Thomas Leads Bears Past Eagles 81-60

Wednesday, November 8

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

2-0,0-0Big Sky

Northern New Mexico

0-2

Northern N.M.

Northern Colo.

11/8/2023 11:22:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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

By: Michael High, Asisstant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Saint Thomas established a new career high with 14 points at the half, leading Northern Colorado to an 81-60 victory over Northern New Mexico at Bank of Colorado Arena Wednesday.

Thomas finished with career highs in points and rebounds and inked his first career double-double, totaling 20 and 12 respectfully. He added six assists and two steals, pacing the Bears in each category.

His 14 points trailed the entire Eagles team by three as the teams went to the locker room. The Bears hit 14 of 29 from the field, while holding the guest to 6 of 23, building a 39-17 cushion.

UNC hit 21 of 21 from the free-throw line, including 13 of 13 in the second half. The Bears became just the fifth Big Sky Conference team all-time to attempt 21 shots from the charity stripe without a miss.

Despite Eloy Medina keeping the Eagles competitive in the second half, registering 21 of his team's 43 points, the Bears' advantage ballooned to 28 with 13:51 remaining.

Brock Wisne, Marcell McCreary and Dejour Reaves joined Thomas in double-digits. Wisne recorded a career high for the second straight game. He tallied 19, two nights after dropping 13 against Colorado College. McCreary added 14 points, while Reaves netted his second-consecutive game with a dozen points.

UNC Scoring Leader: Saint Thomas (20)
UNC Rebound Leader: Saint Thomas (12)
UNC Assist Leader: Saint Thomas (6)
UNC Steals Leader: Zach Bloch and Saint Thomas (2)
UNC Blocks Leader: Connor Creech and Marcell McCreary (1)

Team Records: UNC 2-0, NNMC 0-2 (Exh. Game for CC)

Team and Series Notes
• UNC improved to 2-0 on the season. improving to 5-0 over the Eagles in the all-time series.
• UNC hit 21 of 21 from the free-throw line, becoming just the fifth Big Sky Conference team all-time to attempt at least 21 at the charity stripe without a miss.
• The Bears outshot Northern New Mexico 45.6% to 37.7%,
• UNC held the advantage in rebounds (40-28), including 10-7 on the offensive glass.
• The Bears created 12 turnovers, while committing nine and held an 8-7 edge in steals.
• UNC extended its winning streak to 33, when holding opponents under 40% from the floor.
• The Bears knocked down all 21 shots from the free-throw line, led by Saint Thomas' 6 for 6 performance.

Individuals
• Starters: Riley Abercrombie, Zach Bloch, Dejour Reaves, Saint Thomas and Brock Wisne
• Junior F, Saint Thomas netted career-highs in points and rebounds, with 20 and 12, respectively.
               • He surpassed his previous high in points with 14 in the first half.
               Thomas added six assists and two steals.
• Sophomore F, Brock Wisne set a new career-high in points for the second game in a row.
               • He finished with 19 points, four, one assist and a steal.
• Sophomore G, Marcell McCreary chipped in with 14 points, two rebounds, an assist, a block and steal.
• Junior G, Dejour Reaves netted 12 points for the second straight game, with one rebound, one steal and one assist.
               • He went 4 for 4 at the free throw line, improving to 11 of 11 to start the season.
• Junior G, Zach Bloch tallied five points, four rebounds three assists and a pair of steals.
               • Bloch established a career-high in rebounds.
• Sophomore G, Langston Reynolds added with five points, two rebounds and four assists.
• Senior G, Connor Creech corralled five boards.

Next Game: The Bears welcomes Colorado State to Bank of Colorado Arena for the first time since Dec. 13, 2015 (6 p.m., ESPN+/KFKA). 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.