Second-Half Surge Pushes Idaho Past UNC

Saturday, February 22

Moscow, Idaho

3 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

13-14,6-10Big Sky

Idaho

17-9,9-6Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Idaho

Photo by: Braeden Harlow, EWU Athletics

2/22/2025 5:16:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)

The Bears stayed within reach for much of the game, but the Vandals pulled away in the second half for a 77-59 win

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

MOSCOW, Idaho – Northern Colorado fought hard but fell short in a 77-59 road loss to Idaho on Saturday afternoon at ICCU Arena. The Bears (13-14, 6-10 Big Sky) stayed within striking distance for much of the game, but the Vandals (17-9, 9-6 Big Sky) pulled away in the second half behind a strong offensive showing.

TOP PERFORMERS
Aniah Hall led the Bears with 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, adding a team-high six rebounds. London Gamble added 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting, adding one rebound and one steal. Neenah George added 10 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Gabi Fields anchored the defense with four steals and chipped in five points.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Northern Colorado opened the game with a competitive first quarter, trading baskets with Idaho. A three-pointer from Fields tied the game at 8-8 early on, and the Bears trailed just 20-16 after the first 10 minutes.

The Vandals edged out a bigger lead in the second quarter, using efficient shooting to take a 39-28 advantage into halftime. Idaho capitalized on second-chance opportunities and shot 46% from the field in the opening half.

UNC responded in the third quarter with a balanced attack. Gamble knocked down key shots, and Hall remained aggressive inside, but Idaho maintained its lead. The Bears outscored the Vandals 17-16 in the period, narrowing the deficit to 10 entering the final frame.

Idaho sealed the game in the fourth quarter with timely three-point shooting and a strong finish at the free-throw line. The Vandals' defense held UNC to 14 points in the final period to close out the win.

KEY STATS
Bench Contribution: UNC's reserves provided a spark, outscoring Idaho's bench 23-11.
Paint Battle: The Bears tallied 20 points in the paint but were outmatched by Idaho's 26 inside points.
Turnover Struggles: UNC committed 12 turnovers, leading to 16 points for the Vandals.
Defensive Pressure: The Bears recorded nine steals, forcing Idaho into 13 turnovers.

UP NEXT
The Bears will host their last pair of home games of the 2024-25 season, welcoming Northern Arizona on Saturday night and Weber State on Monday night.

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).

Big Sky Conference Championship Tickets
Tickets for the 2025 Big Sky Basketball Championships, presented by Idaho Central Credit Union, are on sale now.

The men's and women's basketball tournaments will be hosted at Idaho Central Arena on March 8-12, marking the seventh straight year that Starch Madness will be held in Boise, Idaho.

Fans can purchase all-tournament, all-session ticket packages for both the men's and women's sessions for courtside, reserved, and general admission seating.

Single-session tickets will be available for purchase Monday, Feb. 3. To purchase tickets, visit uncbears.com/tickets or call 970-351-4849.

Tickets can also be purchased at the Campus Commons Ticket Office, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. TicketSmarter is the official resale marketplace of UNC athletics.

To purchase tickets, visit uncbears.com/tickets or call 970-351-4849. Tickets can also be purchased at the Campus Commons Ticket Office, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. TicketSmarter is the official resale marketplace of UNC athletics.

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