Northern Colorado women’s basketball began its Big Sky Conference schedule with a home game against Montana State at Bank of Colorado Arena on New Year’s Day. The Bears were unable to overcome an early deficit, falling 86–79 to the Bobcats.
Montana State started the game strong, using fast-paced play and accurate three-point shooting to establish a lead. By the end of the first quarter, the Bobcats led 36–11 after taking advantage of transition opportunities and open shots from long range.
In the second quarter, Northern Colorado improved its offensive execution and increased defensive pressure despite dealing with foul trouble. The Bears managed to reduce Montana State’s lead by forcing turnovers and scoring in transition, going into halftime trailing 50–29. Neenah George was Northern Colorado’s top scorer in the first half with nine points.
After halftime, Northern Colorado continued to compete on both offense and defense. Heather Baymon made two three-pointers in the third quarter as the Bears generated steals and forced difficult shots for Montana State. The team narrowed the gap to 69–50 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Bears carried their momentum into the final period, starting with quick baskets from Baymon and George that cut Montana State’s lead to 71–59 and prompted an early timeout by the Bobcats. Northern Colorado closed within six points late in the game but could not complete their comeback.
Baymon finished as the game’s leading scorer with a career-high 26 points, including six successful three-point attempts.
Northern Colorado will next play at home against Montana on Saturday, January 3, with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m. Mountain Time.
Fans can follow updates about Northern Colorado women’s basketball at uncbears.com or through social media channels such as X (@UNC_BearsWBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsWBB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsWBB).
