PREVIEW: Bears Host Montana State and Montana to Open Big Sky Play

Thursday, January 1

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

Montana State

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Jesus Ayala | UNC Athletics

12/30/2025 2:21:00 PM | Women's Basketball

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado wrapped up non-conference play with an impressive 9–4 record and now shifts its focus to Big Sky Conference competition. The Bears open league action on New Year's Day against Montana State before hosting Montana on Saturday, January 3 at Bank of Colorado Arena. The non-conference slate provided a wide range of challenges and valuable growth opportunities, and Northern Colorado emerged demonstrating the depth and consistency needed to compete every night.

Northern Colorado enters league play looking to bounce back after a narrow loss to Sam Houston just before the holiday break. Despite the setback, the non-conference slate provided valuable momentum and confidence for a team that showed balance on both ends of the floor.

Offensively, the Bears were led by three players averaging double figures in scoring. Neenah George paced the team at 13.9 points per game, while Tatum West added 11.2 points per contest. Aniah Hall rounded out the trio, contributing 10.1 points per game and providing a steady presence in the lineup.

As a unit, Northern Colorado averaged 71.8 points per game during non-conference play and shot an efficient 43.2 percent from the field. That offensive efficiency, combined with disciplined ball movement, has given the Bears a strong foundation heading into conference competition.

Within the Big Sky Conference, Northern Colorado has established itself as one of the league's most well-rounded teams. The Bears currently rank fourth in the conference in offensive production and sit second overall in defensive performance. Their ability to impact games on both ends of the court has been a key factor in early success.

That balance is further reflected in the standings, as Northern Colorado ranks second in the Big Sky in scoring margin. The numbers highlight a team capable of controlling the tempo, executing in critical moments, and competing consistently as conference play begins.

Northern Colorado will look to open conference play on a strong note, aiming to build on its early-season momentum and carry that success into the opening stretch of Big Sky action.

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.

ALL TIME SERIES:
Montana State: 17-21
Montana: 17-22

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS:
MONTANA STATE BOBCATS
The Montana State Bobcats are off to a solid start this season with a 7–4 overall record. They wrapped up non-conference play in impressive fashion, going a perfect 4–0 at home while posting a 2–3 mark on the road. In their most recent outing, the Bobcats earned a convincing 72–56 road win over Hawai'i, showcasing their ability to perform away from home. Earlier in the non-conference schedule, Montana State picked up a statement victory with a thrilling 71–70 buzzer-beater against Colorado.

Individually, the Bobcats are led by Taylee Chirrick, who is averaging 17.5 points per game while shooting an efficient 47.4 percent from the field.

As a team, the Bobcats are averaging 73.7 points per game, along with 35.4 rebounds and 14.5 assists per contest, highlighting a balanced offensive attack and strong team play on both ends of the floor.

MONTANA GRIZZLIES
The Montana Grizzlies are off to a 3–8 start in the 2025–26 season after closing out their non-conference schedule. In their most recent outing, the Grizzlies picked up an overtime victory over Tarleton State, 90–85.

Montana opens Big Sky Conference play on Thursday, January 1, traveling to Flagstaff, Arizona, to face Northern Arizona before heading to Greeley for a Saturday matchup. The Grizzlies are 1–4 on the road this season and 1–3 at home.

Mack Konig leads Montana offensively, averaging 16.4 points per game while shooting 42.9 percent from the field. Jocelyn Land follows at 12.9 points per contest, with Avery Waddington close behind at 12.7 points per game.

As a team, the Grizzlies are averaging 64.1 points per game on 37.9 percent shooting. Montana is also pulling down 32.4 rebounds per contest and dishing out 11.1 assists per game.

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).