The University of Northern Colorado men’s basketball team ended a five-game losing streak with a 91-83 win over Idaho at Bank of Colorado Arena on Thursday night. Senior guard Quinn Denker led the Bears with a career-high 35 points, also contributing 10 assists and seven rebounds. Denker was responsible for nearly half of the team’s total points while playing almost the entire game.
Idaho held an early lead during the first half, maintaining control for more than ten minutes and building a seven-point advantage through balanced scoring and free throws. Denker helped keep Northern Colorado close by scoring 16 points in the first half, which allowed the Bears to trail by only one point at halftime, 37-36.
In the second half, Northern Colorado improved its offensive efficiency, quickly taking back the lead and maintaining it for the remainder of the game. The Bears shot over 60 percent from the field after halftime and hit seven out of twelve three-pointers in that period. Denker scored 19 points in the second half as Northern Colorado extended its lead to as many as twelve points.
Idaho’s Jackson Rasmussen finished with 26 points but could not spark a comeback as Northern Colorado continued to score efficiently and dominated inside, outscoring Idaho 44-28 in points in the paint. Brock Wisne added 16 points for UNC, Zach Bloch had 12, and Ring Nyeri recorded nine points along with ten rebounds.
Northern Colorado posted its best offensive performance so far in Big Sky Conference play this season by shooting over 52 percent from the floor.
The Bears will next face Eastern Washington on Saturday, January 31 at home for Coaches vs Cancer Night. Coverage will be available on PirateRadio935.com and ESPN+.
Fans can follow updates about Northern Colorado men’s basketball at uncbears.com or via social media channels including X (@UNC_BearsMBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsMBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsMBB).
