Bears Cruise to 81–53 Victory, Clinch First 20-Win Season Since 2018–19

Saturday, February 21

Flagstaff, Ariz.

2 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

20-8,11-4Big Sky

Northern Arizona

10-18,6-9Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Northern Ariz.

NAU Athletics

Photo by: Landon Johnson Photo.com

2/21/2026 4:32:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Colorado delivered a dominant all-around performance Saturday afternoon, rolling past Northern Arizona 81–53 at Findlay Toyota Court.

The Bears established control from the opening tip, racing out to a 21–12 lead after the first quarter. The team tightened up defensively in the second, holding the Lumberjacks to just seven points to carry a 37–19 cushion into the break.

Northern Colorado finished the afternoon shooting 49.2 percent (31-of-63) from the floor and dominated inside with 48 points in the paint. The Bears defensive pressure proved pivotal, as they forced 23 turnovers and turned them into 33 points on the other end.

Heather Baymon paced the offense with 15 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. Tatum West recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 12 points and a team-best 10 rebounds, while Neenah George added 12 points of her own. Aniah Hall provided a major lift off the bench, finishing with 12 points on 3-of-4 shooting and going 6-for-7 at the free-throw line.

Northern Colorado's depth was on full display, as the bench poured in 44 points. Ruthie Loomis-Goltl contributed 10 points, and Lilah Moore was perfect from the field, scoring seven points on 3-of-3 shooting.

After pushing the lead to 60–34 by the end of the third quarter, the Bears put the finishing touches on the victory by shooting 60 percent in the fourth.

Northern Arizona was held to 38.6 percent shooting and just 26 points in the paint.

The win highlights Northern Colorado's balanced scoring, interior dominance, and defensive intensity and marks the program's first 20-win season since the 2018–19 campaign.

RECORD WATCH: Several veteran Bears continue climbing the program's record book. Gabi Fields now ranks No. 2 in career steals with 246 and sits sixth in career assists with 356. She also ranks tied for ninth in games played with 121, is tied for second in games started with 120, and stands 16th in career free throws made with 219.

Aniah Hall continues her steady rise, ranking 10th in games played with 119, sixth in career blocked shots with 91, and 13th in career rebounds with 613.

Tatum West now sits 14th in career rebounds with 599 and is tied for ninth in single season steals with 61 and counting.

UP NEXT: Northern Colorado returns to Bank of Colorado Arena for its regular-season home finale as the Bears host Eastern Washington on Thursday, February 26. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT. The match up will also serve as Senior Day, honoring the program's graduating student-athletes.

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