Bears Climb Back and Defeat DePaul at The Buzzer

Saturday, November 22

Chicago, IL

4:30 p.m. MST | 5:30 p.m. CT

University of Northern Colorado

5-1,0-0Big Sky

DePaul University

2-4,0-0Big East

Northern Colo.

DePaul

DePaul Athletics

11/22/2025 6:46:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

CHICAGO, Ill. – Northern Colorado women's basketball (5-1) captured the championship of the WellNow Blue Demon Classic on Saturday afternoon, defeating DePaul (2-4) in a gritty, back-and-forth finale to complete a 2–0 weekend.

The game opened at a fast pace, with both teams pushing in transition and trading baskets. DePaul closed the first quarter strong, creating a small run that gave the Blue Demons a five-point lead heading into the second.

Northern Colorado responded with poise in the next period, tightening its defense and forcing key turnovers that turned into points. The Bears outscored DePaul 15–11 in the quarter and shot an efficient 50 percent (12-for-24) from the field in the first half. Their ability to capitalize on mistakes helped them trim the deficit to just one at halftime, trailing 28–27.

DePaul came out aggressive after the break, briefly stretching its lead, but the Bears continued to execute offensively and keep the margin close throughout the third quarter. Despite Northern Colorado's consistency, the Blue Demons held a 47–42 advantage heading into the final frame.

With only one lead change entering the fourth quarter, the Bears steadily chipped away by attacking the rim and earning trips to the free-throw line. Their defensive pressure paid off late, drawing a crucial offensive foul that set up a clutch three-pointer from Heather Baymon, cutting DePaul's lead to one with 30 seconds remaining.

In the closing seconds, Northern Colorado secured a critical offensive rebound that found Neenah George, who drove to the basket and finished, giving the Bears a one-point lead with 0.5 seconds left.

The Bears completed the comeback to secure a hard-fought road victory and claim the BlueNow Blue Demon Classic title.

Tatum West led the effort with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Heather Baymon and Neenah George also scored in double figures, with George adding five assists to cap her all around performance.

Both Gabi Fields and Tatum West were named to the All-Tournament Team.

With a 5-1 start to the 2025-26 season, this marks the best start for the program since the 2016-17 season.

UP NEXT
The Bears will travel to Tucson, Arizona and take on the Arizona Wildcats on Tuesday, November 25. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. MST.

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