Bears Hold Off Vikings, Advance in Big Sky Tournament

Saturday, March 8

Boise, Idaho

12 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

14-16,6-12Big Sky

Portland State University

4-24,1-17Big Sky

Portland St.

Northern Colo.

Photo by: Big Sky Conference

3/8/2025 3:36:00 PM | Women's Basketball

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Northern Colorado battles through 10 lead changes to secure a 53-50 first-round win over Portland State

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

BOISE, Idaho - Northern Colorado took control late and held on for a gritty 53-50 victory over Portland State in the opening round of the Big Sky Tournament on Saturday afternoon at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho. The game saw 10 lead changes and six ties before the Bears (14-16, 6-12 Big Sky) closed it out at the free-throw line to eliminate the Vikings (4-24, 1-17 Big Sky) and advance to the quarterfinals.

TOP PERFORMERS
Aniah Hall led the way for UNC with a team-high 12 points, shooting a perfect 6-of-6 from the field while adding five rebounds and two blocks. Julia Riley provided a spark off the bench, scoring 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting, including two three-pointers. Gabi Fields added seven points, three rebounds, and three steals, while April Rummery-Lamb contributed six points and two rebounds in 10 minutes of action.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Northern Colorado struck first, as London Gamble sank a pair of free throws following a near shot-clock violation on the opening possession. Portland State responded quickly, building a 10-6 lead by the first media timeout. Ella Van Weelden connected from deep to bring the Bears within two, but the Vikings maintained a five-point advantage heading into the second quarter.

The Bears came out aggressive in the second, with Hall scoring on a putback and Fields converting a steal into a three-pointer, forcing an early PSU timeout. Rummery-Lamb knocked down a midrange jumper to give UNC its first lead of the quarter at the six-minute mark. Portland State answered with a three of its own, reclaiming a two-point edge. In the closing seconds of the half, UNC trailed by just one, 24-23.

The third quarter featured six lead changes and three ties, as both teams traded baskets. Riley took over for the Bears, scoring nine of their 15 points in the period on perfect shooting, including a pair of three-pointers. Despite the offensive rhythm, UNC entered the fourth trailing by one, 39-38.

UNC locked in defensively to start the final frame, holding Portland State scoreless for over five minutes while going on a 9-0 run. A late three-pointer and fastbreak layup by the Vikings cut the Bears' lead to one, 49-48, with under two minutes remaining. With under a minute to play, Tatum West calmly sank two clutch free throws to extend the lead to three. Portland State had a final shot to tie, but its contested three-pointer fell short, sealing the 53-50 victory for Northern Colorado.

KEY STATS
UNC outrebounded Portland State 31-29, including 15 offensive rebounds leading to eight second-chance points.

The Bears forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 25 points.

UNC shot 6-of-21 (28.6%) from beyond the arc, while holding Portland State to just 2-of-14 (14.3%) from three.

The Bears' bench outscored PSU's reserves 27-21, led by Riley and Rummery-Lamb.

UP NEXT
Northern Colorado advances to the second round of the Big Sky Tournament and will face top-seeded Montana State on Sunday, March 9, at 12 p.m. MST at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho.

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