University of Northern Colorado Men's Basketball Team Falls to Montana by 5 Points

Strategic Insights -

The University of Northern Colorado men's basketball team put up a fierce fight against Montana, ultimately falling short by 5 points. Despite a courageous comeback, the Bears were unable to secure the win, with Montana making crucial free throws to seal the victory. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying impressive shooting skills.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dalton Knecht led the team with a career-high 32 points, shooting 9-for-15 from the field and hitting all 7 free throws he attempted.
  • Brock Wisne had a career-best night, scoring 11 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, both career highs.
  • The team's shooting percentages improved significantly in the second half, with UNC shooting 50% (14-for-28) compared to 32% (8-for-25) in the first half.
  • Montana was 8-for-16 behind the arc in the contest, and shot 49% from the field.
  • Coach Smiley emphasized the pain of losing close games, citing the team's record in two-possession games and comparing it to last year's Montana team that won 9 out of 11 such games.
  • UNA Point Leader, Dalton Knecht tied his career-best three-point shot, making 5-of-9 three-pointers in the game, matching his previous effort at Cal Baptist on Nov 21, 2021.
  • Coach Smiley noted that losing is a part of the profession and that they all signed up for it, but it does not make the pain of losing any less.

Statistics:

  • Dalton Knecht's 32 points are the most in a single game this season.
  • Brock Wisne's 11 points and 9 rebounds are both career highs.
  • Montana's 49% shooting from the field is acontrast to UNC's 38% overall shooting percentage (42-28 different, 8-25-28 in first half and 14-25 in second half)
  • The team's second-half shooting percentage increased significantly, from 32% in the first half to 50% in the second half.
  • Montana hit 8 three-pointers in the game, with UNC responding with 5 three-pointers of their own.

Sources:

  • University of Northern Colorado News Release
  • Coach Smiley - Used quotes from the news release