Big Second Half Propels UNC to Win at Sac State

Saturday, February 17

Sacramento, Calif.

3 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

16-10,9-4Big Sky

Sacramento State

6-21,2-12Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Sacramento St.

2/17/2024 9:56:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Northern Colorado hit 17 of 21 shots in the second half of its 80-75 victory over Sacramento State at The Nest Saturday.

UNC outscored the Hornets 53-43 over the final 20 minutes of action.

Dejour Reaves led four Bears in double figures with 24 points, his fourth-straight game with at least 20 points.

Saint Thomas tallied 23 points, while Brock Wisne and Jaron Rillie added 12 each.

Trailing 61-58, UNC held the Hornets scoreless for 2:49 and built its largest advantage at 69-61, with 2:20 remaining. During the 11-0 run, Reaves tallied seven points and Thomas added four.

Sacramento State closed the gap to 71-66, with 81 ticks left but the Bears salted the contest away with nine points at the free-throw line. Reaves and Thomas each went 4 for 4 during the stretch and Wisne hit 1 of 2 with less than a second remaining.

The Hornets built their largest lead of the contest at 22-12 at the 8:56 mark of the first half. The Bears sliced the deficit in half at 32-27 as the teams went to their respective locker rooms at intermission.

Reaves, Thomas and Wisne combined for 12 points in the opening 20 minutes of action, before tallying 47 of the Bears' 53 in the final period.

UNC Leader in Scoring: Dejour Reaves (24)
UNC Leader in Rebounds: Saint Thomas (9)
UNC Leader in Assists: Saint Thomas (5)
UNC Leader in Steals: Zach Bloch, Saint Thomas (3)
UNC Leader in Blocks: Riley Abercrombie, Jaron Rillie, Brock Wisne (1)

TEAM AND SERIES NOTES

UNC improved to 16-10, including 9-4 in Big Sky play, while the Hornets fell to 6-211, 2-12.
The Bears moved to 24-8 in the all-time series and extended their winning streak to three against Sacramento State.
They swept the season series and won eight of the last 10 and four of five against the Hornets.
UNC won 10 of 15 in Sacramento.

Inside the Box

UNC shot 58.7% (27-46) from the field, including 5 of 11 (45.5%) from 3-point range.
Sacramento State hit 30 of 53 (56.6) of its attempts, including (11-21) 52.4% behind the arc.
The Bears made 21 of 30 (70.0%) from the free-throw line, while Sacramento State converted 4 of 9 (44.4%).
Sacramento State held a 31-21 rebounding advantage, including 10-4 on the offensive glass.
UNC blocked three attempts, while the Hornets rejected two.
The Bears forced 18 turnovers, with nine steals, one more than the eight miscues they committed.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

Dejour Reaves dropped in 24 points, with two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
- Reaves recorded his 17th double-digit scoring game, with seven 20-point performances.
- Reached 20 points in each of the last four games.
Saint Thomas netted 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals.
- Reached double-digit points for the 23rd time this season, including 14 straight.
Brock Wisne totaled 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.
- Recorded double-digit scoring in 18 games, 11 of his last 15.
Jaron Rillie totaled 12 points, two rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
- Totaled 10 or more points in 11 games.
Riley Abercrombie accounted for four points, one board, one assist and one block.
- Set a season high with the three assists – one shy of a career-high.
Zach Bloch scored three points, with one rebound, two assists and three steals.
Langston Reynolds added two points.
Theo Hughes grabbed one rebound.

POINTS FROM:      UNC   SAC
Turnovers              30      13
In the Paint            34      32
Second Chance     4       15
Fast Break             15      4
Bench                    26      40

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.