UNC Fends Off Hornets

Thursday, January 18

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

10-7,3-1Big Sky

Sacramento State

6-12,2-3Big Sky

Sacramento St.

Northern Colo.

1/18/2024 11:09:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)Updated Season Stats Updated Season Stats - BSC Games Only Game Highlights Thomas and Reaves Press Confernce Postgame Presser Coach Smiley

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Langston Reynolds' block at the buzzer preserved Northern Colorado's 77-75 victory over Sacramento State at Bank of Colorado Arena Thursday.

After advancing to the front court with 17 ticks left in regulation the Hornets called their final timeout.

During the stoppage, head coach Steve Smiley drew up a defensive play and assigned Reynolds the responsibility of guarding Zee Hamoda. Up to that point of the contest, Hamoda went 4 of 8 from 3-point range on the night, including 3 of 4 in the second half. He hit two clinching shots from nearly the same spot on the court last week but Reynolds clipped the attempt as the clock hit zero and fell harmlessly to the floor.

Saint Thomas led UNC with 20 points, with 14 in the second half – hitting 6 of 12 from the field over the final 20 minutes.

Dejour Reaves tallied 16 points, while Zach Bloch and Brock Wisne added 11 each.

Jaron Rillie – who leads the Big Sky with over 5.5 assists per game, delivered six of the team's 15.

UNC closed the initial period with a 32-16 run, turning a 17-9 deficit with 12:34 remaining in the period into a 40-33 halftime advantage.

The Bears rattled off 15 points in succession spanning nearly six minutes across the two halves and held their largest lead at 48-33 with 17 minutes left.

Sacramento State erased the deficit and grabbed the lead at 67-66 with 7:09 left. The teams traded the lead two more times over the next minute, with Thomas putting UNC in front for good when he buried a three.

UNC Leader Scoring: Saint Thomas (20)
UNC Leader Rebounds: Saint Thomas (9)
UNC Leader Assists: Jaron Rillie (6)
UNC Leader Steals: Saint Thomas (4)
UNC Leader Blocks: Theo Hughes, Langston Reynolds, Saint Thomas (1)

TEAM AND SERIES NOTES

UNC improved to 10-7, including 3-1 in Big Sky play, while the Hornets dropped to 6-12, 2-3.
The Bears lead the all-time series 23-8 against Sacramento State, including 13-3 in Greeley.
UNC moved to 8-2 in the last 10 games against the Hornets.
The Bears won for the sixth time in their last seven games and moved to 6-1 at home.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

Saint Thomas led the way with 20 points, nine boards, five assists, four steals and a block.
Dejour Reaves tallied 16 points off the bench, with one rebound and one assist.
Brock Wisne dropped in 11 points, with two rebounds and one steal.
Zach Bloch recorded 11 points and one rebound.
Langston Reynolds totaled seven points, one rebound, an assist and a block.
Jaron Rillie chipped in with six points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal.
Riley Abercrombie finished with two points, four boards and one assist.
Theo Hughes registered two points, two rebounds and a block.
Juju Ramirez scored two points, one rebound and an assist.

Inside the Box

UNC scored nine points off eight turnovers while surrendering six on four miscues.
The Bears held a 46-24 advantage on points in the paint.
UNC tallied 16 points on the break while allowed four by Sacramento State.
The Bears tallied 27 points off the bench, while Sacramento State accrued 34.
UNC netted five second-chance points and allowed nine.

Next Home Game:
The Bears return to Bank of Colorado Arena Saturday, Jan. 20 at 6 p.m., against Portland 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.