Northern Colorado Bears Dominate Montana Grizzlies 85-57
Monday, March 2, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Bank of Colorado Arena
Northern Colorado Bears 85, Montana Grizzlies 57, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Montana Grizzlies vs Northern Colorado Bears?
Northern Colorado Bears beat Montana Grizzlies 85-57 at Bank of Colorado Arena on March 2, 2026.
Who was favored in Montana Grizzlies vs Northern Colorado Bears?
Northern Colorado Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.
In a commanding performance, the Northern Colorado Bears triumphed over the Montana Grizzlies with a final score of 85-57 at the Bank of Colorado Arena. This victory not only highlights the Bears' strong season but also marks a significant win against a team they have struggled against in recent encounters.
The Bears entered the game with a solid home record of 20-11 and had been on an impressive run, winning eight of their last ten games, including a recent victory against the Idaho Vandals on February 28, where they won 76-67. Their scoring average over the last ten games stood at 79.7 points per game, while they allowed an average of 74.0 points. In their last five games, they maintained a record of 4-1, with an average of 79.6 points scored and 74.0 points allowed. At home, they were undefeated in their last five games, showcasing their dominance on their own court.
Conversely, the Montana Grizzlies came into the match with a record of 16-15 and had a mixed form, winning five and losing five of their last ten games. They had recently secured back-to-back victories against the Portland State Vikings and Sacramento State Hornets, scoring 74-68 and 81-73, respectively. However, their overall scoring average during their last ten games was 72.6 points, with an average of 74.4 points allowed. Their away record was less impressive, with only one win in their last four away games.
Historically, this matchup has favored the Grizzlies, who led the head-to-head record 3-1 against the Bears in their previous four meetings. However, the Bears' recent form and home advantage played a crucial role in this encounter. In their last meeting on January 3, 2026, the Bears lost to the Grizzlies 79-88, but this time they turned the tables decisively.
In terms of injuries, no specific players were reported as unavailable for either team, allowing both squads to field their best lineups. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Bears favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 154.5. The odds reflected the Bears' strong home performance and recent form, which ultimately proved accurate in the outcome of the game.
The game conditions were favorable for both teams, with a full arena supporting the Bears, contributing to their home-court advantage. As the game unfolded, the Bears showcased their offensive prowess, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively. Key scoring plays included a series of three-pointers from Tanner Braketa and Hunter Caldwell, who both contributed significantly to the Bears' scoring surge.
Overall, this game was a testament to the Bears' capabilities, as they not only secured a vital win but also demonstrated their potential as they head towards the conclusion of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNCO -5.5 | 154.5 o -112 / u -108 | Montana Grizzlies +220 · Northern Colorado Bears -270 |
Leaders
- PointsQuinn Denker16Northern Colorado Bears
- AssistsQuinn Denker4Northern Colorado Bears
- ReboundsQuinn Denker7Northern Colorado Bears
- PointsMoney Williams17Montana Grizzlies
- AssistsMoney Williams2Montana Grizzlies
- ReboundsMoney Williams6Montana Grizzlies
Recent form
Northern Colorado Bears
Last 10: 8-2Streak W179.7 scored · 74 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W76-67at Idaho VandalsFeb 28
- L72-82at Eastern Washington EaglesFeb 27
- W78-77vs Northern Arizona LumberjacksFeb 22
- W77-65vs Portland State VikingsFeb 14
- W95-79vs Sacramento State HornetsFeb 13
- W69-61at Idaho State BengalsFeb 7
- W88-74at Weber State WildcatsFeb 6
- W74-71vs Eastern Washington EaglesJan 31
- W91-83vs Idaho VandalsJan 30
- L77-81at Northern Arizona LumberjacksJan 25
Montana Grizzlies
Last 10: 5-5Streak W272.6 scored · 74.4 allowed per game1-3 away
- W74-68vs Portland State VikingsFeb 28
- W81-73vs Sacramento State HornetsFeb 27
- L72-92at Weber State WildcatsFeb 22
- L69-73at Idaho State BengalsFeb 20
- L71-82vs Montana State BobcatsFeb 15
- W73-68vs Idaho VandalsFeb 7
- L74-82vs Eastern Washington EaglesFeb 6
- L79-86at Sacramento State HornetsFeb 1
- W64-60at Portland State VikingsJan 30
- W69-60vs Idaho State BengalsJan 24
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State | 20-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Montana State | 18-14 | 1 | 12-6 |
| Eastern Washington | 14-19 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Northern Colorado | 20-12 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Montana | 18-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Weber State | 16-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Idaho | 21-15 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Sacramento State | 10-21 | 8 | 6-12 |
| Idaho State | 13-20 | 8 | 5-13 |
| Northern Arizona | 10-22 | 9 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Montana Grizzlies | Northern Colorado Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-60 | 33-67 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 5-22 | 11-30 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 37 |
| Free throws | 6-10 | 8-10 |
| Free throw % | 60 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 35 |
| Assists | 11 | 15 |
| Steals | 3 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 40 |
| Fouls | 9 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 29 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 7 | 89 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half29-32Quinn Denker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half29-33Quinn Denker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half29-35Ring Nyeri makes 4-foot dunk (Brock Wisne assists)
- 2nd Half29-37Zach Bloch makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half29-40Zach Bloch makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ring Nyeri assists)
- 2nd Half31-40Brooklyn Hicks makes layup (Grant Kepley assists)
- 2nd Half31-43Zach Bloch makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half34-43Grant Kepley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kenyon Aguino assists)
- 2nd Half34-45Egan Shields makes layup (Zach Bloch assists)
- 2nd Half34-48Zach Bloch makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half34-50Ring Nyeri makes 3-foot dunk (Zach Bloch assists)
- 2nd Half36-50Money Williams makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half36-52Brock Wisne makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half36-54Egan Shields makes layup
- 2nd Half37-54Tyler Isaak makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-54Tyler Isaak makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-56Egan Shields makes layup (Zach Bloch assists)
- 2nd Half38-59Ibu Yamazaki makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half38-61Quinn Denker makes layup
- 2nd Half38-63Ring Nyeri makes layup (Vincent Delano assists)
- 2nd Half41-63Chase Henderson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brooklyn Hicks assists)
- 2nd Half41-65Vincent Delano makes layup
- 2nd Half41-68Quinn Denker makes 24-foot three point jumper (Vincent Delano assists)
- 2nd Half41-69Ring Nyeri makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-70Ring Nyeri makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-70Money Williams makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-71Ariik Mawien makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-72Ariik Mawien makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-72Trae Taylor makes layup (Money Williams assists)
- 2nd Half47-72Money Williams makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half48-72Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-72Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-74Hunter Caldwell makes layup (Tanner Braketa assists)
- 2nd Half52-74Money Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-77Tanner Braketa makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half54-77Money Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half54-80Hunter Caldwell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tanner Braketa assists)
- 2nd Half54-82Ariik Mawien makes layup
- 2nd Half57-82Chase Henderson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Amari Jedkins assists)
- 2nd Half57-85Tanner Braketa makes 24-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Colorado Bears, below favours Montana Grizzlies.
Venue
- Bank of Colorado ArenaGreeley, CO
- Attendance2016
- OfficialsBret Smith, Eric Curry, Jacob Hirz
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