UNC Looks to Extend 5-Game Winning Streak vs EWU and Idaho

Thursday, January 25

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

Eastern Washington

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1/24/2024 2:15:00 PM | Women's Basketball

By: Dennis Driscoll, UNC Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications

Northern Colorado vs. Eastern Washington
Greeley, Colo.
Thursday, Jan. 25 – 6 p.m. / ESPN +

Northern Colorado vs. Idaho
Greeley, Colo.
Saturday, Jan. 27 – 2 p.m. / ESPN +

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado returns to the Bank of Colorado Arena for a pair of exciting Big Sky Conference games. The Bears put their five-game winning streak on the line and host Eastern Washington on Thursday at 6 p.m., and Idaho on Saturday at 2 p.m. Both games are available on the ESPN + platform.

UNC and EWU

This is the 34^th time UNC and EWU will meet on the hardwood, and the Bears own a 20-13 all-time series record. The Eagles have won two in a row; however, the Bears are 6-4 over the previous 10 games. UNC is 10-5 all-time at the Bank of Colorado Arena, and 9-7 on the road. The Bears' largest margin of victory was an 80-58 win in 2009.

Last time out vs. EWU (2/18/2023)

EWU defeated UNC 57-53. Delaynie Byrne scored 11 points and hauled in seven rebounds. Byrne also added one block and a pair of free throws. Gabi Fields scored 10 points and recorded six steals. Hannah Simental dropped nine points and grabbed three rebounds. Aniah Hall had five rebounds.

UNC and Idaho

This is the 18^th meeting between the programs and the Bears hold a 9-8 series advantage. The Vandals won the last meeting, and UNC is 4-6 over the past 10 games. The Bears are 4-5 all-time at Bank of Colorado Arena and 4-3 on the road. UNC's largest margin of victory was a 91-69 win in 2018.

Last time out vs. Idaho (2/16/2023)

Idaho defeated UNC 73-70. Four UNC student-athletes scored in double digits. Hannah Simental scored a game-high 18 points, while Delaynie Byrne added 17 points and grabbed six boards. Aniah Hall came off the bench and scored 10 points on 5-for-6 shooting from the field.

Big Sky Standings

Amid the Bears' five-game winning streak, the program is in the upper echelon of the conference standings. UNC is 4-1 in conference play and one game behind Eastern Washington for first place. Wins over Eastern Washington and Idaho would put the Bears in a great position at the mid-season mark in conference play.

Balanced basketball

The Bears are playing balanced basketball. UNC averages 69.1 points per game, which ranks fourth in the conference. The Bears allow an average of 62.8 points per game, which ranks fifth in the league. The match-up versus EWU will test the Bears. The Eagles are the top defensive team in the league and allow an average of 55.1 points per game. EWU utilizes a proficient and averages 72.1 points per game, which ranks fourth in the league.

From beyond the arc

The Bears are the top three-point shooting team in the conference and connecting on 39.4 percent (123-for-312) of their attempts. The reason why the Bears have success from deep is the play of Hannah Simental and Delaynie Byrne. Simental leads the conference in three-point percentage and connects on 45.3 percent (48-for-106) of her attempts from beyond the arc. Byrne is shooting 40.2 percent (33-for-82) of her attempts and ranks fourth in the conference.

Simental Earns Big Sky Conference Player of the Week

In Big Sky – Summit League challenge games versus Oral Roberts and Denver, Simental averaged 25 points per game, shooting 50 percent from the field and 7-for-16 from the three-point arc. The senior also logged five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Simental hit the game-winning three-pointer to send the Bears past Denver with two seconds remaining.

Tickets on sale

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.