University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Thursday, February 5
Ogden, Utah
7 p.m. MST
University of Northern Colorado
at
Weber State
Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics
PREVIEW: Men’s Basketball Heads to Weber State, Idaho State
2/3/2026 2:31:00 PM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado heads back on the road for a Big Sky swing through Utah and Idaho, taking on Weber State and Idaho State as conference play continues to tighten. Coming off a composed homestand built on efficient offense and improved ball control, the Bears prepare for two physical road environments that will test their execution, poise and defensive discipline away from Greeley.
LAST TIME OUT: Northern Colorado capped a perfect homestand with its second consecutive Big Sky victory Saturday afternoon, edging Eastern Washington 74-71 at Bank of Colorado Arena to climb back into the league conversation. The Bears followed up Thursday's offensive breakout against Idaho with a composed, efficient performance, leaning on timely shot-making and their cleanest ball-control night of conference play to secure the win.
After a tightly contested first half that featured multiple lead changes, UNC carried a narrow 32-31 advantage into the locker room. Eastern Washington continued to apply pressure after the break, but Northern Colorado consistently answered, shooting 42.1 percent in the second half and matching the Eagles possession-for-possession down the stretch. The Bears committed a season-low four turnovers and executed in late-game situations, closing out the contest at the free-throw line and on the defensive end.
Ring Nyeri delivered a career performance, finishing with a career-high 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting while adding five rebounds, a steal and two blocks. Nyeri scored nine points over the final seven minutes, including a key second-chance three late, as UNC controlled the final possessions. Brock Wisne added 13 points and nine rebounds, converting 7-of-8 at the line, while Quinn Denker filled the stat sheet with nine points, eight assists and eight rebounds to guide the offense.
BIG SKY STANDINGS CONTEXT: Northern Colorado now sits at 3-7 in Big Sky play and 13-10 overall following back-to-back home wins, moving into a tightly packed middle tier of the standings. Eight conference games have been decided by three points or fewer across the league over the last two weeks, and UNC has already played several teams currently positioned above them in the table.
Portland State continues to pace the conference at 8-1, while Montana and Montana State remain close behind at 7-3. Idaho and Weber State are locked at 5-4, with Sacramento State and Eastern Washington hovering in the next tier. With several home-road disparities across the conference and multiple second meetings still ahead, continued movement remains likely as the schedule turns toward the final third of league play.
NATIONAL & CONFERENCE RANKINGS SNAPSHOT (Through Feb. 1, 2026):
Northern Colorado continues to profile as one of the Big Sky's most efficient offensive teams, ranking among the league's leaders while posting strong national placement across core metrics. The Bears rank 58th nationally and first in the Big Sky in scoring offense at 83.1 points per game, while also sitting 40th nationally and first in the league in assists per game (17.1) and 51st nationally, first in the Big Sky in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.50), underscoring UNC's ball movement and offensive execution.
Shooting efficiency remains a defining strength for the Bears. Northern Colorado ranks 37th nationally and second in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage (48.5), 27th nationally and second in the conference in effective field-goal percentage (.566), and 46th nationally, second in the league in three-point percentage (36.6). UNC also ranks 34th nationally and second in the Big Sky in three-pointers made per game (10.1), reinforcing its perimeter balance.
On the glass, the Bears rank 55th nationally and second in the Big Sky in rebound margin (+5.2), while sitting 58th nationally and second in the league in defensive rebounds per game (26.61). Northern Colorado also ranks 119th nationally and third in conference in rebounds per game (36.9), continuing to generate second-chance opportunities while limiting opponents.
Individually, Quinn Denker ranks 11th nationally and first in the Big Sky in total assists (148) and seventh nationally and first in the conference in assists per game (7.0), while also sitting second in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.74). Brock Wisne anchors UNC's interior efficiency, ranking 48th nationally and first in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage (56.9). Zach Bloch remains one of the nation's elite perimeter shooters, ranking fourth nationally and first in the Big Sky in three-point percentage (45.9), while also leading the league in three-pointers per game (3.17).
RECORD WATCH: Zach Bloch remains fifth all-time in Northern Colorado men's basketball history for games played with 124.
Quinn Denker's 148 assists place him sixth in single-season program history, with significant runway remaining as conference play continues.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS: Weber State enters the matchup averaging 82.6 points per game, ranking among the Big Sky's most balanced offensive teams with six players averaging at least 9.5 points per contest. The Wildcats shoot 47.0 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three, spreading scoring responsibilities across the perimeter and interior while consistently attacking the glass.
Tijani Saine Jr. is Weber State's primary offensive engine, averaging 15.9 points per game while shooting 39.6 percent from three and 88.1 percent at the free-throw line, serving as both a scorer and late-clock option. Viljami Vartiainen adds perimeter punch at 12.1 points per game, knocking down 41.6 percent from deep, while Jace Whiting contributes 11.6 points per game with the ability to score at all three levels.
Inside, the Wildcats feature a physical frontcourt anchored by Edwin Suarez Jr. and Malek Gomma. Suarez averages 10.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, providing strength around the rim and second-chance opportunities, while Gomma chips in 8.1 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game, helping Weber State control possessions when it establishes tempo. Nigel Burris (9.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and Trevor Hennig (9.8 ppg) add depth and versatility, giving the Wildcats multiple scoring options off the bench.
Weber State thrives when it wins the rebounding battle and converts inside-out opportunities, but the Wildcats can be vulnerable defensively when opponents force rotations and stretch the floor. Ball pressure, transition defense and limiting second-chance looks will be key for Northern Colorado in disrupting Weber State's rhythm.
SERIES NOTES: Northern Colorado and Weber State have met regularly since 2006, with Weber State holding a 26-14 advantage in the all-time series. Games in Greeley have been tightly contested, as UNC holds a 9-10 home record against the Wildcats, while Weber State has traditionally protected its home floor in Ogden.
The Bears and Wildcats have split the last 10 meetings 5-5, including multiple single-possession games and postseason matchups. Most recently, Weber State edged Northern Colorado 76-71 in Greeley on Jan. 10, 2026, while UNC won two of three meetings during the 2024-25 season, including a 76-52 neutral-site win in the Big Sky Tournament and a 68-63 road victory in Ogden.
Several matchups in the series have come down to the final minute, including UNC's 65-64 road win in 2020 and a 60-59 loss in Ogden in 2021, reinforcing the margin-for-error nature of the matchup.
SCOUTING THE BENGALS: Idaho State enters the matchup averaging 75.6 points per game, relying on a balanced attack with four players averaging double figures while mixing perimeter shooting with physical interior play. The Bengals shoot 46.1 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from three, while defending at a similar efficiency, holding opponents to 45.5 percent shooting.
Connor Hollenbeck leads Idaho State offensively at 13.7 points per game, shooting 38.0 percent from three and 79.4 percent at the free-throw line while logging heavy minutes as a primary scorer on the wing. Caleb Van De Griend provides a strong interior presence, averaging 12.0 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 55.8 percent from the floor, giving the Bengals consistent scoring inside.
Jamison Guerra serves as Idaho State's primary ball-handler and facilitator, contributing 10.0 points and 4.4 assists per game while ranking among the conference leaders in assist-to-turnover efficiency. Martin Kheil (10.8 ppg) and Lachlan Brewer (8.8 ppg) add perimeter versatility and spacing, while Evan Otten anchors the interior defensively with 39 blocks, providing rim protection and rebounding in traffic.
Idaho State is at its best when it controls tempo, limits turnovers, and plays through its half-court sets, but the Bengals can be vulnerable when opponents push pace and stretch the defense laterally. Transition execution, defensive rebounding, and ball pressure will be key for Northern Colorado in disrupting Idaho State's rhythm.
SERIES NOTES: Northern Colorado has enjoyed sustained success against Idaho State, holding a 24-16 advantage in the all-time series dating back to 2007. The Bears have won seven of the last 10 meetings and enter the matchup on a three-game winning streak against the Bengals.
UNC has been particularly strong at home, owning a 15-6 record in Greeley against Idaho State, including an 85-72 victory in the most recent matchup on Jan. 8, 2026. That win marked the fourth straight meeting between the teams decided by double digits in Greeley.
Several contests in the series have gone down to the wire, including a 93-92 overtime win for UNC on Jan. 4, 2025, and multiple road games in Pocatello decided by single possessions. While Northern Colorado has controlled the recent head-to-head, games between the Bears and Bengals continue to feature physical play, late-game execution, and significant swings in momentum.
UP NEXT: Northern Colorado returns home to Bank of Colorado Arena for a two-game Big Sky homestand, opening the week Thursday night against Sacramento State on Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. MST. The Bears will then welcome Portland State on Saturday, Feb. 14, for a 2 p.m. matinee. Both matchups will be streamed live on ESPN+, with audio coverage available on 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 capped a perfect homestand with its second consecutive Big Sky victory Saturday afternoon, edging Eastern Washington 74-71 at Bank of Colorado Arena to climb back into the league conversation. The Bears followed up Thursday's offensive breakout against Idaho with a composed, efficient performance, leaning on timely shot-making and their cleanest ball-control night of conference play to secure the win.
After a tightly contested first half that featured multiple lead changes, UNC carried a narrow 32-31 advantage into the locker room. Eastern Washington continued to apply pressure after the break, but Northern Colorado consistently answered, shooting 42.1 percent in the second half and matching the Eagles possession-for-possession down the stretch. The Bears committed a season-low four turnovers and executed in late-game situations, closing out the contest at the free-throw line and on the defensive end.
Ring Nyeri delivered a career performance, finishing with a career-high 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting while adding five rebounds, a steal and two blocks. Nyeri scored nine points over the final seven minutes, including a key second-chance three late, as UNC controlled the final possessions. Brock Wisne added 13 points and nine rebounds, converting 7-of-8 at the line, while Quinn Denker filled the stat sheet with nine points, eight assists and eight rebounds to guide the offense.
BIG SKY STANDINGS CONTEXT: Northern Colorado now sits at 3-7 in Big Sky play and 13-10 overall following back-to-back home wins, moving into a tightly packed middle tier of the standings. Eight conference games have been decided by three points or fewer across the league over the last two weeks, and UNC has already played several teams currently positioned above them in the table.
Portland State continues to pace the conference at 8-1, while Montana and Montana State remain close behind at 7-3. Idaho and Weber State are locked at 5-4, with Sacramento State and Eastern Washington hovering in the next tier. With several home-road disparities across the conference and multiple second meetings still ahead, continued movement remains likely as the schedule turns toward the final third of league play.
NATIONAL & CONFERENCE RANKINGS SNAPSHOT (Through Feb. 1, 2026):
Northern Colorado continues to profile as one of the Big Sky's most efficient offensive teams, ranking among the league's leaders while posting strong national placement across core metrics. The Bears rank 58th nationally and first in the Big Sky in scoring offense at 83.1 points per game, while also sitting 40th nationally and first in the league in assists per game (17.1) and 51st nationally, first in the Big Sky in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.50), underscoring UNC's ball movement and offensive execution.
Shooting efficiency remains a defining strength for the Bears. Northern Colorado ranks 37th nationally and second in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage (48.5), 27th nationally and second in the conference in effective field-goal percentage (.566), and 46th nationally, second in the league in three-point percentage (36.6). UNC also ranks 34th nationally and second in the Big Sky in three-pointers made per game (10.1), reinforcing its perimeter balance.
On the glass, the Bears rank 55th nationally and second in the Big Sky in rebound margin (+5.2), while sitting 58th nationally and second in the league in defensive rebounds per game (26.61). Northern Colorado also ranks 119th nationally and third in conference in rebounds per game (36.9), continuing to generate second-chance opportunities while limiting opponents.
Individually, Quinn Denker ranks 11th nationally and first in the Big Sky in total assists (148) and seventh nationally and first in the conference in assists per game (7.0), while also sitting second in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.74). Brock Wisne anchors UNC's interior efficiency, ranking 48th nationally and first in the Big Sky in field-goal percentage (56.9). Zach Bloch remains one of the nation's elite perimeter shooters, ranking fourth nationally and first in the Big Sky in three-point percentage (45.9), while also leading the league in three-pointers per game (3.17).
RECORD WATCH: Zach Bloch remains fifth all-time in Northern Colorado men's basketball history for games played with 124.
Quinn Denker's 148 assists place him sixth in single-season program history, with significant runway remaining as conference play continues.
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS: Weber State enters the matchup averaging 82.6 points per game, ranking among the Big Sky's most balanced offensive teams with six players averaging at least 9.5 points per contest. The Wildcats shoot 47.0 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three, spreading scoring responsibilities across the perimeter and interior while consistently attacking the glass.
Tijani Saine Jr. is Weber State's primary offensive engine, averaging 15.9 points per game while shooting 39.6 percent from three and 88.1 percent at the free-throw line, serving as both a scorer and late-clock option. Viljami Vartiainen adds perimeter punch at 12.1 points per game, knocking down 41.6 percent from deep, while Jace Whiting contributes 11.6 points per game with the ability to score at all three levels.
Inside, the Wildcats feature a physical frontcourt anchored by Edwin Suarez Jr. and Malek Gomma. Suarez averages 10.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, providing strength around the rim and second-chance opportunities, while Gomma chips in 8.1 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game, helping Weber State control possessions when it establishes tempo. Nigel Burris (9.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and Trevor Hennig (9.8 ppg) add depth and versatility, giving the Wildcats multiple scoring options off the bench.
Weber State thrives when it wins the rebounding battle and converts inside-out opportunities, but the Wildcats can be vulnerable defensively when opponents force rotations and stretch the floor. Ball pressure, transition defense and limiting second-chance looks will be key for Northern Colorado in disrupting Weber State's rhythm.
SERIES NOTES: Northern Colorado and Weber State have met regularly since 2006, with Weber State holding a 26-14 advantage in the all-time series. Games in Greeley have been tightly contested, as UNC holds a 9-10 home record against the Wildcats, while Weber State has traditionally protected its home floor in Ogden.
The Bears and Wildcats have split the last 10 meetings 5-5, including multiple single-possession games and postseason matchups. Most recently, Weber State edged Northern Colorado 76-71 in Greeley on Jan. 10, 2026, while UNC won two of three meetings during the 2024-25 season, including a 76-52 neutral-site win in the Big Sky Tournament and a 68-63 road victory in Ogden.
Several matchups in the series have come down to the final minute, including UNC's 65-64 road win in 2020 and a 60-59 loss in Ogden in 2021, reinforcing the margin-for-error nature of the matchup.
SCOUTING THE BENGALS: Idaho State enters the matchup averaging 75.6 points per game, relying on a balanced attack with four players averaging double figures while mixing perimeter shooting with physical interior play. The Bengals shoot 46.1 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from three, while defending at a similar efficiency, holding opponents to 45.5 percent shooting.
Connor Hollenbeck leads Idaho State offensively at 13.7 points per game, shooting 38.0 percent from three and 79.4 percent at the free-throw line while logging heavy minutes as a primary scorer on the wing. Caleb Van De Griend provides a strong interior presence, averaging 12.0 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 55.8 percent from the floor, giving the Bengals consistent scoring inside.
Jamison Guerra serves as Idaho State's primary ball-handler and facilitator, contributing 10.0 points and 4.4 assists per game while ranking among the conference leaders in assist-to-turnover efficiency. Martin Kheil (10.8 ppg) and Lachlan Brewer (8.8 ppg) add perimeter versatility and spacing, while Evan Otten anchors the interior defensively with 39 blocks, providing rim protection and rebounding in traffic.
Idaho State is at its best when it controls tempo, limits turnovers, and plays through its half-court sets, but the Bengals can be vulnerable when opponents push pace and stretch the defense laterally. Transition execution, defensive rebounding, and ball pressure will be key for Northern Colorado in disrupting Idaho State's rhythm.
SERIES NOTES: Northern Colorado has enjoyed sustained success against Idaho State, holding a 24-16 advantage in the all-time series dating back to 2007. The Bears have won seven of the last 10 meetings and enter the matchup on a three-game winning streak against the Bengals.
UNC has been particularly strong at home, owning a 15-6 record in Greeley against Idaho State, including an 85-72 victory in the most recent matchup on Jan. 8, 2026. That win marked the fourth straight meeting between the teams decided by double digits in Greeley.
Several contests in the series have gone down to the wire, including a 93-92 overtime win for UNC on Jan. 4, 2025, and multiple road games in Pocatello decided by single possessions. While Northern Colorado has controlled the recent head-to-head, games between the Bears and Bengals continue to feature physical play, late-game execution, and significant swings in momentum.
UP NEXT: Northern Colorado returns home to Bank of Colorado Arena for a two-game Big Sky homestand, opening the week Thursday night against Sacramento State on Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. MST. The Bears will then welcome Portland State on Saturday, Feb. 14, for a 2 p.m. matinee. Both matchups will be streamed live on ESPN+, with audio coverage available on 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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