Bears Rally for 73-70 Victory over Montana State

Thursday, February 8

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

14-9,7-3Big Sky

Montana State

11-13,6-5Big Sky

Montana St.

Northern Colo.

2/8/2024 11:44:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado utilized a 26-13 spurt over the last nine minutes to erase a 10-point deficit and edge out Montana State 73-70 at Bank of Colorado Thursday.

Dejour Reaves netted 12 of his team-high 21 points in the second half and jumpstarted the Bears comeback. His layup with 8:29 remaining closed the gap to 57-49.

UNC closed the margin to one over the next 1:47 on a 3-pointer from Zach Bloch and baskets in the paint by Saint Thomas and Brock Wisne.

Montana State regained control with six points in succession, building a 63-56 cushion with 5:39 left on the clock.

The Bears stormed back with an 11-2 advantage over the next four minutes, grabbing the lead for good at 66-65, with 1:17 on the board.

Down the stretch, UNC secured the victory by making seven free throws in succession.

Brock Wisne went 1 for 2 with 28 ticks left, nudging the advantage out to 67-65. Reaves, Thomas and Jaron Rillie sank two attempts each over the final 14 seconds.

Much like the second half, Montana State built a nine-point lead at 32-23, with 3:26 remaining in the opening 20 minutes of action. UNC closed with a 12-4 spurt and went to the locker room down one at 36-35.

UNC Leader Scoring: Dejour Reaves (21)
UNC Leader Rebounds: Theo Hughes (8)
UNC Leader Assists: Saint Thomas (5)
UNC Leader Steals: Zach Bloch, Jaron Rillie, Saint Thomas (2)
UNC Leader Blocks: Saint Thomas (4)

TEAM AND SERIES NOTES

UNC moved to 14-9, including 7-3 in Big Sky play, while the Bobcats fell to 11-15, 6-5.
The Bears improved to 9-2 at Bank of Colorado Arena, including 5-1 in Big Sky play.
UNC snapped a six-game losing streak in the series, including four-in-a-row at home.
The nine wins at The Bank matched the 2021-22 campaign for the most in the Smiley era.

INSIDE THE BOX

UNC shot 47.5% (28-59) from the field, knocking down 5 of 19 (26.3%) from 3-point range.
Montana State went 27 of 64 (42.2%) from the field, including 47.6% (10-21) from distance.
Both teams hit 85.7% at the free-throw lines, with the Bears sinking 12 of 14, while Montana State converted 6 of 7.
UNC outrebounded the Bobcats 41-28, including 11-7 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 21 points on 9 of 15 from the field, including 1-4 at the 3-point line and made both free throws.
- He added five rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Saint Thomas tallied 12 points, seven boards, five assists, two steals and a career-high four blocks.
- Reached double-digit points for the 20th time this season, including 11 straight.
Jaron Rillie netted 12 points, with six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
- Tallied at least 10 points for the ninth time this season.
- Hit 7 of 9 at the free-throw line, setting career highs in made free throws and attempts.
Riley Abercrombie tallied 11 points, with three boards and a steal.
- Tallied double digits 12 times this season.
Brock Wisne totaled 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
- Finished in double-digits in 17 games this season, including nine of the last 10.
Theo Hughes chipped in with three points, a career-high eight rebounds and a pair of blocks.
Zach Bloch scored three points, with three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Langston Reynolds and Connor Creech logged playing time.

POINTS FROM:      UNC   MSU
Turnovers              11      19
In the Paint            44      32
Second Chance     5        7
Fast Break             15      8
Bench                     24      23

Next Home Game:
The Bears wrap up their four-game homestand Saturday at 6 p.m., against Montana State. 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.