Spight sets single-game record in win over Montana State

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Spight sets single-game record, UNC beats Montana State 86-63

By Adam Ide

            Senior guard Andre Spight set the single-game school record with 41 points Saturday, and the University of Northern Colorado men’s basketball team beat Montana State 86-63.

            It was Kid’s Day at Bank of Colorado Arena, and 1,617 fans saw perhaps the greatest performance in program history.

            Dre’s 41 points broke the previous record of 37, set by then-sophomore guard Anthony Johnson two years ago.

            “Today was a little different,” Spight said. “I’ve never shown up to the arena that early before a game and you know, warmed up.”

            Spight was asked if Johnson had anything to say to him after the game.

            “I can’t say what he said, but he’s really mad,” he said. “He’s really mad about the record being broken, but that’s my guy.”

            Freshman guard Jalen Sanders and sophomore guard Jonah Radebaugh both had double-doubles. Sanders had 12 points and 17 rebounds, while Radebaugh had 11 points and 10 boards.

            Sanders was asked about what changed from the road game against Montana State.

            “I think our energy, for sure, up in Bozeman,” he said. “We just came out flat, we weren’t prepared. We came into this one knowing that we couldn’t do the same thing.” 

            The Bobcats were led by Tyler Hall, who had an impressive 27 points.

            Northern Colorado hit their first six shots and led 15-8 through the first four minutes of the game.

            UNC never trailed in the first half, due in large part to Spight’s 18 points. Junior guard Chaz Glotta buried a three at the end of the half, giving the Bears a 38-34 lead.

            Northern Colorado went on another impressive run to begin the second, outscoring Montana State 16-6 in the first four minutes of the half.

            “I was proud of our guys, we responded well,” head coach Jeff Linder said. “I challenged them to see what our response was going to be after the Montana game.”

            With the win, the Bears improve to 15-9 overall, 6-5 in Big Sky play. Montana State drops to an even 12-12 on the season, with a 5-6 conference record.

            UNC hits the road this week for games against Idaho State and Weber State. They return home Thursday, February 15^th at 7 p.m. for the final homestand of the season.