The UND women’s basketball team fell to Northern Colorado 72-64 on Wednesday in the Big Sky quarterfinals.

North Dakota was 34-5 all time against UNC before Wednesday’s game, but failed to clinch another victory and defend its title as the 2014 Big Sky champions.

The team will not await word of a postseaon tournament bid that will be announced Monday.

“Today’s game reflected our season,” UND coach Travis Brewster said. “There are things that we do really well, and some things we have to work upon as a group. And when we work on those things as a group, it gives us a chance.

“I’m not disappointed in this ball club. I thought we improved in some areas and we started out the year the right way. With a younger team, sometimes you get stunted here and there. That’s where you have to grow a little bit more. It’s an honor to be in this tournament but we didn’t set out to be a one-and-done team and it’s hard to swallow.”

North Dakota hit a season-best eight three-pointer on 15 attempts.

UNC clinched the 37-33 at halftime, and UND eventually set up a 45-44 advantage thanks to Siri Burck’s bucket in the second half.

That was the last time UND held the lead as Northern Colorado went on to win.

Though UND ended earlier than it hoped, two of its players earned honors earlier in the week.

Junior Mia Loyd was named to the Big Sky Conference All-First Team and senior Emily Evers clinched an honorable mention when the league announced postseason awards Tuesday.

The duo ranks high in the conference in shooting with Evers at .576 and Loyd at .546.

Prior to the quarterfinals, Loyd registered a league-best 16 double-doubles and led North Dakota in scoring. She also tallied her 1,000th point of her career last weekend vs. Northern Colorado.

Evers also hit that mark and her 735 rebounds put her as the 14th player to collect 1,000 points and 700 rebounds. She also averaged 11.5 points and 8.5 rebounds prior to Wednesday.

Staff Report