Women’s basketball wins Big Sky regular season title

Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics 
Women’s basketball wins Big Sky regular-season title

By Adam Ide

Bear News Sportswriter
Click here for story on bearnews.tv 

            The University of Northern Colorado women’s basketball team won its first outright Big Sky regular-season title Wednesday with a 63-60 victory over Portland State.

            The Bears also clinched the top seed in next week’s Big Sky Tournament in Reno, Nevada.

            “The title has been in reach and right in front of us all year long,” head coach Kamie Ethridge said. “We’ve had the target on our backs all year long and it just feels nice to win it.”

            Northern Colorado was led by senior guard Savannah Scott (20 points), who made her return after missing the last three games with a leg injury. She was a sight for sore eyes, as she helped UNC get off to a better start than in previous games.

            “That’s not the only net we want to take down,” Scott said. “We want to cut down the net in Reno as well, but tonight feels great.”

            Freshman guard Tiarna Clarke also turned in a solid performance, scoring 10 points.

            The Vikings had two players in double figures, led by Ashley Bolston’s 13 and Courtney West’s 10.

            The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with the Bears holding a 17-14 lead after the first.

            Northern Colorado used an 11-0 run in the second to carry a 36-23 lead into the locker room. Clarke had two 3’s during the run.

            “In the last few games, I’ve gained confidence and know my teammates have it in me too,” Clarke said. “It just feels good to see the shots go through the net.”

            The two teams each scored 14 in the third, with UNC holding a 50-37 lead heading into the fourth.

 Portland State went on a 9-0 run in the final quarter, cutting the deficit to six with three minutes remaining. After scoring only two points in the first five minutes of the quarter, Northern Colorado got 3’s from Scott and junior guard Savannah Smith, pushing the lead back to double digits.

The Bears could taste the title, leading by seven with a minute to play. Senior guard Kianna Williams made three of four free throws in the final minute, securing the win and the title.

With the win, Northern Colorado improves to 22-6 on the season, 14-3 in Big Sky play. Portland State falls to 16-12 with a 10-7 conference record.

UNC has one final home game remaining, as they take on Sacramento State Friday at 7 p.m. They will then head to Reno for the Big Sky Tournament, beginning Monday.