- Matchup: Northern Colorado Bears vs. Montana Grizzlies
- Event Date: Monday, March 9, 2026
- Venue: Idaho Central Arena, Boise, ID
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Northern Colorado Bears (20-11) are gearing up to face the Montana Grizzlies (16-15) at the Idaho Central Arena on Monday as they compete in the Big Sky Tournament.
In their last encounter, the Northern Colorado Bears triumphed over the Montana Grizzlies, securing an impressive 85-57 victory. The Bears showcased a solid shooting performance with a field goal percentage of 49.3% (33 of 67) and hit 11 of their 30 attempts from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, the team converted 8 out of 10 shots, achieving an 80.0% success rate. On rebounding, the Bears collected a total of 39 boards, including 4 offensive rebounds, while also registering 15 assists and forcing 13 turnovers, alongside 10 steals. On defense, Northern Colorado limited Montana to a 38.3% shooting percentage on 23 of 60 attempts. Montana recorded 11 assists and 3 steals while pulling down 30 rebounds (2 offensive, 28 defensive) without any blocked shots. The Grizzlies shot 60.0% at the free-throw line, making 6 of their 10 attempts, and struggled from 3-point range, hitting only 5 out of 22 attempts. The Bears committed 12 fouls compared to Montana’s 9.
Quinn Denker was a standout player in this matchup, achieving a 42.9% shooting rate while also providing 4 assists. Over 32 minutes of play, he tallied 16 points on 6 of 14 shooting and grabbed 7 rebounds.
Northern Colorado enters this game with a record of 20-11 this season. The team averages 82.3 points per game (ranking 51st nationally) and boasts a shooting percentage of 49.2%. The Bears have a 3-point shooting accuracy of 36.3% (298 of 820) and convert 76.0% of their free-throw opportunities. Collectively, Northern Colorado averages 36.7 rebounds per game and has recorded 515 assists this season, placing them 41st in the nation for team assists. They maintain a low turnover rate of 11.1 per game and commit 17.8 personal fouls each game.
On defense, the Bears average 9.3 forced turnovers per game and commit 15.3 personal fouls. They allow opponents to shoot 29.9% from beyond the arc and rank 239th in the nation for points allowed per game (75.9). The Bears’ defense permits a shooting accuracy of 44.3% (825 of 1,863) and averages 31.8 rebounds per game. They currently sit 4th in college basketball for assists allowed against opponents, conceding 306 assists this season.
In their last matchup, the Montana Grizzlies faced defeat with a final score of 85-57 against Northern Colorado. Montana struggled with rebounding, allowing the Bears to grab 39 boards overall (4 offensive). They managed to shoot 36.7% from three-point range, successfully hitting 11 of 30 attempts and converting 8 out of 10 free-throw attempts (80.0%). The Grizzlies’ shooting was below par; they shot 23 out of 60 from the field, resulting in a 38.3% shooting percentage. Montana converted only 5 out of 22 attempts from beyond the arc (22.7%). The Grizzlies committed 12 fouls, leading to Northern Colorado’s 10 free-throw attempts. In total, Montana turned the ball over 13 times while securing 30 rebounds (28 defensive, 2 offensive).
Money Williams was a key player for the Grizzlies during this game. He recorded 17 points with a field goal percentage of 58.3%, sinking 7 of 12 attempts, and pulled down 6 rebounds in his 26 minutes of play, contributing 2 assists along the way.
This season, Montana holds a 16-15 record. The Grizzlies commit 17.5 fouls per game and maintain a free-throw percentage of 76.8%. They generate assists 15.3 times per game, ranking 99th nationally, while turning the ball over 13.7 times per contest. Montana has scored a total of 2,391 points this year (averaging 77.1 points per game) and collects 34.5 rebounds per game. Their offensive shooting stands at 49.0%, holding a rank of 28th in college basketball.
Defensively, Montana ranks 193rd in allowing points per game, giving up 74.1 points. They force opponents into 10.7 turnovers on average while permitting a shooting percentage of 43.5% (138th in D-1). The Grizzlies allow a 3-point shooting percentage of 32.6% (239 of 733) and opponents convert 69.6% of their free throw attempts. Montana averages 13.1 assists allowed and 33.5 rebounds, ranking 163rd and 125th in those category respectively.
Which team will emerge victorious against the spread in tonight’s NCAA matchup?
Prediction: Back Montana
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