Balanced Attack Lifts Northern Colorado Past NAU, 72–59

Saturday, January 24

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

15-6,6-2Big Sky

Northern Arizona

7-14,3-5Big Sky

Northern Ariz.

Northern Colo.

Ally McCutchen | UNC Athletics

1/24/2026 4:13:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's basketball returned to Bank of Colorado Arena on Saturday afternoon and defended its home court with a 72–59 win over Northern Arizona in a key Big Sky Conference match up.

In a fast-paced, physical contest, the Bears balanced scoring and defensive effort powered them to their sixth conference victory of the season.

Heather Baymon led UNC offensively, finishing with a team high 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting. She was joined in double figures by Neenah George and Aniah Hall with 12 points apiece, while Gabi Fields added 10 to round out a strong team performance.

The opening quarter set the tone early, as both teams came out pushing the tempo and trading baskets. Physical play on both ends led to trips to the free-throw line, with neither side giving in. At the first media timeout, the Bears held a slim 9–6 advantage, and continued defensive pressure and rebounding helped UNC carry a narrow 17–15 lead after the first ten minutes.

Northern Arizona's high-intensity zone defense slowed the Bears offensive rhythm in the second quarter, but UNC responded by crashing the glass and creating second-chance opportunities. The game was tied at 19 midways through the frame before Baymon knocked down two three-pointers to help create separation. Aniah Hall and Tatum West battled inside for quality looks at the rim, and despite both teams trading baskets late, the Bears went into halftime with a 34–30 lead.

UNC came out firing in the third quarter, as Julia Riley hit two quick three-pointers to extend the Bears lead. The teams continued to exchange baskets throughout the period, but timely scoring and key defensive stops allowed Northern Colorado to maintain control. The Bears entered the final quarter holding a 51–44 advantage.

The fourth quarter opened with strong offensive execution from UNC, highlighted by a jumper from Neenah George and a powerful finish by Gabi Fields. The Bears controlled the tempo down the stretch, limiting Northern Arizona's opportunities and closing out the game to secure a 72–59 victory and their sixth Big Sky win.

UP NEXT: Northern Colorado continues its home stand on Thursday, January 29, hosting Idaho for a noon tip-off.

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.