PREVIEW: Bears Head to Flagstaff to Take On Northern Arizona

Saturday, February 21

Flagstaff, Ariz.

2 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

Northern Arizona

Jesus Ayala | UNC Athletics

2/19/2026 10:03:00 AM | Women's Basketball

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's basketball continues its road stretch Saturday, Feb. 21, traveling to face Northern Arizona. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. MT inside the J. Lawrence Walk-up Sky dome.

The game will stream live on ESPN+, with live updates available through the team's official social media channels.

Northern Colorado enters Saturday's match up fresh off a 2–0 road swing, improving to 8–4 away from home this season. The Bears opened the trip with a strong, controlled performance at Sacramento State, controlling the tempo and executing efficiently on both ends of the floor. UNC carried that momentum into Portland State, delivering another complete effort to secure the sweep. The two victories strengthened the Bears standing in the Big Sky Conference and highlighted the team's balance and depth heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

BEARS ARE DEEP
Through 27 games, Northern Colorado's depth has been a defining strength. The Bears rank among the top programs nationally in bench production, averaging 30.7 points per game from their reserves. UNC's ability to rotate multiple lineups without sacrificing defensive intensity or offensive efficiency has consistently worn-down opponents and fueled extended scoring runs throughout the season.

TATUM WEST AMONG NATION'S BEST ON THE GLASS
Tatum West continues to make her presence felt on the offensive glass, averaging nearly four offensive rebounds per game. Her relentless effort and physicality create valuable second-chance opportunities that often shift momentum in UNC's favor.

West's work on the boards has been instrumental throughout conference play.

RECORD WATCH
Several veteran Bears continue climbing the program's all-time record book. Gabi Fields now ranks No. 2 in career steals with 244 and sits sixth in career assists with 352. She also ranks 10th in games played with 120, is tied for third in games started with 119, and stands 16th in career free throws made with 217. At the conference level, Fields currently ranks No. 15 in career steals in Big Sky history.

Aniah Hall continues her steady rise, ranking 10th in games played with 118, sixth in career blocked shots with 89, and 13th in career rebounds with 608.

Tatum West now sits 14th in career rebounds with 589 and is tied for 15th in single-season steals with 58 and counting.

SCOUTING THE LUMBERJACKS
Northern Arizona enters Saturday's contest looking to gain ground in the Big Sky standings. The Lumberjacks average 71.9 points per game and feature a balanced offensive attack.

Guard Naomi White leads the conference in scoring at 21.9 points per game, while Maddison Watts adds 10.8 points per contest. UNC will look to apply defensive pressure early and use its depth to control the tempo.

ALL-TIME SERIES VS. NORTHERN ARIZONA
Overall Series: UNC leads 21-16 (since 2008)
Last Meeting: UNC 72, NAU 59 (Jan 24, 2026 in Greeley)
Current Trend: With their win earlier this season, the Bears snapped a nine-game losing streak dating back since 2022.

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_BearsWBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsWBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsWBB)