GREELEY, Colo. (Interstat) — A Big Sky Conference women’s basketball showdown tips off the new year Thursday as the Northern Colorado Bears host the Montana State Bobcats at Butler-Hancock Athletic Center. The Bears (9-4) enter with the stronger overall record, but both teams are looking to rebound from losses in their final non-conference tune-ups. Northern Colorado fell 65-56 at Sam Houston on Dec. 22, while Montana State (7-4) last played on Dec. 20, defeating Hawaii 72-56. Northern Colorado’s consistency has been key to its start. Guard Gabi Fields has been a steadying force, averaging 8.8 points and 3.2 assists over her last five games, including a 10-point, 4-assist effort in the loss to Sam Houston. She is complemented by the scoring of Neenah George, who poured in 18 points in that same contest. Montana State will counter with the explosive Taylee Chirrick. The Bobcats’ guard is coming off a dominant 26-point performance against Hawaii and has averaged 14.8 points over her last five outings. Her versatility was on full display in a 17-point, 10-assist showing in a 99-57 rout of North Dakota on Dec. 6. The Bobcats have shown a high-powered offense, scoring 86 or more points in four wins this season. However, they have also been prone to road struggles, as evidenced by double-digit losses at Oregon and North Dakota State in December. Northern Colorado has defended its home court well, boasting a 5-1 record in Greeley this season, with the lone loss a 53-56 overtime defeat to Denver in November. This contest opens the conference slate for both teams and could set an early tone in the Big Sky standings. Montana State will look to leverage its offensive firepower, while the Bears will aim to use their home-court advantage and balanced attack to secure a pivotal early victory. The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. MST tip-off on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.