Bears Rout NAU in BSC Opener

Saturday, December 30

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

6-6,1-0Big Sky

Northern Arizona

6-7,0-1Big Sky

Northern Ariz.

Northern Colo.

12/30/2023 8:03:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)Updated Season Stats Highlights Smiley Postgame Presser Player Postgame Presser

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado closed 2023 with a 92-77 rout of Northern Arizona in the Big Sky Conference opener for both teams at Bank of Colorado Arena Saturday.

Jaron Rillie led five Bears (6-6, 1-0) in double figures with 18, matching his career high. Langston Reynolds and Zach Bloch established career highs, with 17 and 14, respectively. Brock Wisne tallied 16, while Riley Abercrombie finished with 15.

UNC outscored the Lumberjacks (6-7, 0-1) by 33 points in the middle 30 minutes of the contest, turning its largest deficit of the game into the greatest cushion. Trailing 21-9 just five and a half minutes into the tilt, the Bears opened a 21-point gap with 5:21 remaining in regulation. During the span, UNC held a 77-44, including 16 in succession.

Team and Series Notes

UNC improved to 6-6 overall, including 1-0 in Big Sky play, while the Lumberjacks dropped to 6-7, 0-1.
The Bears moved to 23-16 in the all-time series, including 14-5 in Greeley.
With the victory, UNC snapped its two-game losing streak, preventing Northern Arizona from establishing its longest winning streak in series history.

Inside the Box

The Bears made 34 of 49 (69.4%) from the field, including 11 of 20 (55.0%) from behind the arc.
The 69.4 field-goal percentage is the highest in the four seasons under Steve Smiley.
It is the first time UNC shot over 60% since Feb. 6, 2023, against Weber State.
The Bears recorded an assist on 19 of 34 baskets.
UNC held a 30-22 advantage in rebounds.
The Bears turned the ball over nine times while forcing 10 by Northern Arizona.

Starters: Riley Abercrombie, Zach Bloch, Jaron Rillie, Saint Thomas and Brock Wisne

Individual Notes

Jaron Rillie recorded 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal.
Langston Reynolds finished with 17 points, two rebounds and five assists.
- He went 7 for 7 from the field, including 1 of 1 from 3-point range.
Brock Wisne tallied 16 points on 8 of 8 shooting, with three rebounds and two assists.
Riley Abercrombie netted 15 points, five boards, two assists and one steal.
Zach Bloch dropped 14 points, with five rebounds and four assists.
Saint Thomas totaled three points and two assists.
Theo Hughes added two points, three rebounds and a block.
Marcell McCreary accounted for two rebounds and a steal.
Connor Creech chipped in with four points, two rebounds and a steal.
Mekhi Cameron added three points and a rebound.

POINTS FROM       UNC   NAU
Turnovers               14      14
In the Paint             42      30
Second Chance      2        10
Fast Break              9        9
Bench                     26      14

Next Game: UNC opens 2024 at North Dakota, Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. in the first of two games next week in the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge.

Next Home Game: The Bears return to Bank of Colorado Arena Saturday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m., following the women's basketball game at 2 p.m. Both the men and women take on Denver at The Bank Saturday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. against Northern Arizona in the Big Sky Conference opener for both teams. 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.