GARDEN CITY, Colo. (Interstat) — Zane Nelson scored 32 points to lead Denver to an 86-79 victory over Northern Colorado on Saturday at Butler-Hancock Athletic Center. The Pioneers, who never trailed in the second half, used efficient shooting to overcome the Bears’ dominance inside. Denver shot 52.6% from the field and made 8 of 15 three-pointers, while Northern Colorado hit just 5 of 25 from beyond the arc. The Bears scored 58 points in the paint and grabbed 14 offensive rebounds but were hindered by 4-of-10 free-throw shooting. Nelson’s performance paced Denver, which improved to 7-7. Jeremiah Burke added 15 points for the Pioneers. Brock Wisne led Northern Colorado (9-3) with 27 points and Ring Nyeri had 15. Attendance was 1,352.

GARDEN CITY, Colo. (Interstat) — Zane Nelson scored a season-high 32 points and the Denver Pioneers executed with ruthless efficiency in the final minutes to upset the Northern Colorado Bears 86-79 on Saturday afternoon at Butler-Hancock Athletic Center. The Pioneers, who entered as heavy underdogs according to national metrics, snapped the Bears’ four-game home winning streak by overcoming a dominant Northern Colorado interior performance with superior perimeter shooting and clutch free-throw accuracy. Denver improved to 7-7, while Northern Colorado dropped to 9-3. The game was a tale of stark statistical contrasts. The Bears battered Denver inside, scoring 58 points in the paint and grabbing 14 offensive rebounds to the Pioneers’ two. Northern Colorado’s Brock Wisne led that charge with 27 points, and Ring Nyeri added 15 points and three blocks. But the Pioneers negated that advantage by shooting 53.3% from 3-point range, hitting 8 of 15, while the Bears struggled mightily, making just 5 of 25 from beyond the arc. Furthermore, Denver was nearly flawless at the free-throw line, converting 18 of 20 attempts. Northern Colorado went just 4 for 10. The Pioneers also forced nine turnovers and converted them into 13 points, while committing only nine turnovers themselves. The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the final three minutes. With Denver clinging to a 77-75 lead, the Pioneers’ defense stiffened. After a Northern Colorado miss, Zane Nelson found Jeremiah Burke for a crucial 3-pointer from the wing, pushing the lead to 80-75 with 1:55 remaining. Following a missed 3-pointer by Northern Colorado’s Ariik Mawien, the Pioneers worked the clock before Nelson drove and kicked to Burke again, who was fouled on a 3-point attempt. Burke made all three free throws, extending the Denver advantage to 83-75 with just over a minute to play. The Bears never recovered, as Denver closed the game by making 3 of 4 free throws in the final 12 seconds to seal the victory. Nelson, a junior guard from Birmingham, Alabama, was the catalyst throughout. His 32 points came on 10-of-17 shooting, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range, and a perfect 8-for-8 performance at the foul line. He added three assists and two steals in 28 minutes, orchestrating the Denver offense and repeatedly answering Northern Colorado runs with timely baskets. Burke provided vital support with 15 points, including the decisive late three and free throws. Logan Kinsey added 14 points for Denver, and Carson Johnson chipped in 11. For Northern Colorado, Wisne’s 27 points came on 13-of-21 shooting, showcasing his effectiveness in the post. Vincent Delano scored 11, and Mawien had 13. But the Bears’ perimeter game never found its rhythm, and their inability to capitalize at the free-throw line proved costly in a tight contest. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, featuring 10 lead changes and ending in a 40-40 tie. Northern Colorado built its largest lead at six points early in the second half, but a 7-0 Denver run, capped by a Nelson 3-pointer, quickly erased it and set the stage for the tense finish. Denver next travels to face Tulsa on Monday. Northern Colorado will visit in-state rival Colorado on Dec. 28.

GREELEY, Colo. (Interstat) — A surging Northern Colorado squad hosts in-state foe Denver on Saturday at Butler-Hancock Athletic Center, looking to continue its strong start against a Pioneers team seeking consistency. The Bears (9-2) have won nine of their last 10 games, with their only loss in that stretch a 101-90 defeat at Texas Tech on Tuesday. Northern Colorado showcased its offensive potency in that game, led by guard Brock Wisne’s 29 points and five assists. Wisne has been a standout, averaging 20.3 points over his last four contests. Denver (6-7) is coming off a 129-93 rout of Division II UCCS on Tuesday but has struggled against Division I competition, losing three of its last four such games. The Pioneers rely heavily on guard Jeremiah Burke, who is averaging 18.1 points over his last seven games. He scored 23 points in both of Denver’s most recent D-I games, a loss to Cal State Fullerton and the win over UCCS. The Bears’ resume includes a win over a common opponent, Cal State Fullerton, whom they defeated 97-93 on Nov. 23. Denver lost to the Titans 105-86 on Dec. 13. Northern Colorado’s defense has been key, holding opponents to 70 points or fewer in five of its nine victories. This non-conference matchup precedes league play for both teams. Denver begins Summit League action in January, while Northern Colorado will enter Big Sky Conference play. Saturday’s game tips off at 2 p.m. Mountain Time. For Northern Colorado, it represents a final tune-up before a visit to Colorado on Dec. 28. Denver travels to Tulsa on Monday.