Baymon’s Career Night Powers UNC Past Montana

Saturday, January 3

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

10-5,1-1Big Sky

Montana

3-10,0-2Big Sky

Montana

Northern Colo.

Ally McCutchen | UNC Athletics

1/3/2026 4:21:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. — Northern Colorado women's basketball team picked up its first Big Sky Conference victory of the 2025–26 season Saturday afternoon, defeating Montana in a high-energy match up inside Bank of Colorado Arena.

Montana came out firing in the opening quarter, knocking down three early three-pointers and forcing the Bears to call a quick timeout to slow the momentum. Northern Colorado answered with timely offensive contributions from Heather Baymon and Gabi Fields, despite battling early foul trouble. The Bears increased their defensive pressure late in the quarter, creating turnovers, but the Grizzlies held a 21–16 advantage after one.

The second quarter featured a back-and-forth battle as Fields opened the frame with a quick basket to pull UNC within one possession. The Bears generated strong looks at the rim and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, while Aniah Hall delivered several physical finishes in the paint. Montana maintained a narrow lead heading into halftime, 39–37.

Northern Colorado seized control in the third quarter behind efficient offensive possessions and timely shot-making. The Bears used a strong run to take a 48–44 lead before continuing to build momentum, forcing Montana to use a timeout.

A surge led by Fields and Baymon pushed the Bears ahead 58–46 at the end of the quarter, marking UNC's largest lead of the game.

Baymon stayed hot from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter, extending the Bears lead with seven three-pointers, a new career high. Northern Colorado remained composed down the stretch, making key stops and holding on to secure the conference win.

Baymon led all scorers with a career-high 29 points, knocking down seven three-pointers in the victory. With the win, the Bears improve to 10–5 overall and 1–1 in Big Sky Conference play.

UP NEXT: The Bears embark on their first conference road swing, opening in Pocatello against Idaho State before heading to Ogden to battle Weber State.

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