ROSEMONT, Ill. (Interstat) — In a game defined by grit over grace, the Northern Colorado Bears escaped with a narrow 61-60 victory over the DePaul Blue Demons in a non-conference women’s basketball clash on Saturday at Allstate Arena.

The contest was a defensive struggle marked by a staggering 42 combined turnovers, with Northern Colorado committing 25. Despite the sloppy play, the Bears mounted a fourth-quarter comeback to improve their season record to 5-1, while DePaul fell to 2-4.

DePaul controlled the early tempo, leading 17-12 after the first quarter and maintaining a 28-27 advantage at halftime. The Blue Demons extended their lead to 45-39 heading into the final period, seemingly in command.

However, Northern Colorado saved its best offensive output for last, erupting for 22 points in the fourth quarter. The game culminated in a frantic final sequence. With just seconds remaining and DePaul leading 60-58, Northern Colorado’s Heather Baymon connected on a critical 3-pointer to put the Bears ahead. DePaul had a chance to respond, but a turnover by Kate Novik in the closing seconds sealed the outcome for the visiting Bears.

Northern Colorado’s offense was carried by key performances from its backcourt. Neenah George, a guard from Dallas, led the Bears with 11 points and five assists in 31 minutes. Baymon, a guard from Phoenix, provided a crucial spark off the bench, scoring 13 points, including the game-winning shot. Forward Tatum West of Combine, Texas, also added 13 points.

DePaul was led by Kate Novik of Grodno, Belarus, and Natiah Nelson of Perrysburg, Ohio, who scored 13 and 10 points, respectively. Nelson also contributed four assists and a block. The Blue Demons were hampered by poor free-throw shooting, converting just 11 of 21 attempts from the line.

Statistically, the game was remarkably even. Both teams finished with eight assists, eight steals, and two blocks. Northern Colorado held a slight edge in field goal percentage, shooting 48% on 24-of-50 shooting compared to DePaul’s 39% on 22-of-57 shooting. The Bears also won the rebounding battle on the offensive glass, 13-14.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 973. Northern Colorado will look to continue its winning streak on the road at Arizona on Tuesday. DePaul will aim to regroup at home against Loyola Chicago on Wednesday.