Bears Make Statement Against Montana

Saturday, February 10

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

15-9,8-3Big Sky

Montana

16-9,7-5Big Sky

Montana

Northern Colo.

2/11/2024 1:05:00 AM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Highlights Postgame Press Conference Final Game Book (PDF)Season Stats Season Stats - Big Sky Only

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Looking for an exclamation point to the longest homestand of the season, Northern Colorado delivered the resounding statement in a Saturday matinee at Bank of Colorado Arena.

The Bears (15-9, 8-3 Big Sky) improved to 10-2 at The Bank this season with an 87-71 triumph over Montana. They swept the season series and opened a two-game lead for second place over the Grizzlies. UNC went 3-1 on the homestand. Montana and Montana State each entered the matchups third in the league standings.

Midway through the opening half, Dejour Reaves outscored the Grizzlies 12-2, including 10 straight points, as part of a larger spurt turning a 16-15 cushion into a 28-17 Bears' advantage with 8:13 remaining in the period.

The top offense in the Big Sky continued to churn out points while shutting down the third-best offense. UNC carried an 18-point lead to the locker room, shooting 62.1 from the floor while holding the Grizzlies to 46.2%. UNC matched its average of eight 3-pointers per game in the first half on 12 attempts.

In the second half, the Bears continued to light it up from the field, making 60.9%. The defense tightened the screws even more and limited the Grizzlies to 35.1% from the floor, including 1 for 13 from 3-point range.

Saint Thomas added 23 points, while Zach Bloch tallied 13. Jaron Rillie handed out seven assists. All eight Bears that logged playing time netted at least one point and one rebound.

UNC Leader Scoring: Dejour Reaves (25)
UNC Leader Rebounds: Saint Thomas (12)
UNC Leader Assists: Jaron Rillie (7)
UNC Leader Steals: Dejour Reaves (4)
UNC Leader Blocks: Saint Thomas (4)

TEAM AND SERIES NOTES

UNC moved to 15-9, including 8-3 in Big Sky play, while the Grizzlies fell to 16-9, 7-5.
The Bears improved to 10-2 at Bank of Colorado Arena, including 6-1 in Big Sky play.
UNC improved to 18-28 in the all-time series, including 16-24 during the Division I era.
The Bears won seven of the last 10 in the series, including both contests this season.
UNC last registered double-digit wins (11) at The Bank during the 2019-20 campaign.

Inside the Box

UNC shot 61.5% (32-52) from the field, knocking down 9 of 15 (60.0%) from 3-point range.
Montana went 25 of 63 (39.7%) of its field-goal attempts, including 15.8% (3-19) from distance.
The Bears sank 14 of 18 (77.8%) at the free-throw line, while Montana made 85.7% (18-21).
UNC held a 35-28 rebounding advantage, with the Grizzlies holding a 12-7 edge on the offensive glass.
UNC distributed 15 assists on 28 made buckets, while the Bobcats handed out 15 on 27 baskets.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

Dejour Reaves netted 25 points on 10 of 15 from the field, including 3-4 at the 3-point line.
- He added both free-throw attempts, with five rebounds and four steals.
Saint Thomas tallied 21 points, 12 boards, two assists and four blocks.
- Reached double-digit points for the 21st time this season, including 12 straight.
- Notched his 15th game with 20-plus points.
- Netted his 15th double-double, tied for most in the Big Sky.
Zach Bloch scored 13 points – one shy of his career high - with two rebounds.
- Tallied at least 10 points in a game for the sixth time this season.
Jaron Rillie netted eight points, with one rebound and seven assists.
- Handed out at least five assists in nine games.
Brock Wisne totaled six points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Langston Reynolds finished with six points, two rebounds and an assist.
Riley Abercrombie tallied five points, with five boards and an assist.
Theo Hughes chipped in with one point, three rebounds and a block.

POINTS FROM:      UNC   UM
Turnovers              12      17
In the Paint            38      34
Second Chance     8        10
Fast Break             17      12
Bench                     32      23

Next Home Game:
The Bears put a bow on the 2023-24 home slate with a two-game homestand, beginning Thursday, Feb. 22, against Idaho. UNC hosts league-leading Eastern Washington Saturday, Feb. 24. Both games tip at 6 p.m. 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.