UNC Drops Hard-Fought Battle at Eastern Washington

Thursday, January 25

Cheney, Wash.

7 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

11-8,4-2Big Sky

Eastern Washington

12-7,6-0Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Eastern Wash.

1/25/2024 10:28:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)Updated Season Stats Updated Season Stats - BSC Only

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

CHENEY, Wash. – Jaron Rillie and Saint Thomas combined for 46 points in Northern Colorado's 77-74 setback against Eastern Washington at Reese Court Thursday.

Rillie notched a game-high 26 points and led the Bears with four assists.

Saint Thomas recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds, his 10th double-double of the campaign and his seventh straight game with at least 20 points.

UNC ran out to a 7-0 advantage just two minutes and 24 seconds into the game.

Eastern Washington rallied with a 17-5 spurt, including nine in succession to build a 17-12 advantage on its way to a 38-31 halftime advantage.

The Eagles' largest gap of the contest ballooned to 11 with 9:00 remaining, after scoring six straight.

Over the next 69 seconds, Thomas dropped in five and a floater from Dejour Reaves sliced the deficit to four at 60-56. UNC trimmed the gap to two on four separate occasions over the final eight minutes. Zach Bloch cut the margin to 75-74 with 15 seconds remaining but the Eagles made a pair of free throws and forced a defensive stop to close out the victory.

UNC Leader Scoring: Jaron Rillie (26)
UNC Leader Rebounds: Saint Thomas (10)
UNC Leader Assists: Jaron Rillie (4)
UNC Leader Steals: Riley Abercrombie (2)
UNC Leader Blocks: None

TEAM AND SERIES NOTES

UNC fell to 11-8 overall, including 4-2 in Big Sky play, while the Eagles improved to 12-7, 6-0.
Eastern Washington opened a two-game lead over UNC and Montana State.
The Bears trail the all-time series 15-20, including 15-17 in the Division I era.
UNC fell to 4-16 all-time in Cheney.
Over the last six games, 26 points separated the two sides, with UNC trailing 2-4.
The Bears fell in the last three contests.

Inside the Box

UNC shot 46.8% (29-62) from the field, including 9 of 27 (33.3%) from 3-point range.
Eastern Washington went 28 of 59 (47.5%) from the field, including 23.1% (6-26) from distance.
The Bears made 7 of 12 (58.3%) at the free-throw line, while the Eagles hit 78.9% (15-19).
Both sides collected 34 rebounds, with UNC holding an 8-7 edge on the offensive glass.
The Bears turned the ball over 13 times and forced nine miscues by Eastern Washington.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

Jaron Rillie netted a game-high 26 points, with one rebound, four assists and a steal.
- Scored 20 points for the second time in his career – both occurred this season.
Saint Thomas tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal.
- Registered his 10th double-double of the season.
- Reached double-digit points for the 16th time this season, including the last seven games.
- He posted at least 20 points for the 12th game this campaign, including the last seven.
- Thomas collected at least 10 rebounds for the 10th time this season.
Brock Wisne totaled nine points and five rebounds.
Dejour Reaves recorded eight points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Zach Bloch accounted for seven points, one rebound and one steal.
Riley Abercrombie dropped four points, with five boards and two steals.
Theo Hughes corralled four rebounds and dished out an assist.
Langston Reynolds accrued one assist and one steal.

POINTS FROM:      UNC   EWU
Turnovers              12      17
In the Paint            36      36
Second Chance     7        7
Fast Break             5        4
Bench                    8        33

Next Game:
UNC heads to Moscow, Idaho, for a 3 p.m. clash with Idaho Saturday to wrap up the short two-game road trip.

Next Home Game:
The Bears return to Bank of Colorado Arena Thursday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m., when they open a four-game homestand. 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.