PREVIEW: Bears Travel to Omaha For Game Two of Big Sky-Summit League Challenge

Ally McCutchen | UNC Athletics

12/4/2025 12:09:00 PM | Women's Basketball

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – The Northern Colorado women's basketball team is set to open a challenging four-game road swing on Saturday, December 6, when the Bears head to Omaha, Nebraska, for a match up against the Mavericks in game two of the Big Sky–Summit League Challenge.

UNC enters the weekend with momentum after a resilient comeback victory over Kansas City, pulling away in the second half to secure a 72–59 win at Bank of Colorado Arena.

The Bears showcased their depth and balance, finishing with four players in double figures. Tatum West delivered another standout performance, posting her third double-double of the season with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Aniah Hall followed with 15 points and three rebounds, while Gabi Fields added 13 points. Neenah George contributed 12 points to round out an efficient and well-distributed offensive effort.

Saturday's meeting marks the first between the programs since 2023, when Northern Colorado picked up an 82–70 road win in Omaha. Historically, UNC holds a 4–2 advantage in the all-time series, including a 2–1 mark both at home and on the road. The Bears enter the contest riding a two-game win streak against the Mavericks and will look to push that run to three straight.

Through their first nine games, the Bears are averaging 76.3 points per contest, while shooting an impressive 44.7% from the field. They're also controlling the glass with 40.1 rebounds per game and showing solid ball movement by dishing out 15 assists per outing. Altogether, the early-season numbers highlight a well-balanced and efficient start on both ends of the floor.

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

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Omaha comes into the contest with a 1–7 record to open its 2025 campaign and is seeking to halt a six-game slide. The Mavericks are led by leading scorer Cora Olsen, who averages 17.3 points per game and serves as the focal point of their offense. She is joined by Sarai Estupiñan, who provides consistent scoring at 14.6 points per game.

As a team, the Mavericks are shooting 33.1 percent from the floor, averaging 36 rebounds per contest, and have recorded 83 assists on the season. Despite their early-season struggles, Omaha remains a competitive and energetic opponent, making Saturday's road test an important challenge for the Bears.

FOLLOW THE BEARS
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