UNC women’s basketball ends regular season with 53-46 road win
Another Bears team ended its regular season with a win and is headed into the postseason with momentum.
The University of Northern Colorado women’s hoops team (12-17, 5-13 Big Sky) defeated Idaho State (11-18, 6-12 Big Sky), 53-46, on Monday in Pocatello after a strong start.
UNC didn’t put up its best numbers — something that’s been said a lot this year — but its defense came together. The team held Idaho State to 35% from the field and 25% from 3-point range.
In fact, the Bears went up 14-5 at the end of the first quarter and 23-9 midway through the second quarter.
The Bengals found offensive rhythm after the break. They scored 31 points and cut Northern Colorado’s lead to one point, 45-44, with 2:36 left in the game.
Junior Delaynie Byrne and freshman Gabi Fields both hit a clutch 3, while junior Sydney Stensgard made her free throws, though, and extended UNC’s lead. Defensively, the Bears only gave up one additional basket as time expired.
Neither team played a particularly clean game, but it was a gritty one. Both squads topped 20 turnovers each and committed 14 or more personal fouls. ISU’s Callie Bourne picked up three personals within five minutes of the first quarter, while three Bears ended up with three each.
Even with the mistakes and defensive pressure, UNC walked away with a win. It needed one, too, after losing five straight.
UNC begins the Big Sky Tournament this weekend and hopes to carry momentum into Boise. As the No. 9 seed, it plays No. 10 Weber State at noon Saturday. The game will be available on ESPN+.
Delaynie Byrne: 10 PTS, 13 REB, 3 STL, 3 BLK
Hannah Simental: 10 PTS, 2 AST, 3 STL
Gabi Fields: 10 PTS, 1 REB, 3 STL
UNC shooting: 16-40 FG, 6-16 3FG, 15-21 FT
UNC other: 32 REB (11 OREB), 5 AST, 15 STL, 3 BLK, 14 PF, 23 TO
Idaho State shooting: 1851 FG, 4-16 3FG, 6-8 FT
Idaho State other: 29 REB (13 OREB), 9 AST, 8 STL, 4 BLK, 20 PF, 22 TO