Saint Thomas Inks Name in Record Book as Bears Cruise Past Idaho

Thursday, February 22

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

17-10,10-4Big Sky

Idaho

10-17,4-10Big Sky

Idaho

Northern Colo.

2/23/2024 12:11:00 AM | Men's Basketball

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By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Saint Thomas became the first in Northern Colorado (17-10, 10-4) program history to reach 500 points, 250 rebounds and 100 assists in a single season, as the Bears defeated Idaho (10-17, 4-10) 76-62 at Bank of Colorado Arena Thursday.

UNC utilized a 13-0 run over a four-and-a-half-minute span, turning a six-point advantage into its largest lead at 67-48 with 8:19 remaining.

The Bears' triumph, coupled with an Eastern Washington (17-10, 11-3) loss at Northern Arizona set up a battle for first place when UNC and Eastern Washington clash at 6 p.m. Saturday at Bank of Colorado Arena.

Thomas matched a career-high eight assists, completing the trifecta, after surpassing the points and rebounds plateau on the Bears' last road trip. He finished with 20 points and four rebounds.

Brock Wisne tallied 19 points, while Dejour Reaves came off the bench and chipped in with 13. Wisne – the Big Sky's leader in field-goal percentage in Big Sky play – knocked down 9 of 12 from the field.

Trailing 24-23, with 5:27 left in the opening half, Langston Reynolds converted a pair of free throws, pushing UNC front for good. The Bears closed with a 14-8 advantage and took a 37-32 cushion to the locker room.

UNC knocked down 57.7% (15-26) from the field in the second half and held the Vandals to 11 of 32 (34.4%), including 4 of 15 (26.7%) from behind the arc.

UNC Leader in Scoring: Saint Thomas (20)
UNC Leader in Rebounds: Jaron Rillie (7)
UNC Leader in Assists: Saint Thomas (8)
UNC Leader in Steals: Saint Thomas (2)
UNC Leader in Blocks: Theo Hughes, Dejour Reave, Jaron Rillie (1)

TEAM AND SERIES NOTES

UNC improved to 17-10, including 10-4 in Big Sky play, while the Vandals fell to 10-17, 4-10.
The Bears moved to 13-5 in the all-time series against Idaho, including 9-1 in the last 10.
UNC upped its mark at home to 6-2 against the Vandals, winning the last six in Greeley.
Under Steve Smiley, UNC boasts a 7-1 mark against Idaho in four seasons.

Inside the Box

UNC shot 51.8% (29-56) from the field, including 7 of 18 (38.9%) from 3-point range.
Idaho hit 22 of 57 (38.6%) of its attempts, including (8-28) 28.6% behind the arc.
The Bears made 11 of 14 (78.6%) at the free-throw line, while Idaho converted 10 of 15 (66.7%).
UNC dished 21 assists on 29 made buckets, matching a season-high for assists in a game.
Idaho tallied nine helpers on 22 baskets.
UNC held a 34-33 edge in rebounds, with the Vandals leading 10-6 on the offensive glass.
The Bears rejected three field-goal attempts, while Idaho blocked one.
The Bears forced 11 turnovers, including five steals, while turning the ball over seven times, with three by steal.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

Saint Thomas netted 20 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
- Became the first Bear in program history with 500 points, 250 rebounds and 100 assists in a single season.
Matched a season high with eight assists.
Reached double-digit points for the 24th time this season, including 15 straight contests.
Tallied at least 20 points in 17 of 27 games this season.
Brock Wisne totaled 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal.
- Recorded double-digit scoring in 19 games, including 12 of his last 15.
Dejour Reaves dropped in 13 points, with five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
- Reaves recorded his 18th double-digit scoring game, including five straight games.
Jaron Rillie collected seven rebounds, with four assists and one block.
Zach Bloch scored nine points, with two rebounds and two assists.
Theo Hughes tallied seven points, two rebounds and one block.
Langston Reynolds added six points, three rebounds and two assists.
Riley Abercrombie accounted for two points, two boards and one assist.
Connor Creech snagged one rebound.
Juju Ramirez recorded a steal.
Mekhi Cameron accounted for one rebound.

POINTS FROM:      UNC   UI
Turnovers              12      6
In the Paint            44      24
Second Chance    8        17
Fast Break             8        2
Bench                    26      20

Next Home Game:
The Bears put a bow on the 2023-24 home slate against Eastern Washington Saturday at 6 p.m. The Eagles lead the Bears by one game, while UNC holds a one-game advantage over Weber State and Montana. 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.