University of Northern Colorado Athletics

UNC Suffers Setback at Montana State
1/13/2024 9:35:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BOZEMAN, Mont. – Northern Colorado suffered a 90-81 setback against Montana State at Worthington Arena Saturday.
The Bears (9-7, 2-1) utilized a 15-6 run over the final 5:27 of the first half, turning a seven-point deficit into a 41-39 advantage as the teams headed to the locker rooms.
Over the final 20 minutes, the Bobcats shot 65% from the field and outscored UNC 51-40.
The Bears' five-game winning streak, including three in succession on the road, ended with the loss.
QUOTE FROM COACH SMILEY
"Tonight was a disappointing loss, but all credit to Montana State on how well they played," head coach Steve Smiley said. "I thought they played a great game and made some huge plays down the stretch. With that being said, I felt like we had a million opportunities to make a big run in the closing minutes and it just was not meant to be tonight."
UNC Leader Scoring: Saint Thomas (27)
UNC Leader Rebounds: Saint Thomas (8)
UNC Leader Assists: Jaron Rillie (8)
UNC Leader Blocks: Theo Hughes, Dejour Reaves, Brock Wisne (3)
UNC Leader Steals: Zach Bloch (2)
Inside the Box
The Bears return to Bank of Colorado Arena Thursday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m., against Sacramento State. 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.
The Bears (9-7, 2-1) utilized a 15-6 run over the final 5:27 of the first half, turning a seven-point deficit into a 41-39 advantage as the teams headed to the locker rooms.
Over the final 20 minutes, the Bobcats shot 65% from the field and outscored UNC 51-40.
The Bears' five-game winning streak, including three in succession on the road, ended with the loss.
QUOTE FROM COACH SMILEY
"Tonight was a disappointing loss, but all credit to Montana State on how well they played," head coach Steve Smiley said. "I thought they played a great game and made some huge plays down the stretch. With that being said, I felt like we had a million opportunities to make a big run in the closing minutes and it just was not meant to be tonight."
UNC Leader Scoring: Saint Thomas (27)
UNC Leader Rebounds: Saint Thomas (8)
UNC Leader Assists: Jaron Rillie (8)
UNC Leader Blocks: Theo Hughes, Dejour Reaves, Brock Wisne (3)
UNC Leader Steals: Zach Bloch (2)
Inside the Box
- UNC outscored the Bobcats 12-11 off turnovers.
- The Bears held a 38-34 advantage in the paint.
- UNC tallied 11 points on the break while surrendering 10.
- The Bears' bench totaled 21 points, with Montana State recording nine.
The Bears return to Bank of Colorado Arena Thursday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m., against Sacramento State. 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.
Team Stats
UNC
MSU
FG%
.492
.569
3FG%
.318
.400
FT%
.750
.750
RB
26
32
TO
11
14
STL
4
10
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
Head Coach Smiley, Jaron Rillie, Zach Bloch, and Isaiah Hawthorne Post Game Press Conference v Idaho
Sunday, February 23
Head Coach Steve Smiley, Jaron Rillie, and Quinn Denker Post Game Press Conference vs E Washington
Friday, February 21
Head Coach Steve Smiley, Quinn Denker, and Jaron Rillie Post Game Press Conference vs Montana State
Sunday, February 09
Langston Reynolds and Quinn Denker Post Game Press Conference vs NAU
Saturday, February 08