Women’s basketball clinches share of Big Sky title

Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics
Women’s basketball clinches share of Big Sky title
By Adam Ide
Bear News Sportswriter

            The University of Northern Colorado women’s basketball team overcame a 10-point halftime deficit Saturday to beat North Dakota 51-45 at Bank of Colorado Arena.

            The Bears were led by junior guard Savannah Smith (17 points), who was one of three players in double-figures. Sophomore guard Krystal Leger-Walker had 10.

            “Kianna and Krystal played hard in the first half, but when you take two players like [Smith and Savannah Scott] off the court it is going to be a challenge,” head coach Kamie Ethridge said. “We played against a seasoned team that has a good defensive scheme and challenged us.”

            Smith didn’t play in the second quarter, as she picked up her second foul of the game with under a minute left in the first.

            Senior guard Kianna Williams was the team’s third double-digit scorer, as she had 13 points. She spoke about the team’s mentality heading into halftime.

            “We were frustrated with our first half performance, but we came out of the locker room at half with a good attitude and it helped us earn the win,” she said.

            The Fighting Hawks didn’t have a player in double figures, but Lexi Klabo did lead the team with eight points.

            Both teams started off slow, which seems to be a theme for Northern Colorado basketball teams of late, whether it be women’s or men’s.

            UND led 14-10 after the first quarter and led 26-16 at the half. UNC shot only 21 percent from the field in the first half, and their percentage from deep was even worse at 18 percent.

            But like the men’s last two games at The Bank, the Bears stormed out of the locker room to begin the second half. After trading baskets with North Dakota to begin the third quarter, Northern Colorado went on an 18-2 run over the final four minutes of the quarter and never looked back. Smith scored nine of the team’s 18 during the run.

            “I was determined to get the ball in the basket for us,” Smith said. “I knew we needed an easy basket, so I just played with that mentality.”

            UNC hit four 3’s during the run, ignited by freshman guard Tiarna Clarke. Smith, Leger-Walker and Williams hit the other three, waking the fans up inside The Bank.

            The Bears used the run to carry a 43-36 lead into the final quarter and didn’t let the Fighting Hawks get any closer than four points to seal the win.

            With the win, Northern Colorado (21-6, 13-3) clinches a bye and top two seed in the Big Sky Conference Tournament next month. They also clinch at least a share of the Big Sky title with Idaho’s loss.

            UNC is just one win away from claiming the title outright. Their first chance at that win will come Wednesday when they take on Portland State at 7 p.m.