Montana Grizzlies Edge Northern Colorado Bears in Thriller
Monday, March 9, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Idaho Central Arena
Montana Grizzlies 95, Northern Colorado Bears 89, 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 Colorado Bears vs Montana Grizzlies?
Montana Grizzlies beat Northern Colorado Bears 95-89 at Idaho Central Arena on March 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Colorado Bears vs Montana Grizzlies?
Northern Colorado Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Idaho Central Arena, the Montana Grizzlies triumphed over the Northern Colorado Bears with a final score of 95-89. This victory not only marked a significant moment for the Grizzlies but also showcased the intensity of their recent encounters, particularly against the Bears, whom they faced just days prior on March 3, where they suffered a heavy defeat of 57-85. This game was particularly noteworthy as it highlighted the Grizzlies' resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
The Grizzlies entered the game with a record of 17-15, having struggled recently with a 4-6 record in their last ten games, including a current losing streak of one game. They averaged 71.4 points scored while allowing 76.9 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games reflected a slightly better performance, with an average of 70.6 points scored and 78.2 points allowed. At home, the Grizzlies had a record of 3-2 in their last five games, while their away record showed more challenges, standing at 1-4.
Conversely, the Northern Colorado Bears came into this contest with a strong record of 20-12 and were riding a two-game winning streak. They boasted an impressive 9-1 record over their last ten games, scoring an average of 80.5 points and allowing 71.6 points per game. Their last five games indicated a solid form as well, with an average of 77.6 points scored and 69.6 points allowed. The Bears had been particularly strong on the road, holding a 3-1 record in their last four away games.
Historically, the matchup between these teams has been competitive, with the Grizzlies holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record at 3-2 over the last two seasons. In their previous meetings this season, the Grizzlies managed to secure a victory on January 3, winning 88-79 at home, but faced a significant defeat just a week prior to this game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but it is always a critical factor in determining team performance, especially in high-stakes games like this.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Bears favored with a spread of 4.5 points, indicating a belief in their strength despite the recent head-to-head loss. The total points line was set at 152.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair.
Conditions during the game were conducive to a fast-paced style, which both teams capitalized on, leading to a thrilling contest. Viewers were treated to a showcase of offensive prowess, with several key plays defining the closing moments of the game. Notable scoring plays included a layup by Brock Wisne, which brought the Bears within two points at 89-91, and free throws by Money Williams that ultimately sealed the victory for the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies' ability to execute in clutch moments, coupled with their home court advantage, proved crucial in this tightly contested game. Fans witnessed a compelling display of determination from both sides, but it was Montana that emerged victorious, solidifying their position in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNCO -4.5 | 152.5 o -108 / u -112 | Northern Colorado Bears -185 · Montana Grizzlies +154 |
Leaders
- PointsMoney Williams40Montana Grizzlies
- AssistsMoney Williams3Montana Grizzlies
- ReboundsKenyon Aguino8Montana Grizzlies
- PointsQuinn Denker29Northern Colorado Bears
- AssistsQuinn Denker8Northern Colorado Bears
- ReboundsBrock Wisne11Northern Colorado Bears
Recent form
Montana Grizzlies
Last 10: 4-6Streak L171.4 scored · 76.9 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L57-85at Northern Colorado BearsMar 3
- 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
Northern Colorado Bears
Last 10: 9-1Streak W280.5 scored · 71.6 allowed per game3-1 away
- W85-57vs Montana GrizzliesMar 3
- 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
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 Colorado Bears | Montana Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-71 | 31-58 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 8-26 | 8-21 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 38 |
| Free throws | 17-23 | 25-30 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 29 |
| Assists | 15 | 11 |
| Steals | 3 | 2 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 4 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 2 | 93 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half58-68Quinn Denker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-68Quinn Denker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-70Grant Kepley makes layup
- 2nd Half59-71Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-72Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-73Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-74Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-74Vincent Delano makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-74Quinn Denker makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half63-76Tyler Thompson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-76Brock Wisne makes 7-foot jumper (Zach Bloch assists)
- 2nd Half66-76Zach Bloch makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-76Zach Bloch makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-76Quinn Denker makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-76Quinn Denker makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brock Wisne assists)
- 2nd Half72-79Grant Kepley makes 26-foot three point jumper (Money Williams assists)
- 2nd Half74-79Quinn Denker makes layup
- 2nd Half74-80Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-81Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-81Quinn Denker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-81Quinn Denker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-81Quinn Denker makes driving layup
- 2nd Half78-82Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-83Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-83Ibu Yamazaki makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half81-84Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-85Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-86Kenyon Aguino makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-87Kenyon Aguino makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-87Quinn Denker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-87Quinn Denker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-89Kenyon Aguino makes 6-foot dunk (Grant Kepley assists)
- 2nd Half85-89Brock Wisne makes layup (Quinn Denker assists)
- 2nd Half85-90Grant Kepley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-90Quinn Denker makes driving layup
- 2nd Half87-91Tyler Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half89-91Brock Wisne makes layup
- 2nd Half89-93Kenyon Aguino makes 6-foot dunk (Tyler Thompson assists)
- 2nd Half89-94Money Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half89-95Money Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Montana Grizzlies, below favours Northern Colorado Bears.
Venue
- Idaho Central ArenaBoise, ID
- OfficialsRyan Holmes, Justin Shamion, Ray Ames
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond