Bears Come Up Short In Boise With 55–53 Loss To Eastern Washington

Monday, March 9

Boise, Idaho .

2:30 p.m. MST

University of Northern Colorado

22-10,13-5Big Sky

Eastern Washington

15-17,7-11Big Sky

Eastern Wash.

Northern Colo.

3/9/2026 5:32:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

BOISE, Idaho – Northern Colorado women's basketball battled down to the final possession but came up just short against Eastern Washington, falling 55–53 on Monday afternoon at Idaho Central Arena during Session Three of the Big Sky Conference Women's Basketball Championship.

The Bears came out strong, taking a 16–13 lead after the opening quarter before extending the advantage to 31–20 at halftime behind strong defense and timely shooting. Heather Baymon provided a key spark in the first half, knocking down multiple three-pointers off the bench as Northern Colorado forced Eastern Washington into difficult offensive possessions. Eastern Washington responded in the third quarter, outscoring the Bears 19–15 to cut into the deficit and set up a tightly contested final period.

The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle. Northern Colorado regained the lead midway through the frame when Elyn Bowers converted a layup to put the Bears ahead 51–50 with just over three minutes remaining. Moments later, Jaecy Eggers scored inside to extend the lead to three.

The Eagles answered at the free-throw line in the final minute to move back in front. Baymon connected on a late three-pointer with 40 seconds remaining to trim the deficit to two, giving the Bears one final opportunity, but Northern Colorado was unable to convert in the closing seconds as Eastern Washington secured the win.

Baymon led the Bears with 14 points, connecting on four three-pointers. Neenah George and Gabi Fields each added 11 points.

Tatum West delivered a historic performance on the glass, pulling down a game-high 18 rebounds. The mark set a new Northern Colorado single-game record and moved West into fourth all time on the program's all-time rebounding list.

Northern Colorado finished the afternoon with a 41–38 advantage on the boards and held Eastern Washington to just 35.9 percent shooting from the field. Despite the narrow loss, the 2024–25 campaign marked a milestone season for the Bears. Northern Colorado finished with its first 20-win season since 2018–19 and recorded the most wins under the program's current Kristen Mattio, highlighting one of the most successful seasons in recent program history.

RECORDS: Gabi Fields concludes her career ranked among the program's all-time leaders, finishing tied for sixth in games played with 124 and second in games started. Known for her defensive presence, Fields also ranks second all-time in career steals with 255.

Aniah Hall also etched her name into the record books, ending her career tied for sixth in games played with 123. Hall ranks 13th all-time in career rebounds with 628 and sixth in career blocks with 94 while also joining the program's 1,000-point scoring club.

Junior forward Tatum West climbed the record books in multiple categories this season. West now ranks fourth all-time for rebounds in a single game with 18 and set the program record for single-season offensive rebounds with 126. She also sits 16th all-time in career steals with 137 and seventh in single season steals with 66.

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