University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Thursday, February 12
Greeley, Colo.
6 p.m. MST
University of Northern Colorado
vs
Sacramento State
PREVIEW: Big Sky Homestand Opens Thursday in Greeley
2/10/2026 10:17:00 AM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado opens a key Big Sky homestand Thursday night at 6 p.m. MST against Sacramento State before returning to Bank of Colorado Arena on Saturday at 2 p.m. MST to face conference-leading Portland State. With little separation in the middle of the league standings, the two-game stretch presents a valuable opportunity for UNC to build momentum on its home floor against two contrasting opponents. Saturday's matchup will also feature a Teddy Bear Toss sponsored by Banner Health, with fans encouraged to bring stuffed animals that will be donated to young patients at Banner.
LAST TIME OUT: Northern Colorado continued its strong road form Saturday with a composed 69-61 win at Idaho State, pulling away in the second half after a tightly contested opening 20 minutes. UNC shot 56 percent before the break to take a 36-34 halftime lead, then seized control with a decisive run midway through the second half to build a double-digit advantage. The Bears finished at 52 percent from the floor, outscored the Bengals 44-30 in the paint, and closed the game by going 7-of-8 at the free-throw line. Ring Nyeri (16 points) and Brock Wisne (17 points, eight rebounds) paced a balanced effort, while UNC's defense held Idaho State to 37 percent shooting to secure the road win.
BIG SKY STANDINGS CONTEXT: Northern Colorado now sits at 5-7 in Big Sky play and 15-10 overall, riding a four-game winning streak and remaining firmly in the congested middle of the conference standings. With minimal separation between fourth and eighth place, UNC remains well within reach of a move up the table as the league schedule continues, particularly with key head-to-head matchups still ahead.
At the top, Portland State continues to set the pace at 10-1, followed by Montana and Montana State, both at 8-4. The middle tier remains tightly packed, with Weber State at 6-6 and Idaho, Sacramento State, and Eastern Washington all sitting at 5-6. With home-road splits continuing to shape results and multiple rematches on the horizon, the standings remain fluid as teams fight for postseason positioning.
RECORD WATCH: Brock Wisne moved into 15th place on UNC's all-time scoring list with 1,279 career points and now sits in a tie for sixth in program history in field goals made with 537.
Zach Bloch continues to make steady progress across multiple career categories, ranking ninth all-time at UNC in both three-pointers made (186) and three-point attempts (471), while sitting fifth in games played with 126, just six shy of the program record. Bloch also has 96 career steals, 17 away from cracking the all-time top 10, and is closing in on single-season marks as well, sitting six steals shy of the season top 10 and one made three away from entering the single-season top 10 list.
Quinn Denker remains one of the most productive playmakers in program history, currently ranking fifth on UNC's single-season assists list with 161 and continuing to move up the program's season-long distribution charts.
NATIONAL & CONFERENCE RANKINGS SNAPSHOT (Through Feb. 5, 2026):
Northern Colorado continues to profile as one of the Big Sky's most efficient and connected offensive teams, pairing strong national placement with conference-leading execution metrics. UNC ranks 58th nationally and first in the Big Sky in scoring offense (82.7 ppg), while also sitting 43rd nationally and first in the league in assists per game (16.9) and 52nd nationally, first in the conference in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.48), underscoring the Bears' consistent ball movement and offensive control.
Shooting efficiency remains a defining strength. Northern Colorado ranks 27th nationally and second in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage (49.0), 21st nationally and second in the conference in effective field-goal percentage (.571), and 43rd nationally, second in the league in three-point percentage (36.9). UNC also ranks 37th nationally and second in the Big Sky in three-pointers made per game (10.0), continuing to generate balance and spacing from the perimeter.
On the glass, the Bears maintain an edge through efficiency rather than volume, ranking 54th nationally and second in the Big Sky in rebound margin (+5.1) and 52nd nationally, second in the league in defensive rebounds per game (26.76). Northern Colorado also sits 120th nationally and third in the conference in total rebounds per game (36.72), limiting second-chance opportunities and supporting its scoring margin profile.
Individually, Quinn Denker continues to drive UNC's offensive identity, ranking 11th nationally and first in the Big Sky in total assists (161) and ninth nationally, first in the conference in assists per game (7.0). Brock Wisne anchors the interior, ranking first in the Big Sky and 48th nationally in field-goal percentage (57.1), while Zach Bloch remains one of the nation's premier shooters, ranking sixth nationally and first in the conference in three-point percentage (45.0) and leading the Big Sky in total three-pointers made (76) and three-pointers per game (3.04).
SCOUTING THE HORNETS: Sacramento State enters the matchup averaging 79.1 points per game, leaning on a high-usage, offense-first approach built around pace, shot volume, and individual creation. The Hornets shoot 42.3 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three while allowing 81.9 points per game on the defensive end, with efficiency often swinging based on game flow and perimeter shot-making.
Prophet Johnson drives Sacramento State's attack, averaging a team-high 18.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the floor and 41.9 percent from three. He logs heavy minutes as a primary scoring option and creates matchup issues with his combination of strength, shooting range, and rebounding from the wing. Mikey Williams provides a second high-volume scoring threat at 17.1 points per game, drawing fouls at a high rate and converting 83.0 percent from the free-throw line while functioning as both a scorer and secondary ball-handler.
Inside, Mark Lavrenov (10.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg) adds physicality and rebounding, while Jahni Summers (9.7 ppg) stretches the floor from the forward spot, shooting 46.6 percent from three and giving the Hornets needed spacing. Sacramento State also leans on depth pieces like Jayden Teat and Shaqir O'Neal to maintain energy and defensive activity, particularly at home, where the Hornets are 9–2 this season.
Sacramento State is most effective when it plays freely in the open floor, attacks early in the shot clock, and generates points through drive-and-kick action or second-chance looks. The Hornets have struggled away from home (0-12 road record) and can be vulnerable when forced into extended half-court possessions, making tempo control, defensive rebounding, and ball pressure key points of emphasis for Northern Colorado.
SERIES NOTES: Northern Colorado holds a 26-10 advantage all-time against Sacramento State, including a 7-3 record over the last 10 meetings. UNC has been particularly strong in Greeley, owning a 14-3 home record in the series, while the Hornets have found more success in Sacramento.
The most recent meeting came Jan. 17, 2026, when Sacramento State edged Northern Colorado 93-89 in overtime at Hornet Pavilion. Several recent matchups have been decided late, including back-to-back narrow UNC wins during the 2023-24 season and multiple single-possession games across the last five years. Despite Northern Colorado's historical edge in the series, games between the Bears and Hornets have consistently featured high scores, momentum swings, and late-game execution.
SCOUTING THE VIKINGS: Portland State enters the matchup as the Big Sky's top team at 10-1 in league play (16-6 overall), bringing a physical, efficient style that blends downhill scoring, elite offensive rebounding and consistent half-court execution. The Vikings are scoring 78.4 points per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field, and they've paired that production with a steady defensive profile, holding opponents to 69.5 points per game and 40.6 percent shooting.
Terri Miller Jr. is the engine, leading PSU at 19.5 points per game while shooting 52.0 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from three. He also adds 5.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, giving the Vikings a true go-to scorer who can create in isolation, finish through contact, and punish help with timely threes. Jaylin Henderson provides a second high-volume option at 17.1 points per game, getting to the line regularly and converting at an 80.5 percent clip, while also serving as a primary facilitator (43 assists) and a constant presence with his pace and pressure.
On the glass, Portland State is anchored by a powerful frontcourt led by Keyon Kensie Jr. (11.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and Tre-Vaughn Minott (10.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg). Minott has been one of the league's most efficient finishers, shooting 65.1 percent from the field, and he's a major factor on second-chance possessions with his activity around the rim. Portland State also gets key spacing and shot-making from role players like Kelcy Phipps (5.0 ppg, 47.5% 3FG) and Sebastian Tidor (5.3 ppg), helping keep the floor spread around its primary drivers.
Portland State is at its best when it wins the possession game: crashing the offensive glass, limiting live-ball turnovers, and creating paint touches that open kick-out looks. For Northern Colorado, the emphasis starts with defensive rebounding and keeping the Vikings to one shot, then matching their physicality while staying connected to shooters and keeping Miller Jr. and Henderson out of rhythm in the open floor.
SERIES NOTES: Portland State holds a 22-18 edge in the all-time series with Northern Colorado, and the Vikings have won the last two meetings. The most recent matchup came Jan. 15, 2026, in Portland, when PSU edged UNC 76-73 after a tight, possession-by-possession finish.
The series has produced a number of high-scoring, late-game battles in recent seasons, including an overtime decision in Portland during the 2023-24 season and several games decided in the final minute. While Portland State has held the historical advantage, the last 10 meetings have tilted toward UNC (6-4), with multiple matchups turning on rebounding, free throws, and execution in the final possessions.
UP NEXT: The Bears will host Northern Arizona on Saturday, February 21 at 6 p.m. MST for Senior Night. Coverage will be available on EXPN+ and Pirate Radio.
FOLLOW THE BEARS: Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsMBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsMBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsMBB).
LAST TIME OUT: Northern Colorado continued its strong road form Saturday with a composed 69-61 win at Idaho State, pulling away in the second half after a tightly contested opening 20 minutes. UNC shot 56 percent before the break to take a 36-34 halftime lead, then seized control with a decisive run midway through the second half to build a double-digit advantage. The Bears finished at 52 percent from the floor, outscored the Bengals 44-30 in the paint, and closed the game by going 7-of-8 at the free-throw line. Ring Nyeri (16 points) and Brock Wisne (17 points, eight rebounds) paced a balanced effort, while UNC's defense held Idaho State to 37 percent shooting to secure the road win.
BIG SKY STANDINGS CONTEXT: Northern Colorado now sits at 5-7 in Big Sky play and 15-10 overall, riding a four-game winning streak and remaining firmly in the congested middle of the conference standings. With minimal separation between fourth and eighth place, UNC remains well within reach of a move up the table as the league schedule continues, particularly with key head-to-head matchups still ahead.
At the top, Portland State continues to set the pace at 10-1, followed by Montana and Montana State, both at 8-4. The middle tier remains tightly packed, with Weber State at 6-6 and Idaho, Sacramento State, and Eastern Washington all sitting at 5-6. With home-road splits continuing to shape results and multiple rematches on the horizon, the standings remain fluid as teams fight for postseason positioning.
RECORD WATCH: Brock Wisne moved into 15th place on UNC's all-time scoring list with 1,279 career points and now sits in a tie for sixth in program history in field goals made with 537.
Zach Bloch continues to make steady progress across multiple career categories, ranking ninth all-time at UNC in both three-pointers made (186) and three-point attempts (471), while sitting fifth in games played with 126, just six shy of the program record. Bloch also has 96 career steals, 17 away from cracking the all-time top 10, and is closing in on single-season marks as well, sitting six steals shy of the season top 10 and one made three away from entering the single-season top 10 list.
Quinn Denker remains one of the most productive playmakers in program history, currently ranking fifth on UNC's single-season assists list with 161 and continuing to move up the program's season-long distribution charts.
NATIONAL & CONFERENCE RANKINGS SNAPSHOT (Through Feb. 5, 2026):
Northern Colorado continues to profile as one of the Big Sky's most efficient and connected offensive teams, pairing strong national placement with conference-leading execution metrics. UNC ranks 58th nationally and first in the Big Sky in scoring offense (82.7 ppg), while also sitting 43rd nationally and first in the league in assists per game (16.9) and 52nd nationally, first in the conference in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.48), underscoring the Bears' consistent ball movement and offensive control.
Shooting efficiency remains a defining strength. Northern Colorado ranks 27th nationally and second in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage (49.0), 21st nationally and second in the conference in effective field-goal percentage (.571), and 43rd nationally, second in the league in three-point percentage (36.9). UNC also ranks 37th nationally and second in the Big Sky in three-pointers made per game (10.0), continuing to generate balance and spacing from the perimeter.
On the glass, the Bears maintain an edge through efficiency rather than volume, ranking 54th nationally and second in the Big Sky in rebound margin (+5.1) and 52nd nationally, second in the league in defensive rebounds per game (26.76). Northern Colorado also sits 120th nationally and third in the conference in total rebounds per game (36.72), limiting second-chance opportunities and supporting its scoring margin profile.
Individually, Quinn Denker continues to drive UNC's offensive identity, ranking 11th nationally and first in the Big Sky in total assists (161) and ninth nationally, first in the conference in assists per game (7.0). Brock Wisne anchors the interior, ranking first in the Big Sky and 48th nationally in field-goal percentage (57.1), while Zach Bloch remains one of the nation's premier shooters, ranking sixth nationally and first in the conference in three-point percentage (45.0) and leading the Big Sky in total three-pointers made (76) and three-pointers per game (3.04).
SCOUTING THE HORNETS: Sacramento State enters the matchup averaging 79.1 points per game, leaning on a high-usage, offense-first approach built around pace, shot volume, and individual creation. The Hornets shoot 42.3 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three while allowing 81.9 points per game on the defensive end, with efficiency often swinging based on game flow and perimeter shot-making.
Prophet Johnson drives Sacramento State's attack, averaging a team-high 18.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the floor and 41.9 percent from three. He logs heavy minutes as a primary scoring option and creates matchup issues with his combination of strength, shooting range, and rebounding from the wing. Mikey Williams provides a second high-volume scoring threat at 17.1 points per game, drawing fouls at a high rate and converting 83.0 percent from the free-throw line while functioning as both a scorer and secondary ball-handler.
Inside, Mark Lavrenov (10.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg) adds physicality and rebounding, while Jahni Summers (9.7 ppg) stretches the floor from the forward spot, shooting 46.6 percent from three and giving the Hornets needed spacing. Sacramento State also leans on depth pieces like Jayden Teat and Shaqir O'Neal to maintain energy and defensive activity, particularly at home, where the Hornets are 9–2 this season.
Sacramento State is most effective when it plays freely in the open floor, attacks early in the shot clock, and generates points through drive-and-kick action or second-chance looks. The Hornets have struggled away from home (0-12 road record) and can be vulnerable when forced into extended half-court possessions, making tempo control, defensive rebounding, and ball pressure key points of emphasis for Northern Colorado.
SERIES NOTES: Northern Colorado holds a 26-10 advantage all-time against Sacramento State, including a 7-3 record over the last 10 meetings. UNC has been particularly strong in Greeley, owning a 14-3 home record in the series, while the Hornets have found more success in Sacramento.
The most recent meeting came Jan. 17, 2026, when Sacramento State edged Northern Colorado 93-89 in overtime at Hornet Pavilion. Several recent matchups have been decided late, including back-to-back narrow UNC wins during the 2023-24 season and multiple single-possession games across the last five years. Despite Northern Colorado's historical edge in the series, games between the Bears and Hornets have consistently featured high scores, momentum swings, and late-game execution.
SCOUTING THE VIKINGS: Portland State enters the matchup as the Big Sky's top team at 10-1 in league play (16-6 overall), bringing a physical, efficient style that blends downhill scoring, elite offensive rebounding and consistent half-court execution. The Vikings are scoring 78.4 points per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field, and they've paired that production with a steady defensive profile, holding opponents to 69.5 points per game and 40.6 percent shooting.
Terri Miller Jr. is the engine, leading PSU at 19.5 points per game while shooting 52.0 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from three. He also adds 5.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, giving the Vikings a true go-to scorer who can create in isolation, finish through contact, and punish help with timely threes. Jaylin Henderson provides a second high-volume option at 17.1 points per game, getting to the line regularly and converting at an 80.5 percent clip, while also serving as a primary facilitator (43 assists) and a constant presence with his pace and pressure.
On the glass, Portland State is anchored by a powerful frontcourt led by Keyon Kensie Jr. (11.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and Tre-Vaughn Minott (10.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg). Minott has been one of the league's most efficient finishers, shooting 65.1 percent from the field, and he's a major factor on second-chance possessions with his activity around the rim. Portland State also gets key spacing and shot-making from role players like Kelcy Phipps (5.0 ppg, 47.5% 3FG) and Sebastian Tidor (5.3 ppg), helping keep the floor spread around its primary drivers.
Portland State is at its best when it wins the possession game: crashing the offensive glass, limiting live-ball turnovers, and creating paint touches that open kick-out looks. For Northern Colorado, the emphasis starts with defensive rebounding and keeping the Vikings to one shot, then matching their physicality while staying connected to shooters and keeping Miller Jr. and Henderson out of rhythm in the open floor.
SERIES NOTES: Portland State holds a 22-18 edge in the all-time series with Northern Colorado, and the Vikings have won the last two meetings. The most recent matchup came Jan. 15, 2026, in Portland, when PSU edged UNC 76-73 after a tight, possession-by-possession finish.
The series has produced a number of high-scoring, late-game battles in recent seasons, including an overtime decision in Portland during the 2023-24 season and several games decided in the final minute. While Portland State has held the historical advantage, the last 10 meetings have tilted toward UNC (6-4), with multiple matchups turning on rebounding, free throws, and execution in the final possessions.
UP NEXT: The Bears will host Northern Arizona on Saturday, February 21 at 6 p.m. MST for Senior Night. Coverage will be available on EXPN+ and Pirate Radio.
FOLLOW THE BEARS: Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action at uncbears.com and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsMBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsMBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsMBB).
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