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Jaron Rillie, Sparked by Early Mistake, Leads Northern Colorado in Big Sky Championship Win

Introduction

The Northern Colorado Bears pulled off a thrilling victory on March 12, 2025, beating the Montana Grizzlies 75-68 to win the Big Sky Conference tournament at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho. Leading No. 33 Summer Leagues 1st – 4th reader readouts Jaron Rillie scored 22 points with 6 assists for the 2nd game to earn tournament MVP honors.

Game Recap

First Half: A Tight Contest

The championship game began with teams trading defensive stops. Neither had much of an edge, with Northern Colorado and Montana trading leads several times. Rillie deftly directed the Bears’ offense, tallying 10 points and three assists in the first half. The Grizzlies responded with hefty interior play, and the score was knotted, 34-34, when the teams traveled to their locker rooms at halftime.

Second Half: Bears Take Over

After halftime, the Bears put a little more pressure on defense, making it difficult for Montana to get into an offensive rhythm. With its leading scorer lurking quietly on the perimeter, Rillie’s long-range bombing and timely drives to the basket sparked a 12-4 run, which gave Northern Colorado a 58-50 lead with 10:41 left in the game. The Bears kept their cool despite a late surge from the Grizzlies, closing out the game at the line late.

Key Performances

Jaron Rillie: MVP Efforts

Rillie’s up-tempo style of playmaking and scoring was key to the Bears’ championship success. His on-court leadership established the tone for Northern Colorado’s offense, and his defensive tenacity helped with timely stops against Montana’s key players.

Supporting Cast

Langston Reynolds: The forward provided a strong presence in the paint with 15 points and eight rebounds.
Isaiah Hawthorne: 12 points, including two critical three-pointers in the second half, five rebounds.
Marcell McCreary: Bolstered the defense with a trio of blocks and added eight points.

Season Overview

Regular Season Dominance

Northern Colorado was the tournament’s top seed after it and Montana shared the regular-season title, each going 15-3 in conference play. What made the team a feared one throughout the season was their high-octane offense as they averaged 81.3 points per game as well as a stifling defense.

Tournament Journey

The Bears’ road to the championship highlighted their determination and depth:

Quarterfinals: Beat Weber State, 82-65 Rillie had a double-double (18 points, 10 assists)
Semifinals: Beat a tough Idaho State team 70-62 behind Reynolds’ 20-point performance.
Titles won: Championship (vs. Montana; Rillie MVP)

Coaching Excellence

Steve Smiley’s Leadership

Fifth-year head coach Steve Smiley has played a key role in Northern Colorado’s approaches. The Bears have steadily improved under his leadership, culminating in this year’s trophy. His focus on player development and a balanced offensive-defensive style is paying returns.

Statistical Highlights

FG%: The Bears shot 48% from the field.
Three-Point Shooting: Northern Colorado converted 40% of its 3-point attempts, led by Rillie.
Rebounding: The Bears finished with a 38-30 edge on the boards.

Expert Analysis

Northern Colorado, who basketball analysts have praised for its balanced offensive attack and intense defense.

“The Bears can run it very well, they excel in half-court offense, Rillie been executing and doing a great job so far, man,” one analyst said.

Fan Engagement

Northern Colorado: The Pioneers have members of the fan base dreaming of championships. Platforms were flooded with celebratory messages, and the hashtag #BearsChampionship trended regionally after the game. The school plans to host a rally to celebrate the team’s accomplishment.

Future: How NCAA Tournament Looks

Having clinched the Big Sky championship, Northern Colorado receives an automatic berth into the NCAA tournament. Bracket projections have the Terps as a possible 13-seed, leading to an intriguing first-round matchup. The Bears’ high-powered offense and well-coordinated defense could make them a dangerous team, one that has the potential to make a deep tournament run.

Conclusion

With Jaron Rillie shining and the Northern Colorado Bears firing on all cylinders, they’ve carved their names into the stage of Big Sky Conference history. With their championship win fresh in their minds, the Bears head to the NCAA tournament with the confidence that they will be unstoppable.

FAQs

How long has it been since Northern Colorado won the tournament in the Big Sky Conference?

With the 2025 win, Northern Colorado had last won the Big Sky Conference tournament in 2018.

What happened to Northern Colorado in the NCAA tourney after they last won the Big Sky title?

Northern Colorado played in the CollegeInsider in 2018, when it won the Big Sky championship. Postseason Tournament (CIT) champion.

What is the average amount of points per game Jaron Rillie has for the season?

At the end of the Big Sky tournament, Jaron Rillie was averaging 16.5 points per game for the season.

This is the third time Coach Steve Smiley has brought the Bears to a 20-win campaign.

This is Smiley’s second 20-win season in his tenure as head coach of Northern Colorado during the 2024-25 season.

What kind of chances do the Bears have if they make it to the NCAA tournament?

Despite stiff competition, the Bears’ balanced scoring, inside-out game, tenacity on the defensive end, and the leadership of Rillie, suggest they could be this year’s Cinderella team, capable of knocking off higher-seeded teams.

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