West Records Third Career Double-Double Against MSU

Saturday, February 8

Bozeman, Mont.

2 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

10-13,3-9Big Sky

Montana State

22-2,12-0Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Montana St.

Photo by: Kassidy Schwartz, UNC Athletics

2/8/2025 4:27:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)

Bears Struggle with Turnovers in 65-44 Loss to First-Place Bobcats

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Northern Colorado women's basketball battled against first-place Montana State but couldn't overcome a slow start, falling 65-44 on Saturday afternoon at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. The loss drops UNC to 3-9 in Big Sky play and 10-13 overall, while the Bobcats remain unbeaten in conference action.

TOP PERFORMERS
Tatum West led Northern Colorado with 11 points and 11 rebounds, recording her third career double-double while going 5-of-12 from the free-throw line. Silvia Nativi added eight points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Aniah Hall chipped in six points and 10 rebounds. London Gamble finished with six points, and Gabi Fields contributed four points and three steals.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Montana State jumped out to an early 20-10 lead after the first quarter, capitalizing on Northern Colorado's struggles with turnovers. The Bobcats' defense forced 25 total turnovers, leading to easy transition points.

In the second quarter, MSU extended its advantage, outscoring the Bears 20-6 to take a commanding 40-16 halftime lead. Northern Colorado struggled from deep, going 0-for-9 from beyond the arc in the period.

The Bears showed fight in the third quarter, holding Montana State to just 11 points while scoring 13 of their own. West and Nativi provided a spark with key baskets, but UNC still trailed 51-29 entering the final frame.

UNC put together its best scoring quarter in the fourth, tallying 15 points, but Montana State controlled the game's tempo and cruised to the win.

MONTANA STATE LEADERS
Esmeralda Morales led all scorers with 14 points, including two three-pointers and four steals. Addison Harris added 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, while Katelynn Martin had six points and five rebounds. Dylan Philip recorded five points and two assists.

KEY STATS
Turnovers: UNC committed 25 turnovers, leading to 27 points for Montana State.
Points in the Paint: The Bears scored 20 points inside.
Three-Point Shooting: UNC shot just 15% (3-for-20) from deep, while Montana State went 5-for-20 (25%).
Rebounding Battle: Northern Colorado won the rebounding edge 39-37, including 16 offensive boards.
Bench Production: Montana State's bench outscored UNC's 34-9.

UP NEXT
UNC will return home for a pair of Big Sky games on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 12 p.m. against Sacramento State and Saturday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. against Portland State.

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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