Northern Colorado didn’t have much margin to work with, but it didn’t need it. The Bears outlasted Eastern Washington 74-71 on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, using a slim halftime edge and just enough execution late to turn a close game into a needed win.

How it happened

The game was essentially decided by a handful of possessions across the two halves. Northern Colorado carried a 32-31 lead into halftime, then matched Eastern Washington’s pace after the break while still winning the second half 42-40. Add it up and the Bears had the separation they needed: three points at the horn.

Turning point: winning the margins, not the moments

With neither team creating major separation, Northern Colorado’s advantage came from staying incrementally ahead. The Bears won the first half by one and the second by two — the kind of steady, possession-by-possession control that matters most in a three-point game.

What it means going forward

For Northern Colorado (13-10), the result stabilizes a stretch that had been trending the wrong way. The Bears entered on a WWLLL run, and this one — even without breathing room — is the type of win that can reset momentum.

For Eastern Washington (5-17), the loss is another close-but-not-enough night in a season that’s been defined by uphill climbs. The Eagles showed they could stay in the fight for 40 minutes, but they still leave without the finish.

Final

Northern Colorado 74, Eastern Washington 71

Halftime

Northern Colorado 32, Eastern Washington 31

Second half

Northern Colorado 42, Eastern Washington 40