Bears Fall on a Buzzer-Beater

Sunday, March 24

Daytona Beach, Fla.

9 a.m.

University of Northern Colorado

19-14,12-6Big Sky

Cleveland State

21-14,11-9Horizon

Northern Colo.

Cleveland St.

3/24/2024 5:34:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)Final Season Stats Updated Career Stats

By: Michael High, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Northern Colorado dropped a hard-fought defensive battle against Cleveland State 51-49 Sunday in the first round of the College Basketball Invitational.

With the scoreboard inside Ocean Center displaying all zeros, the Vikings' jumper fell through the rim and ended the Bears' 2023-24 campaign in heartbreaking fashion.

Langston Reynolds started for the second time this season and led UNC with 14 points. Brock Wisne and Jaron Rillie tallied 10 points each.

The Bears overcame a 10-point halftime deficit and tied it up with less than five seconds remaining when Rillie cashed in a pair of free-throw attempts.

Trailing by nine with 5:19 remaining, they utilized a 7-0 run and closed to within 45-43, with 2:19 left. After trading the next four baskets, UNC forced a turnover with 26 seconds on the clock, setting up the foul that sent Rillie to the line.

Following the made attempts, the Vikings pushed the inbound pass up the court and launched the game-winning attempt before the final tick clicked off.

UNC Leader in Scoring: Langston Reynolds (14)
UNC Leader in Rebounds: Langston Reynolds (8)
UNC Leader in Assists: Langston Reynolds (3)
UNC Leader in Steals: Marcell McCreary, Langston Reynolds, Jaron Rillie (2)
UNC Leader in Blocks: Theo Hughes (1)

TEAM AND SERIES NOTES

UNC finished the campaign 19-14, while Cleveland State improved to 21-14.
The Bears and Vikings never met on the hardwood before Sunday.
UNC recorded the sixth-highest win total in school history and fifth in the Division I era.
The 19 wins rank second most in a season under Steve Smiley.
UNC reached the postseason for the second time in four seasons under Smiley.

Inside the Box

The Bears held Cleveland State to the fewest points and lowest shooting percentage by an opponent this season.
UNC shot 32.8% (19-58) from the field, including 2 of 23 (8.7%) from 3-point range.
Cleveland State hit 21-of-62 (33.9%) of its attempts, including (4-15) 26.7% behind the arc.
The Bears made 9-of-12 (75.0%) free-throw attempts and the Vikings converted 5-of-13 (38.5%).
UNC outrebounded the Vikings 45-39, with both sides corralling eight on the offensive glass.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

Langston Reynolds recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
- Played in the 33rd game and made his second start.
- Finished in double-digit scoring for the sixth time, including a second-straight game.
Jaron Rillie tallied 10 points, five rebounds and two steals.
- Started for the 28th time after missing the first five with injury.
- Scored in double figures 15 times, including four of the last five, including two straight.
Brock Wisne totaled 10 points, five rebounds and one assist.
- Started every game this season.
- Recorded at least 10 points in 25-of-33 games, including the final eight contests.
Marcell McCreay inked nine points, five rebounds, and two steals in the scorebook.
- Made his 10th appearance of the season.
Connor Creech dropped in four points with seven rebounds and one assist.
- Made his lone start of the season and grabbed a career-high seven rebounds.
Zach Bloch netted two points, five rebounds, and one steal.
- Made his 26th start of the season, including the final 22 contests.
Mekhi Cameron finished with one point and two assists.
- Made 13th appearance of the season.
Theo Hughes grabbed a board and rejected a shot attempt.
- Played in 31-of-33 games this season.
Juju Ramirez collected a pair of rebounds.
- Competed in 17 games this season.

POINTS FROM:        UNC   CSU
Turnovers                4        8
In the Paint              30        22
Second Chance      4          2
Fast Break               5         10
Bench                      9         10