University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Thursday, March 19
USAF Academy, CO
6:30 p.m. MDT
University of Northern Colorado
at
Air Force
Big Sky Conference
PREVIEW: Bears Hit the Road for WNIT Battle with Air Force
3/17/2026 3:10:00 PM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's basketball begins postseason action in the opening round of the WNIT on Thursday, March 19, traveling to face Air Force in an in-state match up. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. MDT.
The Bears enter the Women's National Invitation Tournament following one of the program's strongest seasons in recent years, marking their 14th all-time postseason appearance. Carrying momentum from a successful regular season, Northern Colorado now shifts its focus to making a run on the national stage.
Thursday's match up features a familiar opponent in Air Force, adding extra intensity to an already high-stakes contest. With in-state pride on the line and a spot in the next round at stake, both teams will look to extend their seasons in what promises to be a competitive battle.
Fans can watch the game live on the Mountain West Network, with live stats and real-time updates provided on the official UNC Women's Basketball social media channels
NOTES ABOUT THE BEARS: Northern Colorado's success this year has been fueled by a balanced offensive attack and consistent production across the lineup. The Bears have showcased their ability to score at all three levels while also relying on disciplined defensive efforts to limit opponents. Northern Colorado enters the WNIT averaging 68.4 points per game while shooting 41.5% from the field as a team. The Bears are led by a trio of double-figure scorers in Neenah George (12.6 ppg), Heather Baymon (11.6 ppg) and Tatum West (10.8 ppg), each bringing a different dynamic to the floor. Baymon provides a major threat from beyond the arc with a team-high 66 three-pointers, while West anchors the paint, averaging a near double-double with 9.2 rebounds per game on an efficient 57.2% shooting clip. George adds versatility on the wing, contributing across the stat sheet. As a unit, UNC controls the glass, outrebounding opponents by over five boards per game, and uses its depth to generate scoring throughout the lineup, with five players averaging at least 7.0 points per contest.
SCOUTING AIR FORCE: The Falcons enter the WNIT following an impressive run in the Mountain West Tournament, securing three wins to advance to the championship game before falling to Colorado State in the title match up. Air Force presents a balanced offensive attack, led by Milahnie Perry, who averages 17.9 points per game and serves as the primary scoring option with the ability to create her own shot. Emily Adams and Keelie O'Hollaren provide secondary scoring, combining interior presence and perimeter shooting, while Jayda McNabb anchors the glass with a team-high 7.4 rebounds per game and adds versatility on both ends. As a team, the Falcons average just under 60 points per game and rely on spreading the floor, shooting 35.7% from the field and 27.6% from beyond the arc.
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. AIR FORCE
Overall Series: UNC leads 9-4 (since 2007)
Last Meeting: UNC 66, AF 73 (Nov. 11, 2024 in Greeley)
Current Trend: In their last 10 match ups, the Bears hold a 7-3 favorable record.
DETAILS TO KNOW IF MAKING THE TRIP TO AIR FORCE: Access procedures at the U.S. Air Force Academy continue to affect athletic events. While the installation remains open, anyone without a DoD ID card must obtain a visitor pass to enter the base. New this year: Passes will now be issued monthly instead of requiring a separate submission for each event. This means ticket holders only need to complete the form once per month to gain access to all events during that time. Ticket holders can request a base pass using the link provided below. After registering, you will receive a message on our phone to present at the gate when entering the Academy. Fans must also present their game tickets at each venue. All tickets and credentialed attendees can enter through the North or South gate. North gate is recommended for access to Clune Arena/athletic fields.Note: When completing the information from the link, please use the information directly from your driver's license (Robert vs. Bob). Your ID must also be REAL ID compliant. Anyone under 18 will not be required to do a QR code.
FASTBREAK CLUB: The Fastbreak Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Women's Basketball. Contributions enhance the overall student-athlete experience by providing elevated nutrition, high-quality equipment, and championship-level travel opportunities. These investments directly support our student-athletes as they prepare to compete at the Big Sky Championships ensuring the Bears are equipped to perform at their best.
Give to the Fastbreak Club today!
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)
The Bears enter the Women's National Invitation Tournament following one of the program's strongest seasons in recent years, marking their 14th all-time postseason appearance. Carrying momentum from a successful regular season, Northern Colorado now shifts its focus to making a run on the national stage.
Thursday's match up features a familiar opponent in Air Force, adding extra intensity to an already high-stakes contest. With in-state pride on the line and a spot in the next round at stake, both teams will look to extend their seasons in what promises to be a competitive battle.
Fans can watch the game live on the Mountain West Network, with live stats and real-time updates provided on the official UNC Women's Basketball social media channels
NOTES ABOUT THE BEARS: Northern Colorado's success this year has been fueled by a balanced offensive attack and consistent production across the lineup. The Bears have showcased their ability to score at all three levels while also relying on disciplined defensive efforts to limit opponents. Northern Colorado enters the WNIT averaging 68.4 points per game while shooting 41.5% from the field as a team. The Bears are led by a trio of double-figure scorers in Neenah George (12.6 ppg), Heather Baymon (11.6 ppg) and Tatum West (10.8 ppg), each bringing a different dynamic to the floor. Baymon provides a major threat from beyond the arc with a team-high 66 three-pointers, while West anchors the paint, averaging a near double-double with 9.2 rebounds per game on an efficient 57.2% shooting clip. George adds versatility on the wing, contributing across the stat sheet. As a unit, UNC controls the glass, outrebounding opponents by over five boards per game, and uses its depth to generate scoring throughout the lineup, with five players averaging at least 7.0 points per contest.
SCOUTING AIR FORCE: The Falcons enter the WNIT following an impressive run in the Mountain West Tournament, securing three wins to advance to the championship game before falling to Colorado State in the title match up. Air Force presents a balanced offensive attack, led by Milahnie Perry, who averages 17.9 points per game and serves as the primary scoring option with the ability to create her own shot. Emily Adams and Keelie O'Hollaren provide secondary scoring, combining interior presence and perimeter shooting, while Jayda McNabb anchors the glass with a team-high 7.4 rebounds per game and adds versatility on both ends. As a team, the Falcons average just under 60 points per game and rely on spreading the floor, shooting 35.7% from the field and 27.6% from beyond the arc.
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. AIR FORCE
Overall Series: UNC leads 9-4 (since 2007)
Last Meeting: UNC 66, AF 73 (Nov. 11, 2024 in Greeley)
Current Trend: In their last 10 match ups, the Bears hold a 7-3 favorable record.
DETAILS TO KNOW IF MAKING THE TRIP TO AIR FORCE: Access procedures at the U.S. Air Force Academy continue to affect athletic events. While the installation remains open, anyone without a DoD ID card must obtain a visitor pass to enter the base. New this year: Passes will now be issued monthly instead of requiring a separate submission for each event. This means ticket holders only need to complete the form once per month to gain access to all events during that time. Ticket holders can request a base pass using the link provided below. After registering, you will receive a message on our phone to present at the gate when entering the Academy. Fans must also present their game tickets at each venue. All tickets and credentialed attendees can enter through the North or South gate. North gate is recommended for access to Clune Arena/athletic fields.Note: When completing the information from the link, please use the information directly from your driver's license (Robert vs. Bob). Your ID must also be REAL ID compliant. Anyone under 18 will not be required to do a QR code.
FASTBREAK CLUB: The Fastbreak Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Women's Basketball. Contributions enhance the overall student-athlete experience by providing elevated nutrition, high-quality equipment, and championship-level travel opportunities. These investments directly support our student-athletes as they prepare to compete at the Big Sky Championships ensuring the Bears are equipped to perform at their best.
Give to the Fastbreak Club today!
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)
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Basketball
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