Northern Colorado Bears guard Vincent Delano (1) dribbles the ball down the court against Denver Pioneers' guard Zane Nelson (7) during a college basketball game at Bank of Colorado Arena on the campus of the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (Brice Tucker/Staff Photographer)
The Northern Colorado Bears faced a tough defeat against the Denver Pioneers, losing 86-79 in a closely contested college basketball game at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley on December 20, 2025. This matchup showcased the intensity and skill of both teams, but ultimately, the Pioneers outperformed the Bears in key moments.
From the outset, the game was filled with action. Northern Colorado’s guard Vincent Delano made an immediate impact, driving the ball down the court against Denver’s Zane Nelson. Delano’s efforts were complemented by forward Brock Wisne, who consistently attempted to push towards the basket, seeking to secure vital points for his team.
The Pioneers, led by their forward Jeremiah Burke, demonstrated resilience. Burke recovered loose balls and made crucial plays that helped maintain their lead throughout the game. Denver’s guard Julius Rollins also played a pivotal role, grabbing rebounds and contributing to the team’s scoring efforts.
As the game progressed, the Bears tried to close the gap, with Delano and Wisne continuing to challenge the Pioneers’ defense. Northern Colorado’s head coach Steve Smiley called for a timeout to strategize and motivate his players, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and defensive cohesion. Despite their efforts, the Bears struggled to regain the lead.
The final minutes were marked by a series of turnovers and missed opportunities for Northern Colorado, which allowed Denver to capitalize on their mistakes. Gabe Oldham of the Pioneers held onto crucial rebounds, stifling the Bears’ chances to mount a comeback.
The game concluded with a final score of 86-79 in favor of the Denver Pioneers, highlighting their effective execution and strategic play. This loss puts Northern Colorado at a critical juncture in the season, as they will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities in upcoming games.
As the teams move forward, both will carry valuable lessons from this matchup. The Pioneers will look to build on their success, while the Bears must harness the energy from this close contest to improve their performance in future games.
