Bears Hold Off Lady Griz

Saturday, January 11

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

8-7,1-3Big Sky

Montana

5-10,1-3Big Sky

Montana

Northern Colo.

Photo by: Dean Popejoy

1/11/2025 5:11:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)Post Game Presser

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – The Northern Colorado Bears (8-7, 1-3 BSC) pulled off a gritty 57-49 win over the Montana Lady Griz (5-10, 1-3 BSC) in Big Sky Conference play. The Bears used a strong second-quarter surge and late-game execution to secure their first conference victory of the season.

Top Performers
Junior guard London Gamble had a standout performance, leading all scorers with 18 points. She was instrumental in key moments, including a three-pointer in the third quarter and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line to seal the win in the final seconds.

Junior guard Julia Riley contributed 10 points, knocking down a critical three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to halt Montana's comeback attempt. Junior forward Aniah Hall dominated on both ends of the floor, just one rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds while also adding three assists and a steal. Hall's energy in the paint helped the Bears control the boards and maintain their lead.

Game Summary
The first quarter was a defensive battle as both teams looked to establish control. Montana edged out to a 13-10 lead, powered by second-chance points and a steady presence on the boards. Despite early offensive struggles, the Bears stayed within striking distance, with Gamble and Hall contributing key plays to keep the deficit manageable.

The second quarter saw the Bears take command with an explosive 19-5 run. Northern Colorado forced seven turnovers during the stretch, converting them into 10 points. Julia Riley sparked the offense with a timely three-pointer off a Silvia Nativi steal, while Hall and Ella Van Weelden dominated the paint. By halftime, the Bears had built a commanding 29-18 lead, holding Montana to just 15.4% shooting in the period.

Montana came out of the locker room with renewed energy in the third quarter, shooting 50% from the field. Mack Konig and Aby Shubert led the Lady Griz as they chipped away at UNC's lead, outscoring the Bears 16-14. However, the Bears maintained a slim advantage, thanks to a clutch three-pointer by Gamble and their ability to capitalize on turnovers.

The fourth quarter was a tense back-and-forth affair. Montana continued to fight, narrowing the lead to just four points with under four minutes to play. Konig's playmaking and Shubert's three-point shooting kept the Lady Griz alive, but Northern Colorado's composure in the final minutes sealed the victory. Riley hit a pivotal three-pointer to extend the lead, and Gamble's flawless free-throw shooting in the closing seconds put the game out of reach, securing a 57-49 win for the Bears.

Key Stats
•   Bench Points: The Bears' bench outscored Montana's reserves 17-14, with Riley and Van Weelden leading the charge.
•   Points off Turnovers: UNC turned 16 Montana turnovers into 18 points, showcasing their defensive intensity.
•   Points in the Paint: Northern Colorado owned the paint, scoring 28 points compared to Montana's 14.
•   Second Chance Points: Both teams battled hard on the boards, finishing with 12 second-chance points each.

Montana Leaders
Mack Konig paced the Lady Griz with 11 points and seven assists. Aby Shubert added 12 points, hitting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, while Izabella Zingaro chipped in seven points and five rebounds.

Up Next
The Bears will head to the West Coast for a two-game road trip, starting with Portland State on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m., followed by Sacramento State on Jan. 18 at 3 p.m.

Big Sky Conference Championship Tickets
Tickets for the 2025 Big Sky Basketball Championships, presented by Idaho Central Credit Union, are on sale now.

The men's and women's basketball tournaments will be hosted at Idaho Central Arena on March 8-12, marking the seventh straight year that Starch Madness will be held in Boise, Idaho.

Fans can purchase all-tournament, all-session ticket packages for both the men's and women's sessions for courtside, reserved, and general admission seating.

Single-session tickets will be available for purchase Monday, Feb. 3. 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. TicketSmarter is the official resale marketplace of UNC athletics.

Follow the Bears
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsWBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsWBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsWBB).

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. TicketSmarter is the official resale marketplace of UNC athletics.

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