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
Ibu Yamazaki, Zach Bloch and Steve Smiley Press Conference vs Idaho State
Friday, January 09
UNC Weekly Press Conference - Steve Smiley (Jan. 6)
Tuesday, January 06
UNC Bears MBB Postgame Interviews vs Montana St
Tuesday, December 23
MBB CBI Post Season Roundball Donations
Tuesday, December 23





























