Preview: Weber State Wildcats at Northern Colorado Bears

GARDEN CITY, Colo. (Interstat) — A surging Northern Colorado squad looks to solidify its position near the top of the Big Sky Conference standings when it hosts the up-and-down Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Butler-Hancock Athletic Center.

The Bears (11-5 overall) enter with momentum after an 85-72 home victory over Idaho State on Thursday. They are led by guard Zach Bloch, who erupted for 26 points in that win. Bloch has been a consistent scoring threat, averaging 14.2 points over his last six games, including an 18-point effort in a road win at Colorado on Dec. 28.

Weber State (8-8) arrives after a 78-65 road win at Northern Arizona, snapping a two-game skid. The Wildcats have shown a high ceiling, averaging 87.3 points in their last three wins, but have struggled with consistency during nonconference play.

The matchup features a compelling duel at guard between Northern Colorado’s Bloch and Weber State’s dynamic Tijan Saine. Saine is coming off a string of potent performances, averaging 19.8 points and 4.3 assists over his last six contests. He nearly posted a triple-double with 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in an overtime loss to Portland State on Jan. 1.

Northern Colorado’s offense runs efficiently through Quinn Denker, who dished out 11 assists against Idaho State, and forward Brock Wisne, who added 17 points. The Bears will test a Weber State defense that has allowed 90 points or more in three of its last five games.

For Weber State, secondary scoring behind Saine will be crucial. Viljami Vartiainen (16 points) and Jace Whiting (10 points) provided key support in the win at Northern Arizona.

Historically, the home team has held an advantage in this series. The teams will meet again in Ogden, Utah, on Feb. 5.

Saturday’s contest tips off a critical early conference stretch for both teams as they jockey for positioning in the Big Sky. Northern Colorado seeks to protect its home court and build on its strong start, while Weber State aims to string together consecutive conference wins for the first time this season.