Bears Defeat Kansas City in Opening Game of Big Sky - Summit League Challenge - University of Northern Colorado Athletics

Wednesday, December 3

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

7-2,0-0Big Sky

Kansas City

2-6,0-0Summit League

Kansas City

Northern Colo.

Jesus Ayala | UNC Athletics

Bears Defeat Kansas City in Opening Game of Big Sky - Summit League Challenge

12/3/2025 8:57:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. — The Northern Colorado women's basketball team opened the Big Sky–Summit League Challenge in impressive fashion Wednesday night, earning a strong 72–59 victory over Kansas City at Bank of Colorado Arena. After a sluggish start, the Bears settled in, found their offensive rhythm, and dominated the second half with disciplined defense and timely scoring to secure a key non-conference win.

Northern Colorado faced early offensive struggles, putting up just eight points in the first quarter. Despite the slow start, the Bears relied on tough defensive efforts to keep Kansas City within reach, trailing by only five at the end of the opening frame.

The second quarter marked a turning point. UNC began finding quality looks, knocking down important shots to establish a more consistent offensive flow. Tatum West provided a major spark inside, finishing strong around the basket. The Bears trailed 34-27 at the half.

After the break, Northern Colorado picked up its intensity on both sides of the ball. Crisp ball movement and aggressive defensive pressure allowed the Bears to seize momentum while limiting Kansas City's attempts to counter. UNC outscored the Kangaroos 23–13 in a decisive third quarter, flipping the game firmly in their favor and building a 50–46 advantage heading into the fourth.

The Bears carried that energy into the final period, maintaining their composure and steadily extending the lead. Strong execution down the stretch secured the 72–59 win, improving Northern Colorado to 7–2 on the season.

UNC's depth was on full display, with four players scoring in double figures. Tatum West led the way, recording her third double-double of the season with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Aniah Hall added 15 points and three boards, while Gabi Fields contributed 13 points. Neenah George rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12, highlighting a balanced and efficient offensive effort across the roster.

As a team, the Bears shot 42.3 percent from the field and complemented that effort with 35 total rebounds and 15 assists.

UP NEXT
Northern Colorado will shift their focus for game two of the Big Sky – Summit League Challenge, traveling to Omaha, Nebraska to take on the Mavericks.

Tip-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. MT.

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).