Northern Colorado Edges Northern Arizona in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Bank of Colorado Arena
Northern Colorado Bears 78, Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 77, 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 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks vs Northern Colorado Bears?
Northern Colorado Bears beat Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 78-77 at Bank of Colorado Arena on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Arizona Lumberjacks vs Northern Colorado Bears?
Northern Colorado Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1000 (about 91% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup, the Northern Colorado Bears narrowly defeated the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks with a final score of 78-77. The game took place at the Bank of Colorado Arena, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. This fixture was particularly noteworthy as it marked the fourth meeting between the two sides this season, with Northern Colorado seeking to avenge a previous loss to Northern Arizona earlier in January.
Northern Colorado entered the game with a solid record of 18-10, boasting a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, including a six-game winning streak. The Bears have been prolific in scoring, averaging 80.1 points per game while allowing 75.6 points. Their home record stands at 4-1 in the last five games, with an impressive average of 80.6 points scored and 70.0 points allowed during that stretch.
On the other hand, Northern Arizona came into the game with a record of 10-18 and a more modest recent form of 4-6. They had just ended a losing streak with a victory against Sacramento State, and their scoring average was 70.7 points per game, while they allowed 78.2 points. Their away record has been less favorable, with a 1-3 mark in their last four away games.
The two teams had met three times prior to this game in the current season, with Northern Colorado winning two of those encounters. The most recent matchup before this game saw Northern Arizona triumph 81-77 at home on January 25, which added an extra layer of intensity to this contest.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams have had their share of challenges throughout the season. This can often play a significant role in the outcomes of tightly contested games.
Before the game, the betting market had Northern Colorado favored by 13.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 151.5. The odds indicated a strong belief in Northern Colorado's ability to secure a comfortable win, reflecting their better overall performance this season.
The conditions for the game were typical for a late February evening, with fans filling the arena to support their teams. The atmosphere was electric, and both teams were eager to make their mark in front of a home crowd or in a rival territory.
As the game unfolded, it was evident that both teams were prepared for a battle. Northern Colorado's Brock Wisne played a pivotal role in the second half, making crucial free throws and a layup that kept the Bears ahead. Meanwhile, Northern Arizona's Ryan Abelman made significant contributions with two three-point jumpers that brought the Lumberjacks within striking distance.
In the closing moments, the tension was palpable as Northern Arizona fought hard to close the gap. They managed to score quickly, but Northern Colorado held on to their slim lead, ultimately securing the victory by just one point. This game not only highlighted the competitive nature of both teams but also set the stage for future encounters as they continue to vie for supremacy in the conference.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNCO -13.5 | 151.5 o -105 / u -115 | Northern Arizona Lumberjacks +650 · Northern Colorado Bears -1000 |
Leaders
- PointsBrock Wisne38Northern Colorado Bears
- AssistsQuinn Denker4Northern Colorado Bears
- ReboundsRing Nyeri10Northern Colorado Bears
- PointsChris Komin34Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
- AssistsTraivar Jackson2Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
- ReboundsRyan Abelman6Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
Recent form
Northern Colorado Bears
Last 10: 6-4Streak W680.1 scored · 75.6 allowed per game4-1 at home
- 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
- L68-73vs Montana State BobcatsJan 20
- L89-93at Sacramento State HornetsJan 18
- L73-76at Portland State VikingsJan 16
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
Last 10: 4-6Streak W170.7 scored · 78.2 allowed per game1-3 away
- W79-74vs Sacramento State HornetsFeb 15
- L68-77vs Portland State VikingsFeb 13
- L53-72at Weber State WildcatsFeb 8
- W79-73at Idaho State BengalsFeb 6
- L62-79vs Idaho VandalsFeb 1
- W92-86vs Eastern Washington EaglesJan 30
- W81-77vs Northern Colorado BearsJan 25
- L72-98vs Montana GrizzliesJan 20
- L52-63at Portland State VikingsJan 17
- L69-83at Sacramento State HornetsJan 16
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 | Northern Arizona Lumberjacks | Northern Colorado Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-55 | 29-54 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 7-20 | 4-15 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 27 |
| Free throws | 20-27 | 16-22 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 26 |
| Assists | 6 | 11 |
| Steals | 9 | 2 |
| Blocks | 2 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 4 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 50 |
| Fouls | 20 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 9 | 83 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-43Diego Campisano makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-45Brock Wisne makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half45-45Traivar Jackson makes layup (Brennan Peterson assists)
- 2nd Half45-47Brock Wisne makes layup
- 2nd Half45-49Brock Wisne makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half47-49Chris Komin makes layup
- 2nd Half47-51Ibu Yamazaki makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half48-51Chris Komin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-54Ibu Yamazaki makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brock Wisne assists)
- 2nd Half48-56Brock Wisne makes layup (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half51-56Brennan Peterson makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-56Karl Poom makes layup (Chris Komin assists)
- 2nd Half53-59Ibu Yamazaki makes 23-foot three point jumper (Egan Shields assists)
- 2nd Half53-61Ariik Mawien makes 3-foot dunk (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half56-61Chris Komin makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half56-64Zach Bloch makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half56-65Zach Bloch makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-66Zach Bloch makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-66Ryan Abelman makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half59-66Chris Komin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-66Chris Komin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-68Brock Wisne makes layup (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half62-68Chris Komin makes layup
- 2nd Half63-68Chris Komin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-68Chris Komin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-68Chris Komin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Chris Komin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-69Brock Wisne makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-71Ring Nyeri makes layup (Brock Wisne assists)
- 2nd Half66-73Brock Wisne makes layup (Ibu Yamazaki assists)
- 2nd Half67-73Chris Komin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-73Chris Komin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-74Brock Wisne makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-75Brock Wisne makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-77Brock Wisne makes layup
- 2nd Half71-77Ryan Abelman makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half73-77Traivar Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half74-77Traivar Jackson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half74-78Brock Wisne makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-78Ryan Abelman makes 24-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Colorado Bears, below favours Northern Arizona Lumberjacks.
Venue
- Bank of Colorado ArenaGreeley, CO
- Attendance1800
- OfficialsGregg Morstein, Jimmy Casas, Nate Melson
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- Lumberjacks Edge Bears in Thrilling FinishJan 24, 2026