Denker Scores Career-High 33 as Bears Earn Historic Road Win at Colorado

Sunday, December 28

Boulder, Colo.

1 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

10-3,0-0Big Sky

Colorado

10-3,0-0Big 12

Northern Colo.

Colorado

Photo by: Lexie Martin

12/28/2025 3:54:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Brooke Richards, Director of Strategic Communications

BOULDER, Colo. – Northern Colorado men's basketball turned in one of the most significant road wins in program history Sunday afternoon, knocking off Colorado, 86-81, at the CU Events Center in front of an energetic crowd of 8,347.

The victory secured Northern Colorado's 10th nonconference win for the first time in the programs Division I era and marked the Bears' first win over Colorado since Feb. 18, 1935, as well as their first victory in Boulder since Jan. 17, 1935. Head coach Steve Smiley also moved one win shy of 100 at UNC, earning his 99th career program victory.

Quinn Denker, playing in his first game since suffering an injury at South Dakota, delivered a sensational return performance, posting a career-high 33 points to pace the Bears.

Northern Colorado (10-3) set the tone early, responding to the road environment with an 8-0 run over the opening minutes to seize control. The Bears led 10-5 at the first media timeout behind five points apiece from Denker and Brock Wisne, then extended the surge to a 10-0 run before Colorado (20-3) found its footing.

UNC continued to dictate tempo, pushing the lead to 17-9 at the second media break. A Wisne assist to Egan Shields for a shot-clock dunk at the 10:29 mark ignited the Bears, but Colorado answered with an and-one to trim the margin. Zach Bloch immediately responded with a three-pointer to keep Northern Colorado in front.

Colorado gradually closed the gap as the half progressed, tying the game midway through the period. Ibu Yamazaki knocked down a timely three at the 7:15 mark to give UNC the lead back, and the Bears carried a slim edge into the locker room, 37-35, behind Denker's 12 first-half points.

The second half unfolded as a back-and-forth battle. The teams traded baskets early before Colorado briefly moved ahead, 51-46, with just over 14 minutes remaining. Northern Colorado answered quickly, tying the game at 55 on a Yamazaki three and reclaiming momentum with a 7-0 run fueled by Denker at the free-throw line.

A highlight sequence midway through the half saw Wisne deliver a behind-the-back pass to Yamazaki for a three-pointer, giving UNC a 64-60 advantage. The Bears maintained control through the next media timeout, but Colorado fought back once again, knotting the game at 66 with just over seven minutes remaining.

Northern Colorado delivered a decisive response. Denker and Bloch buried back-to-back threes to put the Bears ahead 74-68 with 5:39 to play. Colorado countered with an 8-0 run late to erase the lead and tie the game at 76, setting up a dramatic final stretch.

Denker took over down the stretch, hitting a jumper at the 1:31 mark to tie the game at 80 before scoring again with 42 seconds left to give UNC the lead for good. Yamazaki added two free throws moments later, and Denker sealed the outcome at the line to finish with 33 points, while Yamazaki recorded a career-high 19.

With the win, Northern Colorado closed nonconference play with the best nonconference record in program Division I history, 10-3, heading into Big Sky Conference action with momentum firmly in hand.

SUPPORT MEN'S BASKETBALL: Finishing non-conference play strong! With conference play on the horizon, your support is vital as the Bears look to build on their success. Celebrate with Men's Basketball and Give for the W today: https://www.give2unc.org/roundballclub

UP NEXT: Northern Colorado opens Big Sky Conference play on the road to ring in the new year, starting Thursday, Jan. 1, at Montana State inside Worthington Arena in Bozeman, Mont. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST, with coverage available on ESPN+ and Pirate Radio.

The Bears will then head west to face Montana on Saturday, Jan. 3, squaring off with the Grizzlies at Dahlberg Arena in Missoula, Mont. Game time is set for 4 p.m. MST, with the contest also airing on ESPN+ and Pirate Radio.

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).