Bears’ Season Ends in Second Round of the Big Sky Tournament

Sunday, March 9

Boise, Idaho

12 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

14-17,6-12Big Sky

Montana State

28-3,17-1Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Montana St.

Photo by: Big Sky Conference

3/9/2025 3:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)

Gamble Paces the Bears with 20 Points

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

BOISE, Idaho – Northern Colorado's season came to an end in the second round of the Big Sky Basketball Tournament with a 92-60 loss to top-seeded Montana State on Sunday afternoon at Idaho Central Arena. The Bobcats (28-3, 17-1 Big Sky) started hot and never looked back, scoring 18 straight points before the Bears (14-17, 6-12 Big Sky) got on the board with a free throw.

TOP PERFORMERS
London Gamble led the Bears with 20 points, knocking down five three-pointers while adding three steals and three assists. Gabi Fields sparked UNC in the second quarter, finishing with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting and two three-pointers. Tatum West contributed 13 points and led the Bears on the glass with a team-high seven rebounds. Silvia Nativi added eight points and two steals.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Montana State came out firing, opening the game on an 18-0 run before UNC finally broke through with a free throw. The Bobcats' defense forced early turnovers, converting them into transition points as they built a commanding 29-7 lead after the first quarter.

The Bears found their footing in the second quarter, led by Fields' experience and leadership. The veteran guard went 4-for-5 from the field in the quarter, including two from deep, to provide an offensive spark. Gamble also stepped up, drilling both of her three-point attempts in the period. On the defensive end, UNC forced multiple turnovers, with four different Bears recording a steal. Despite the improved play, Montana State maintained control and led 48-28 at the half.

UNC continued to battle in the second half, but Montana State's depth proved too much. The Bobcats stretched their lead in the third quarter by capitalizing on turnovers and dominating in transition. West remained active on the boards, and UNC's effort on the glass showed as they outnumbered the Bobcats in offensive rebounds. Montana State's efficiency allowed them to pull away further, sealing the win and advancing in the tournament.

KEY STATS
UNC forced 24 turnovers but committed 26 of its own, leading to 37 Montana State points.

The Bobcats' 24 turnovers are the most they have committed in a single game all season.

The Bears shot 7-of-17 (41.2%) from three-point range, with Gamble hitting five.

UNC won the offensive rebounding battle, securing 14 offensive boards to Montana State's seven.

The Bobcats' depth was a major factor, as their bench outscored UNC's 50-4.

MONTANA STATE LEADERS
Katelynn Martin paced the Bobcats with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including three three-pointers. Natalie Picton and Taylor Janssen each added 14 points, with Picton knocking down four triples. Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year Taylee Chirrick provided a strong all-around effort off the bench, finishing with 12 points, seven steals, and three assists. Big Sky MVP Esmeralda Morales directed the offense, contributing 10 points and seven assists.

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