University of Northern Colorado Athletics
PREVIEW: Bears Begin Starch Madness Postseason Run Monday in Boise Against Eastern Washington
3/6/2026 10:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's basketball is gearing up to begin its postseason run in the Big Sky Conference tournament, known as Starch Madness, which tips off Saturday, March 7 in Boise, Idaho. The Bears secured the No. 3 seed in the tournament and will open play in the third round (Game 6) against No. 6 seed Eastern Washington on Monday, March 9.
Tip off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. MT as Northern Colorado aims to build on a successful regular season and make a deep push through the conference tournament bracket. With strong momentum entering postseason play, the Bears are looking to capitalize on their balanced roster and consistent production throughout the year.
The Bears wrapped up the regular season with a 22-9 overall record, marking the program's first 20-win season under Head Coach Kristen Mattio and the first since the 2018-19 campaign. UNC also posted a 13-5 record in Big Sky play, the best conference finish during the Mattio era and a testament to the team's growth and development over the course of the season.
NOTES ABOUT THE BEARS: Northern Colorado finished the regular season averaging 69 points per game while shooting 41.9 percent from the field. The Bears were especially strong on the boards throughout the year, averaging 37.9 rebounds per contest and consistently controlling the glass on both ends of the floor. Defensively, the 2025-26 squad has made program history by breaking the single season steals record with 352, highlighting the team's aggressive defensive pressure and ability to create turnovers.
Tatum West has continued to be a major contributor for the Bears, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. The junior forward recorded her ninth double-double of the season in Monday's regular-season finale against Montana. West enters postseason play nearly averaging a double-double with 10.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, providing a steady presence in the paint and on the boards.
Heather Baymon and Aniah Hall have both played key roles coming off the bench for Northern Colorado, bringing immediate energy and production when they enter the game. Baymon has been a consistent offensive spark, averaging 11.5 points per game off the bench this season. Meanwhile, Hall has made her presence felt in the paint, averaging nearly 10 points and five rebounds per contest while providing physicality down low.
Gabi Fields has orchestrated the Bears offense throughout the year and continues to be one of the team's primary playmakers. Fields has accumulated 363 career assists, placing her among the top five in program history. She has also recorded 254 career steals, which ranks second all-time in Northern Colorado history. Her leadership and ability to control the pace of the game will be crucial as the Bears begin their postseason run in Starch Madness.
Neenah George has also delivered steady and impactful performances all season long. The sophomore guard is averaging 12.7 points per game and has consistently stepped up in key moments, making clutch plays that have helped fuel the Bears success throughout the campaign.
BEAR REMAIN IN THE TOP TEN NATIONALLY: As of Monday, March 2, Northern Colorado's depth has become a defining strength and has earned national recognition. The Bears ranked seventh among all NCAA Division I programs in bench points per game, showcasing their ability to rely on contributions throughout the lineup. Northern Colorado has totaled 907 points from its bench and is averaging 30.2 points per contest from reserve players, a testament to the team's balance, energy, and depth.
SCOUTING EASTERN WASHINGTON: The Eagles finished with a 14–17 overall record and 7–11 mark in Big Sky action. Eastern Washington averaged 69.5 points per game while allowing 68.6. Offensively, the Eagles are led by Ella Gallatin (15.9 ppg) and Elyn Bowers (14.7 ppg) in the backcourt. Both guards handle a large share of the scoring and playmaking responsibilities and are \ perimeter shooters, combining for over 200 assists on the season. Kourtney Grossman (14.1 ppg, 12.8 rpg) anchors the interior and is a dominant rebounder, frequently producing double-doubles and creating second-chance opportunities. Jaecy Eggers (11.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg) provides additional inside scoring and is a major defensive presence with 47 blocks, protecting the rim and contesting shots in the paint.
As a team, they shoot 39.2% from the field and 31.6% from three, showing the ability to score from the perimeter. They hold a +4.5-rebounding margin, making rebounding a key strength, particularly on the defensive glass with Grossman and Eggers controlling the paint.
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. EASTERN WASHINGTON
Overall Series: UNC leads 24-15 (since 2008)
Last Meeting: UNC 70, EWU 65 (Feb 26, 2026 in Greeley)
Current Trend: In their last five matchups, the Bears hold a 4-1 favorable record.
BUY TICKETS FOR STARCH MADNESS: The 2026 Big Sky Men's & Women's Basketball Championships will be held March 7-11 at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho. For the 11th consecutive season, all Big Sky member institutions will compete in the conference tournament, with 10 teams participating on both the men's and women's sides. Tournament champions will earn automatic berths to the NCAA Division I Basketball Championship. All games will stream on ESPN+, with both championship games airing on the ESPN family of networks.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:
Saturday, March 7
Women's First Round (WBB Session 1)
Game 1: #9 Weber State vs. #10 Portland State - 12:00 p.m. MT
Game 2: #7 Northern Arizona vs. #8 Montana - 2:30 p.m. MT
Sunday, March 8
Women's Second Round (WBB Session 2)
Game 3: #1 Idaho vs. Game 1 Winner - 12:00 p.m. MT
Game 4: #2 Montana State vs. Game 2 Winner - 2:30 p.m. MT
Monday, March 9
Women's Third Round (WBB Session 3)
Game 5: #4 Idaho State vs. #5 Sacramento State - 12:00 p.m. MT
Game 6: #3 Northern Colorado vs. #6 Eastern Washington - 2:30 p.m. MT
Tuesday, March 10
Women's Semifinals (WBB Session 4)
Game 7: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner - 12:00 p.m. MT
Game 8: Game 4 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner - 2:30 p.m. MT
Wednesday, March 11
Women's Championship (WBB Session 5)
Game 9: Game 7 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner - 3:00 p.m. MT
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)
Tip off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. MT as Northern Colorado aims to build on a successful regular season and make a deep push through the conference tournament bracket. With strong momentum entering postseason play, the Bears are looking to capitalize on their balanced roster and consistent production throughout the year.
The Bears wrapped up the regular season with a 22-9 overall record, marking the program's first 20-win season under Head Coach Kristen Mattio and the first since the 2018-19 campaign. UNC also posted a 13-5 record in Big Sky play, the best conference finish during the Mattio era and a testament to the team's growth and development over the course of the season.
NOTES ABOUT THE BEARS: Northern Colorado finished the regular season averaging 69 points per game while shooting 41.9 percent from the field. The Bears were especially strong on the boards throughout the year, averaging 37.9 rebounds per contest and consistently controlling the glass on both ends of the floor. Defensively, the 2025-26 squad has made program history by breaking the single season steals record with 352, highlighting the team's aggressive defensive pressure and ability to create turnovers.
Tatum West has continued to be a major contributor for the Bears, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. The junior forward recorded her ninth double-double of the season in Monday's regular-season finale against Montana. West enters postseason play nearly averaging a double-double with 10.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, providing a steady presence in the paint and on the boards.
Heather Baymon and Aniah Hall have both played key roles coming off the bench for Northern Colorado, bringing immediate energy and production when they enter the game. Baymon has been a consistent offensive spark, averaging 11.5 points per game off the bench this season. Meanwhile, Hall has made her presence felt in the paint, averaging nearly 10 points and five rebounds per contest while providing physicality down low.
Gabi Fields has orchestrated the Bears offense throughout the year and continues to be one of the team's primary playmakers. Fields has accumulated 363 career assists, placing her among the top five in program history. She has also recorded 254 career steals, which ranks second all-time in Northern Colorado history. Her leadership and ability to control the pace of the game will be crucial as the Bears begin their postseason run in Starch Madness.
Neenah George has also delivered steady and impactful performances all season long. The sophomore guard is averaging 12.7 points per game and has consistently stepped up in key moments, making clutch plays that have helped fuel the Bears success throughout the campaign.
BEAR REMAIN IN THE TOP TEN NATIONALLY: As of Monday, March 2, Northern Colorado's depth has become a defining strength and has earned national recognition. The Bears ranked seventh among all NCAA Division I programs in bench points per game, showcasing their ability to rely on contributions throughout the lineup. Northern Colorado has totaled 907 points from its bench and is averaging 30.2 points per contest from reserve players, a testament to the team's balance, energy, and depth.
SCOUTING EASTERN WASHINGTON: The Eagles finished with a 14–17 overall record and 7–11 mark in Big Sky action. Eastern Washington averaged 69.5 points per game while allowing 68.6. Offensively, the Eagles are led by Ella Gallatin (15.9 ppg) and Elyn Bowers (14.7 ppg) in the backcourt. Both guards handle a large share of the scoring and playmaking responsibilities and are \ perimeter shooters, combining for over 200 assists on the season. Kourtney Grossman (14.1 ppg, 12.8 rpg) anchors the interior and is a dominant rebounder, frequently producing double-doubles and creating second-chance opportunities. Jaecy Eggers (11.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg) provides additional inside scoring and is a major defensive presence with 47 blocks, protecting the rim and contesting shots in the paint.
As a team, they shoot 39.2% from the field and 31.6% from three, showing the ability to score from the perimeter. They hold a +4.5-rebounding margin, making rebounding a key strength, particularly on the defensive glass with Grossman and Eggers controlling the paint.
ALL-TIME SERIES VS. EASTERN WASHINGTON
Overall Series: UNC leads 24-15 (since 2008)
Last Meeting: UNC 70, EWU 65 (Feb 26, 2026 in Greeley)
Current Trend: In their last five matchups, the Bears hold a 4-1 favorable record.
BUY TICKETS FOR STARCH MADNESS: The 2026 Big Sky Men's & Women's Basketball Championships will be held March 7-11 at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho. For the 11th consecutive season, all Big Sky member institutions will compete in the conference tournament, with 10 teams participating on both the men's and women's sides. Tournament champions will earn automatic berths to the NCAA Division I Basketball Championship. All games will stream on ESPN+, with both championship games airing on the ESPN family of networks.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:
Saturday, March 7
Women's First Round (WBB Session 1)
Game 1: #9 Weber State vs. #10 Portland State - 12:00 p.m. MT
Game 2: #7 Northern Arizona vs. #8 Montana - 2:30 p.m. MT
Sunday, March 8
Women's Second Round (WBB Session 2)
Game 3: #1 Idaho vs. Game 1 Winner - 12:00 p.m. MT
Game 4: #2 Montana State vs. Game 2 Winner - 2:30 p.m. MT
Monday, March 9
Women's Third Round (WBB Session 3)
Game 5: #4 Idaho State vs. #5 Sacramento State - 12:00 p.m. MT
Game 6: #3 Northern Colorado vs. #6 Eastern Washington - 2:30 p.m. MT
Tuesday, March 10
Women's Semifinals (WBB Session 4)
Game 7: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner - 12:00 p.m. MT
Game 8: Game 4 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner - 2:30 p.m. MT
Wednesday, March 11
Women's Championship (WBB Session 5)
Game 9: Game 7 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner - 3:00 p.m. MT
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)
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