Bears Fall Short in Hard-Fought Battle Against Portland State

Thursday, January 16

Portland, Ore.

8 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

8-8,1-4Big Sky

Portland State

4-9,1-3Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Portland St.

Photo by: Portland State Athletics

1/16/2025 10:15:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

PORTLAND, Ore. – The University of Northern Colorado Bears (8-8, 1-4 BSC) fought hard but fell short against Portland State (4-9, 1-3 BSC), 58-52, at Viking Pavilion. Despite strong individual performances, the Bears couldn't overcome a tough second quarter by the Vikings, who surged ahead and maintained their lead through the game's final minutes.

Top Performers
Junior guard Ella Van Weelden led the way with 12 points, shooting 4-of-6 from beyond the arc while adding four rebounds. Junior forward Aniah Hall added a solid 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists. The junior guard duo of Gabi Fields and London Gamble contributed eight points each, with Fields also recording six rebounds and four assists.

Game Summary
The opening quarter was a seesaw battle, featuring eight lead changes and three ties. Gamble got UNC off to a strong start with back-to-back three-pointers, while Tatum West added four points in the paint. Despite their early offensive rhythm, the Bears trailed 14-12 at the end of the first quarter, as Portland State's Rhema Ogele scored six points to give the Vikings the edge.

The Bears came out firing from beyond the arc in the second quarter, hitting 4-of-5 three-pointers in the first half of the quarter, including two from Van Weelden. However, Portland State responded with a dominant 17-2 run over a five-minute span, capitalizing on UNC turnovers and dominating the boards. By halftime, the Vikings had built a 38-28 lead, thanks to efficient shooting and strong second-chance opportunities.

UNC's defense stiffened in the third, holding the Vikings to just six points. Hall and Fields led the charge offensively for the Bears, while their defensive pressure forced several Portland State turnovers. The Bears outscored the Vikings 11-6 in the period, trimming the deficit to 44-39 heading into the final frame.

The Bears clawed their way back into the game, with Van Weelden sinking a critical three-pointer at the 4:27 mark to pull UNC within four. Hall continued to attack the paint, scoring key baskets down the stretch, but the Vikings held firm. Alaya Fitzgerald's clutch free throws in the closing seconds sealed the victory for Portland State, who held on for a 58-52 win.

Key Stats
Bench Points: UNC's bench outscored Portland State's reserves 19-6, with Van Weelden and junior guard Julia Riley making key contributions.
Points off Turnovers: Portland State capitalized on UNC's mistakes, scoring 15 points off turnovers, while the Bears managed just seven.
Points in the Paint: The Vikings held a slight edge in the paint, outscoring UNC 28-24.
Second Chance Points: Portland State converted their opportunities on the boards, outscoring UNC 15-13 in second-chance points.

Portland State Leaders
Ogele was dominant in the paint, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for a double-double. Fitzgerald contributed 13 points, including key free throws in the closing seconds.

Up Next
The Bears will finish their trip out west with a match up at Sacramento State in Sacramento, Calif. 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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