wisne
• Sophomore F, Brock Wisne recorded a career-high 13 points on 6 of 9 from the field and 1 for 1 at the charity.
• Junior G, Dejour Reaves netted 12 points, including 7 for 7 at the free throw line in his UNC debut.
• He added seven rebounds and two steals, drawing six fouls.
• Junior G, Zach Bloch inked 12 points, one rebound and one steal.
• Junior F, Saint Thomas totaled nine points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal in his debut with UNC.
• Junior G, Mekhi Cameron tallied seven points and two rebounds in his UNC debut.
• Sophomore G, Marcell McCreary made his first Bears appearance, tallying six points, three rebounds and two assists.
• Senior F, Riley Abercrombie chipped in with 10 points, a game-high eight rebounds and one steal.
• Sophomore G, Langston Reynolds finished with 10 points, two points and one steal.
• Senior G, Connor Creech and Sophomore F, Juju Ramirez added three points each.

Next Game: Wednesday, Nov. 8 vs. Northern New Mexico (6 p.m., ESPN+/KFKA) The Bank.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.