Montana State Tops Northern Colorado in Close Contest
Monday, January 19, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Bank of Colorado Arena
Montana State Bobcats 73, Northern Colorado Bears 68, 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 State Bobcats vs Northern Colorado Bears?
Montana State Bobcats beat Northern Colorado Bears 73-68 at Bank of Colorado Arena on January 19, 2026.
Who was favored in Montana State Bobcats vs Northern Colorado Bears?
Northern Colorado Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Montana State Bobcats defeated the Northern Colorado Bears 73-68 at the Bank of Colorado Arena. This victory marks a continuation of Montana State's positive trend, having won seven of their last ten games, while Northern Colorado struggles with a recent record of just three wins in their last ten outings.
Montana State's recent form has been strong, with an overall record of 11-8 and a scoring average of 78.2 points per game, while allowing 71.3 points. They are currently on a one-game winning streak, having triumphed over the Montana Grizzlies 76-67 in their last game on January 18. Their away record stands at 2-3, and they have shown resilience with a 4-1 record in their last five games, averaging 79.8 points scored and 73.2 points allowed.
In contrast, Northern Colorado holds an 11-9 record, but their recent performance has been disappointing, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games and a three-game losing streak. They have averaged 81.6 points but have also allowed 84.9 points per game during this stretch. Their last game ended in a narrow loss to the Sacramento State Hornets, 89-93, on January 18. At home, the Bears have managed a 2-2 record, but their overall form suggests difficulties, particularly in defense.
The two teams have faced each other four times in the past two seasons, with Montana State leading the head-to-head record 3-1. Their most recent meeting on January 2, 2026, resulted in a decisive 89-75 victory for Montana State. The historical context adds a layer of rivalry to the matchup, with Montana State having won the last three encounters.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams will be looking to field their strongest lineups as they continue their respective campaigns.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Montana State favored with a spread of -2.5, indicating expectations of a close contest. The total points line was set at 153.5, reflecting the offensive capabilities of both teams.
Conditions during the game were conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams known for their offensive styles. As the game progressed, key plays from players like Brock Wisne and Quinn Denker highlighted the competitive nature of the contest. Wisne's layup and Denker's contributions were pivotal in maintaining Montana State's lead in the second half.
Viewers were treated to an engaging matchup, with the final moments showcasing the intensity of college basketball. Montana State's ability to execute down the stretch, including free throws from Seth Amunrud, ultimately sealed their victory. The game served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where momentum can shift rapidly, and every possession counts.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNCO -2.5 | 153.5 o -110 / u -110 | Montana State Bobcats +124 · Northern Colorado Bears -148 |
Leaders
- PointsBrock Wisne18Northern Colorado Bears
- AssistsQuinn Denker7Northern Colorado Bears
- ReboundsRing Nyeri14Northern Colorado Bears
- PointsDavian Brown16Montana State Bobcats
- AssistsDavian Brown2Montana State Bobcats
- ReboundsChristian King7Montana State Bobcats
Recent form
Northern Colorado Bears
Last 10: 3-7Streak L381.6 scored · 84.9 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L89-93at Sacramento State HornetsJan 18
- L73-76at Portland State VikingsJan 16
- L71-76vs Weber State WildcatsJan 11
- W85-72vs Idaho State BengalsJan 9
- L79-88at Montana GrizzliesJan 3
- L75-89at Montana State BobcatsJan 2
- W86-81at Colorado BuffaloesDec 28
- L79-86vs Denver PioneersDec 20
- L90-101at Texas Tech Red RaidersDec 17
- W89-87vs South Dakota CoyotesDec 7
Montana State Bobcats
Last 10: 7-3Streak W178.2 scored · 71.3 allowed per game2-3 away
- W76-67vs Montana GrizzliesJan 18
- L89-92at Idaho VandalsJan 10
- W68-64at Eastern Washington EaglesJan 9
- W77-68vs Northern Arizona LumberjacksJan 4
- W89-75vs Northern Colorado BearsJan 2
- W93-54vs Northwest University EaglesDec 22
- W83-80at Cal Poly MustangsDec 17
- L57-67at Oregon State BeaversDec 13
- L68-72at Oral Roberts Golden EaglesDec 7
- W82-74vs St. Thomas TommiesDec 4
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 State Bobcats | Northern Colorado Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-54 | 30-70 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 11-26 | 7-21 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 33 |
| Free throws | 16-21 | 1-3 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 33 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 29 |
| Assists | 8 | 14 |
| Steals | 9 | 2 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 38 |
| Fouls | 13 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 71 | 25 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-30Vincent Delano makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brock Wisne assists)
- 2nd Half39-30Davian Brown makes 23-foot three point jumper (Patrick McMahon assists)
- 2nd Half39-33Zach Bloch makes 23-foot three point jumper (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half40-33Patrick McMahon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-33Patrick McMahon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-35Brock Wisne makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half43-35Chris Hodges makes layup
- 2nd Half44-35Chris Hodges makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half44-37Ring Nyeri makes 2-foot dunk (Brock Wisne assists)
- 2nd Half44-39Ring Nyeri makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half47-39Jeremiah Davis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Davian Brown assists)
- 2nd Half47-42Zach Bloch makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half47-44Brock Wisne makes layup
- 2nd Half49-44Patrick McMahon makes layup
- 2nd Half52-44Jed Miller makes 24-foot three point jumper (Christian King assists)
- 2nd Half53-44Christian King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-44Christian King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-44Davian Brown makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half57-46Ibu Yamazaki makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-46Patrick McMahon makes layup
- 2nd Half61-46Davian Brown makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-49Vincent Delano makes 25-foot three point jumper (Brock Wisne assists)
- 2nd Half62-49Christian King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-51Ring Nyeri makes 10-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half64-51Jaden Steppe makes layup
- 2nd Half64-54Zach Bloch makes 29-foot three point jumper (Ariik Mawien assists)
- 2nd Half64-56Ring Nyeri makes 4-foot dunk (Brock Wisne assists)
- 2nd Half67-56Jed Miller makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half67-58Quinn Denker makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half67-60Brock Wisne makes layup (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half68-60Jed Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-60Jed Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-62Brock Wisne makes layup
- 2nd Half69-64Quinn Denker makes layup
- 2nd Half70-64Seth Amunrud makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-64Seth Amunrud makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-65Ring Nyeri makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-68Vincent Delano makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half72-68Seth Amunrud makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-68Seth Amunrud makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Colorado Bears, below favours Montana State Bobcats.
Venue
- Bank of Colorado ArenaGreeley, CO
- Attendance1362
- OfficialsTony Padilla, Kipp Kissinger, Brooks Wells
Elsewhere
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