University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Dean Popejoy | UNC Athletics
PREVIEW: Bears Prepare for Final Non-Conference Road Trip
12/18/2025 11:26:00 AM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – The Northern Colorado women's basketball team is set to embark on its final non-conference road trip of the season, heading west to California to face UC Davis on Saturday, December 20, before making a quick turnaround and traveling to Texas to take on Sam Houston on Monday, December 22.
The Bears are coming off a hard-fought contest against Big 12 and in-state opponent Colorado. Northern Colorado showed strong effort, energy, and competitiveness throughout all four quarters, but the Buffaloes were able to pull away down the stretch to secure a 79–62 victory at the CU Events Center.
With that match up now in the rear view mirror, the Bears will shift their focus to preparation for UC Davis and Sam Houston as they wrap up their non-conference schedule.
Both upcoming contests will mark the first-ever meetings between the two programs, giving the Bears a chance to make an immediate impression. With fresh match ups on the schedule, the Bears will be eager to set the tone, establish their identity, and secure two key victories as they look to build momentum in the win column.
The final road trip offers Northern Colorado a valuable opportunity to regroup, build momentum, and fine-tune its execution before the start of conference play.
Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+, follow along with live stats, and get real-time updates through the team's official social media channels.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
UC DAVIS AGGIES
During the 2025–26 season, the Aggies have posted an 8–3 overall record. They are coming off a dominant 74–42 home victory over Chico State, improving to a perfect 4–0 record at the University Credit Union Center. UC Davis is led offensively by Ryann Bennett, who is averaging 17.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 47.9 percent from the field. As a team, the Aggies are shooting 42.3 percent, averaging 38.2 rebounds and 72 points per contest.
SAM HOUSTON BEARKATS
The Bearkats have opened the 2025–26 season with a 5–3 record, including a perfect 4–0 mark at home. Sam Houston enters Friday's match up against SMU on December 19 riding a two-game losing streak. Offensively, the Bearkats are paced by Fanta Kone, who is averaging 11.1 points per game while shooting an efficient 52.3 percent from the field. As a team, Sam Houston is shooting 37.7 percent overall, averaging 13 assists per game, and pulling down 38.6 rebounds per contest.
BEARS EARN NATIONAL ATTENTION
Individual
Gabi Fields No. 50 Assist/Turnover Ratio (2.38)
Tatum West No. T45 Rebounds (98)
Tatum West No. T17 Offensive Rebounds Per Game (4.1)
TEAM
No.11 Bench Points Per Game (33.4)
No. 22 Rebounds (Offensive Per Game) (16.0)
No. T29 Steals Per Game (12.1)
No. 22 Turnovers forced per game (22.55)
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).
The Bears are coming off a hard-fought contest against Big 12 and in-state opponent Colorado. Northern Colorado showed strong effort, energy, and competitiveness throughout all four quarters, but the Buffaloes were able to pull away down the stretch to secure a 79–62 victory at the CU Events Center.
With that match up now in the rear view mirror, the Bears will shift their focus to preparation for UC Davis and Sam Houston as they wrap up their non-conference schedule.
Both upcoming contests will mark the first-ever meetings between the two programs, giving the Bears a chance to make an immediate impression. With fresh match ups on the schedule, the Bears will be eager to set the tone, establish their identity, and secure two key victories as they look to build momentum in the win column.
The final road trip offers Northern Colorado a valuable opportunity to regroup, build momentum, and fine-tune its execution before the start of conference play.
Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+, follow along with live stats, and get real-time updates through the team's official social media channels.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
UC DAVIS AGGIES
During the 2025–26 season, the Aggies have posted an 8–3 overall record. They are coming off a dominant 74–42 home victory over Chico State, improving to a perfect 4–0 record at the University Credit Union Center. UC Davis is led offensively by Ryann Bennett, who is averaging 17.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 47.9 percent from the field. As a team, the Aggies are shooting 42.3 percent, averaging 38.2 rebounds and 72 points per contest.
SAM HOUSTON BEARKATS
The Bearkats have opened the 2025–26 season with a 5–3 record, including a perfect 4–0 mark at home. Sam Houston enters Friday's match up against SMU on December 19 riding a two-game losing streak. Offensively, the Bearkats are paced by Fanta Kone, who is averaging 11.1 points per game while shooting an efficient 52.3 percent from the field. As a team, Sam Houston is shooting 37.7 percent overall, averaging 13 assists per game, and pulling down 38.6 rebounds per contest.
BEARS EARN NATIONAL ATTENTION
Individual
Gabi Fields No. 50 Assist/Turnover Ratio (2.38)
Tatum West No. T45 Rebounds (98)
Tatum West No. T17 Offensive Rebounds Per Game (4.1)
TEAM
No.11 Bench Points Per Game (33.4)
No. 22 Rebounds (Offensive Per Game) (16.0)
No. T29 Steals Per Game (12.1)
No. 22 Turnovers forced per game (22.55)
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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