West’s Double-Double Leads Bears to WNIT Win Over Falcons

Thursday, March 19

USAF Academy, CO

6:30 p.m. MDT

University of Northern Colorado

23-10,13-5Big Sky

Air Force

16-19,7-13Mountain West

Northern Colo.

Air Force

Lexie Martin | UNC Athletics

3/19/2026 9:29:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's basketball opened postseason play with a strong showing, defeating Air Force 79–72 at Clune Arena on Thursday night in the first round of the WNIT.

The Bears set the tone early and controlled much of the game, using an efficient offensive performance and a dominant presence in the paint to secure the road victory. Northern Colorado came out firing in the opening quarter, shooting over 64 percent from the field to build a 23–17 lead. The Bears carried that momentum into the second quarter, where they were even more efficient, going 11-for-14 from the floor to take a 48–33 advantage into halftime.

Leading the way for UNC was Tatum West, who delivered a standout performance with 22 points and 13 rebounds, recording her 10th double-double of the season while anchoring the Bears on both ends of the floor. Neenah George added 19 points and four assists, providing a steady scoring presence throughout the contest.

Northern Colorado continued to control the pace in the third quarter, extending its lead to as many as 15 behind strong interior scoring and timely shooting. UNC finished the game shooting an impressive 60 percent from the field and knocked down seven three-pointers.

Air Force made a late push in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to just one possession with under three minutes remaining. However, UNC responded with key plays down the stretch, including second-chance opportunities and clutch free throws to hold off the comeback attempt.

The Bears dominated inside, outscoring the Falcons 42–24 in the paint and controlling the glass with a 34–29 rebounding advantage. With the win, Northern Colorado advances in postseason play, building momentum behind a balanced offensive effort and strong execution in critical moments.

UP NEXT: The Bears turn their attention to the second round of the WNIT, traveling to Vermillion, South Dakota for a match up with the Coyotes on Sunday, March 22. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. MDT.

SURVIVE AND ADVANCE: After a big win in their in-state Round One WNIT match up, celebrate the Bears postseason momentum by making a gift to the Fast Break Club today. Your support fuels UNC Women's Basketball and helps provide the resources our student-athletes need to continue competing at the highest level this postseason.

Give for the W: https://advance.unco.edu/g/womenbasketball

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