Pioneers Hold Off Bears, 86-79

Saturday, December 20

Greeley, Colo.

1 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

9-3,0-0Big Sky

Denver

7-7,0-0Summit League

Denver

Northern Colo.

12/20/2025 3:21:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Brooke Richards, Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – The Northern Colorado men's basketball team dropped an 86-79 decision to Denver Saturday afternoon inside Bank of Colorado Arena.

Senior forward Brock Wisne led all scorers for Northern Colorado (9-3) with 27 points on 13-of-19 shooting, while Ring Nyeri logged the first double-double of his career with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bears and Pioneers traded baskets throughout an even opening half, as neither side was able to create much separation. Northern Colorado consistently generated offense in the paint and on the glass, but Denver's perimeter shot-making kept pace. The teams went to the locker room tied, 40-40, after Denver hit a 3-pointer in the final seconds to even the score.

Early in the second half, Northern Colorado put together its best stretch of the afternoon. The Bears scored efficiently around the rim and used extra possessions to push in front, building their largest lead at 66-55 with 10:21 remaining.

Denver (7-7) responded with timely shooting and transition offense to chip away. The Pioneers eventually pulled even at 72-72 with 5:13 to play, then took control in the closing minutes with a pair of late baskets and free throws to extend the margin. Northern Colorado cut it to 81-79 on a second-chance finish by Nyeri with 1:24 remaining, but Denver answered on its next possession and closed the game out at the line in the final seconds.

Alongside Wisne and Nyeri, Vincent Delano finished with 11 points, and Ariik Mawien added 13 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Northern Colorado held advantages in points in the paint (58-40) and second-chance points (14-5), but Denver shot 52.6% from the field, hit 8-of-15 from three, and went 18-of-20 at the free-throw line to make the difference in a game that featured 17 ties and five lead changes.

UP NEXT: The Bears will enjoy a short break over Christmas before returning to the court for their last nonconference game on December 28 at CU Events Center to take on Colorado.

Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. MST with coverage available on ESPN+ and PirateRadio935.com.

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_BearsMBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsMBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsMBB).