Will Figures scored 20 points and Neal Kingman added 14 in his first start of the season for Northern Colorado, as the Bears topped Montana State 74-68 in Greeley on Sunday.
Five Bears scored in double figures for Northern Colorado, which converted 29 of its 33 free throws and outscored MSU 29-to-11 from the line. "That was certainly a critical stat," said Bobcat coach Brad Huse.
Northern Colorado led by as many as eight in the first half, and MSU built a six-point margin early in the second half. The Bobcats led 52-48 with eight minutes to play, but the Bears hit seven free throws in eight attempts over the next three-and-a-half minutes to build a five point lead. That surge was part of a 15-2 UNC run that extended the home team's lead to 63-54.
Brad Huse cited Northern Colorado's switch to a zone defense as a key to the Bears' spurt. "They extended their zone and it gave us some trouble," Huse said. "They did a good job defensively."
The loss was Montana State's second on a weekend road swing that included a Thursday night game at Northern Arizona, and drops MSU to 11-10 overall and 6-4 in conference play. Northern Colorado salvaged a weekend homestand with the win, raising its record to 18-5 overall and 7-3 in Big Sky play.
Montana State returns home to host Idaho State Friday at 7 pm in Worthington Arena.