Northern Colorado lost to Montana, 95-89, on Mar. 9 in the third round of the Big Sky Conference Men’s Basketball Championship at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho.
The game was significant as it marked the end of Northern Colorado’s run in the conference tournament after a strong second-half effort. Montana led by 17 points at halftime following efficient shooting, but Northern Colorado responded with a surge after the break, scoring 57 points and narrowing the gap several times before ultimately falling short.
Quinn Denker led Northern Colorado with 29 points and eight assists, making 10 out of 12 free throws. Ibu Yamazaki contributed 16 points with three three-pointers, while Brock Wisne recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Ring Nyeri added 12 points and nine rebounds. The team finished with a total of 15 assists and scored 46 points in the paint.
Denker’s performance capped off a historic season for him as he set a new program record for assists in a single season with 211, surpassing Jonah Radebaugh’s previous mark of 202 from the 2019-20 season. Zach Bloch also made his mark by finishing the year with 93 made three-pointers—tied for third-most in a single season—and recording 46 steals, tied for eighth most. Bloch now ranks seventh all-time at UNC for career three-pointers made (203) and holds the record for most games played (133).
Wisne continued to climb up Northern Colorado’s all-time lists as well, ranking ninth in career points and fourth in field goals made.
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