The Northern Colorado Bears open their 2025–26 campaign under the bright lights of Greeley, fresh off a historic 25-win season and looking every bit the part of a Big Sky contender. Their opponent, the Colorado College Tigers, travel up from Colorado Springs hoping to play spoiler in what’s become a lopsided in-state series.
The Bears, led by sixth-year head coach Steve Smiley, return a veteran nucleus and one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball. Meanwhile, the Tigers bring back their All-SCAC forward Asher Nofziger, but will have to contend with UNC’s size, depth, and relentless tempo inside the Bank of Colorado Arena — where the Bears went 14–2 last season.
For Northern Colorado fans, this game isn’t just a season opener — it’s a celebration of what’s become a powerhouse program in the Big Sky.
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📺 Where to Watch Northern Colorado vs. Colorado Tigers? (Nov 3, 2025)
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Monday, November 3, 2025 |
| Tip-Off (Local) | 7:30 PM MST |
| Venue | Bank of Colorado Arena – Greeley, CO |
| Broadcast | ESPN+ |
| Radio | PirateRadio935.com |
💸 Betting Odds
Spread: Northern Colorado approx. –25.5
Total (Over/Under): approx. 152.5 points
Moneyline: Northern Colorado heavily favored (exact odds vary by book)
📊 Team Breakdown
🐻 Northern Colorado Bears
2024–25 Record: 25–10 (15–3 Big Sky, NIT berth)
Head Coach: Steve Smiley (6th Season)
UNC enters this season with momentum and continuity, returning much of the core that led the nation in field goal percentage (50.7%) and ranked 30th in scoring (80.6 PPG).
This year’s version may be even more dangerous — combining returning sharpshooters Zach Bloch and Langston Reynolds with size in the post from Brock Wisne.
Expect more of the same — crisp ball movement (15.8 assists/game last year), efficient shooting, and a defense that quietly ranked top 3 in the Big Sky in points allowed.
🔥 Key Returners
| Player | Pos | 2024–25 Stats | Notes |
| Quinn Denker (G) | Sr | 11.4 PPG, 4.8 APG | Floor general, high IQ playmaker |
| Langston Reynolds (G) | Jr | 10.2 PPG, 42% 3PT | Explosive scorer, breakout potential |
| Brock Wisne (F) | Sr | 8.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG | Glue guy, efficient interior finisher |
Smiley’s Bears play like a team that trusts the system — five-out motion, extra passes, and ball reversals until they get a high-percentage look.
🐯 Colorado College Tigers
2024–25 Record: 15–12 (2nd in SCAC)
Head Coach: Jeff Conarroe (6th Season)
The Tigers return Asher Nofziger (16.7 PPG, 8.9 RPG), their double-double machine, and sharpshooter Scott Ruegg, but depth remains a concern. Against UNC’s length, CC’s smaller rotation struggled to contain rebounds and limit paint touches.
That said, Conarroe’s crew remains disciplined — they turned it over just 13 times and shot decently in stretches — but their size disadvantage and free-throw inconsistency (8-16) were telling.
🎯 Betting Insights & Trends
| Trend |
| UNC is 9–0 all-time vs Colorado College in the modern era (since 2004). |
| Average margin of victory: +41.7 PPG over last three meetings. |
| The Bears have scored 90+ points in 5 of their last 9 matchups. |
| The Tigers are 1–6 ATS in their last seven non-conference road games. |
| UNC is 8–1 ATS in season openers since 2016. |
📈 Analytical Picks & Parlay
| Bet | Pick | Odds |
| Spread | Northern Colorado -25.5 | -110 |
| Total (O/U) | Under 152.5 | -110 |
| Team Total (UNC) | Over 85.5 | -115 |
| Player Prop | Langston Reynolds Over 18.5 Pts | +105 |
| Winning Margin | UNC by 21+ | +240 |
SGP (+475 Odds):
UNC -25.5 ✅ + Under 152.5 ✅ + Reynolds Over 18.5 ✅
🧠 Game Analysis
This opener showed exactly why Northern Colorado remains the Big Sky’s most efficient offensive team — composure, shot selection, and rebounding dominance. The Bears didn’t need to shoot lights out from deep (7-26, 26.9%) because their paint presence was overwhelming.
Colorado College had moments of discipline but never found a rhythm against UNC’s spacing and physicality. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that the Bears’ combination of Denker’s facilitation and Reynolds’ scoring versatility makes them a legitimate threat to return to March postseason play.
For Colorado College, this was a valuable test. For UNC, it was a statement that 2024–25 wasn’t a fluke — the Bears are built to contend again.
🔮 Final ClutchBuzz Northern Colorado vs. Colorado Tigers Prediction
Prediction: Northern Colorado 84 – Colorado College 59
Best Bet: UNC -25.5
Lean: Under 152.5
Bonus Prop: Langston Reynolds Over 18.5 Points (+105)
