Northern Colorado women’s basketball faced a close contest against the Idaho Vandals in a Big Sky Game of the Week, ultimately losing 62–55 on Thursday afternoon in Greeley, Colorado.
The Bears started strong, opening with a 6–0 lead before Idaho responded. At the first media timeout, Northern Colorado led 10–6 due to timely scoring and defensive stops. The teams remained evenly matched through the first quarter, which ended tied at 18.
Idaho began the second quarter with a 9–0 run that prompted an early timeout from Northern Colorado. Afterward, the Bears used free throws and three-point shooting to narrow the gap. Neenah George led Northern Colorado in scoring during the first half with seven points as Idaho held a 35–31 advantage at halftime.
In the third quarter, both teams increased their defensive efforts and limited each other’s offensive opportunities. Erin Powell contributed key baskets for Northern Colorado, helping tie the game at 42 before heading into the fourth quarter.
Early in the final period, both teams traded scores while Idaho maintained a small lead. The Bears’ offense slowed late in the game as Idaho extended its lead to seven points. Julia Riley made a crucial three-pointer and Neenah George added an and-one layup to bring Northern Colorado within three points. However, Idaho secured the win by holding off this late rally.
Neenah George and Tatum West each finished with 12 points for Northern Colorado.
The Bears will next play Eastern Washington in Cheney, Washington at Reese Court with tip-off set for 2 p.m. MT.
Fans can follow updates on uncbears.com or via social media channels: X @UNC_BearsWBB, Instagram @UNC_BearsWBB, and Facebook /UNCBearsWBB.
