Everything that’s plagued the University of Northern Colorado this season took center stage in Flagstaff on Saturday, at least for part of the game.
UNC (7-14, 2-7 Sky) lost to Northern Arizona (6-16, 2-7 Big Sky) on the road and is now tied for last in the league. The Bears had been picked to finish second, and their roster features multiple talented players. Things still don’t seem to be coming together.
The first half was abysmal, to say the least. UNC scored just 23 points and allowed 42, taking a 19-point deficit into the locker room. Its defense was soft, and any aggression seemed to come on the offensive end and turn into fouls.
The second half was better from a scoring perspective, but the defense still gave up 41 points. UNC can’t allow nearly the same number in the second half when down nearly 20.
Case in point: Northern Colorado cut into the Lumberjacks lead to single digits multiple times, including with about a minute to play, but the defense didn’t get the stops necessary to score in transition.
That led to NAU regaining a double-digit lead as the clock expired.
Additionally, the Bears staff was excited about its depth early in the season. UNC coach Steve Smiley felt like he could play about eight guys deep and get good production.
Unfortunately, that’s been inconsistent lately and completely nonexistent against the Jacks. Only five players scored for the Bears. Four finished with 10 or more points, and freshman Brock Wisne had eight, but several others never saw the ball make it through the iron.
Northern Colorado sits in a precarious position going into the final month of the season. It must pick up at least a handful more wins if it wants a shot at decent seeding in the Big Sky Tournament.
As it stands, the Bears would need to win four games for the title instead of three.
They return to action at 7 p.m. Thursday against Montana in Missoula. UNC hosts Weber State at 9 p.m. Feb. 6 in its return to the Bank of Colorado Arena.
Notable stats from the game
Dalton Knecht: 27 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST
Daylen Kountz: 15 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST
Matt Johnson: 12 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL
UNC shooting: 27-64 FG, 7-28 3FG, 12-17 FT
UNC other: 37 REB (11 OREB), 12 AST, 5 STL, 10 TO, 21 PF
NAU shooting: 27-53 FG, 8-22 3FG, 21-26 FT
NAU other: 31 REB (2 OREB), 15 AST, 1 STL, 3 BLK, 8 TO, 14 PF
