PREVIEW: Bears Return Home For Two Game Conference Homestand

Thursday, January 15

Greeley, Colo.

6 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

Portland State

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Ally McCutchen | UNC Athletics

1/13/2026 2:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's basketball team returns to Bank of Colorado Arena riding momentum after a perfect 2–0 Big Sky Conference road trip. The Bears picked up victories over Idaho State and Weber State last weekend and now shift their focus to a pair of home match ups against Portland State and Sacramento State. Thursday's contest versus Portland State will feature a Gold Rush theme. Fans encouraged to wear gold.

Northern Colorado delivered a strong showing away from home, picking up victories in Pocatello, Idaho, and Ogden, Utah. The two wins lifted the Bears to 3–1 in conference action and 12–5 overall on the season.

CAREER MILESTONE FOR WEST
Tatum West reached a significant milestone in the win over Weber State, securing the 500th rebound of her collegiate career. A consistent presence on the boards, West is averaging 8.7 rebounds per game this season.

West played a key role in both road victories, posting averages of 11 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game over the weekend. She also recorded her fourth double-double of the season while helping the Bears improve to 3–1 in Big Sky play.

ALL-TIME SERIES
AGAINST PORTLAND STATE
Overall: Northern Colorado leads 26-10 (since 2008)
Last Meeting: UNC 53, PSU 50 (March 8, 2025)
Current Streak: UNC has won four of its last five meetings.

ALL-TIME SERIES
AGAINST SACRAMENTO STATE
Overall: Northern Colorado leads 23-13 (since 2008)
Last Meeting: UNC 85, SAC 72 (February 13, 2025)
Current Streak: UNC has won three of its last five meetings.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS
Portland State enters the week with a 5–10 overall record and a 1–2 mark in conference play. The Vikings feature a balanced offensive attack and apply aggressive defensive pressure, presenting a challenging match up.

SACRAMENTO STATE HORNETS
Sacramento State brings a physical style of play and a strong defensive mindset to Greeley. The Hornets currently sit at 8–8 overall and 2–1 in Big Sky competition.

Northern Colorado looks to translate its road success to their home court as conference play continues, aiming to defend the den and continue to move up the Big Sky standings.

Both games will be available to watch live on ESPN+, with live stats and real-time updates provided through the team's official social media platforms.

UP NEXT: After their two-game home stand, the Bears will quickly turn their focus to the road, traveling to Bozeman, Montana for a Monday night showdown against Montana State that marks UNC's third game in five days.

FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can stay up to date with Northern Colorado women's basketball by visiting uncbears.com and following the team on social media: X (formerly Twitter) @UNC_BearsWBB, Instagram @UNC_BearsWBB, and Facebook /UNCBearsWBB.