University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Dean Popejoy | UNC Athletics
PREVIEW: Bears Prepare to Host Kansas City in Game One of Big Sky - Summit Challenge
12/1/2025 1:11:00 PM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's basketball is set to open the Big Sky–Summit League Challenge on its home floor, welcoming Kansas City to Bank of Colorado Arena on Wednesday, December 3. The Bears enter the match up riding a wave of confidence after a commanding victory over Chadron State, a game that showcased both their offensive firepower and roster depth.
Northern Colorado's standout performance was fueled by Heather Baymon, who delivered a career night. The sophomore guard poured in 23 points, shooting an efficient 9-of-14 from the field and setting a new personal scoring benchmark. Her aggressiveness, paired with efficient shot selection, gave the Bears a consistent offensive anchor throughout the game.
Complementing Baymon's big evening was Tatum West, who continued her steady season with her second double-double of the year. Her presence on both ends of the floor has become a stabilizing force for UNC.
In total, six different Bears reached double figures against Chadron State, underscoring the team's depth and balanced scoring attack—one of their defining strengths through the early part of the season.
Across eight games, Northern Colorado has been one of the more productive offensive units in the Big Sky. The Bears are averaging 76.9 points per game, fueled by 44.9% shooting and a commitment to ball movement that has resulted in 15.9 assists per outing.
Their rebounding effort has also been strong, with the team pulling down 40.8 boards per game, helping them control tempo and second-chance opportunities.
The Bears and Kansas City last met in 2017, a match up that saw UNC secure an 88–73 win. Though the Kangaroos still hold a narrow 2–1 lead in the all-time series, Northern Colorado aims to even the slate and open this year's Challenge with a victory at home.
BEARS EARN NATIONAL ATTENTION
INDIVIDUAL
Gabi Fields ranks No. 16 nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio
TEAM
No. 8 in bench points per game.
No. 20 in offensive rebounds per game
TNo. 30 in turnovers forced per game.
No. 36 in steals per game and is
No. 47 in scoring margin.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Kansas City Kangaroos
Kansas City enters the contest at 2–5 in the early stages of the 2025–26 campaign and is looking to rebound from a tough stretch. The Kangaroos are currently on a two-game skid, most recently falling 66–46 to Austin Peay.
Offensively, Kansas City is paced by sophomore guard Eani Bennett, who has emerged as a reliable scoring threat. Bennett is averaging 16.8 points per game through seven contests, providing the Kangaroos with both perimeters scoring and on-ball creation.
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).
Northern Colorado's standout performance was fueled by Heather Baymon, who delivered a career night. The sophomore guard poured in 23 points, shooting an efficient 9-of-14 from the field and setting a new personal scoring benchmark. Her aggressiveness, paired with efficient shot selection, gave the Bears a consistent offensive anchor throughout the game.
Complementing Baymon's big evening was Tatum West, who continued her steady season with her second double-double of the year. Her presence on both ends of the floor has become a stabilizing force for UNC.
In total, six different Bears reached double figures against Chadron State, underscoring the team's depth and balanced scoring attack—one of their defining strengths through the early part of the season.
Across eight games, Northern Colorado has been one of the more productive offensive units in the Big Sky. The Bears are averaging 76.9 points per game, fueled by 44.9% shooting and a commitment to ball movement that has resulted in 15.9 assists per outing.
Their rebounding effort has also been strong, with the team pulling down 40.8 boards per game, helping them control tempo and second-chance opportunities.
The Bears and Kansas City last met in 2017, a match up that saw UNC secure an 88–73 win. Though the Kangaroos still hold a narrow 2–1 lead in the all-time series, Northern Colorado aims to even the slate and open this year's Challenge with a victory at home.
BEARS EARN NATIONAL ATTENTION
INDIVIDUAL
Gabi Fields ranks No. 16 nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio
TEAM
No. 8 in bench points per game.
No. 20 in offensive rebounds per game
TNo. 30 in turnovers forced per game.
No. 36 in steals per game and is
No. 47 in scoring margin.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Kansas City Kangaroos
Kansas City enters the contest at 2–5 in the early stages of the 2025–26 campaign and is looking to rebound from a tough stretch. The Kangaroos are currently on a two-game skid, most recently falling 66–46 to Austin Peay.
Offensively, Kansas City is paced by sophomore guard Eani Bennett, who has emerged as a reliable scoring threat. Bennett is averaging 16.8 points per game through seven contests, providing the Kangaroos with both perimeters scoring and on-ball creation.
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).
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Basketball
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/ Women's Basketball
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