Northern Arizona vs Northern Colorado Prediction 2/21/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks and the Northern Colorado Bears will meet on Saturday night in a Big Sky Conference matchup at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, Colorado.

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Betting Preview

The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks enter Saturday night’s contest with a 10–17 record, including a 4–10 conference record and an abysmal 1-10 record on the road. The Lumberjacks have compiled wins over Justice College, Embry‑Riddle, Cal Poly, and Southeast Missouri State, while losing games to North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Drake and the Arizona Wildcats.

Earlier this season, in the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 69–68 loss to North Dakota State, Northern Arizona forward Zack Davidson tallied 20 points (7 of 12 shooting from the field), 4 rebounds and 1 steal showcasing his ability to lead the Lumberjacks frontcourt.

The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks average 68.9 points on 45.5 percent shooting from the field and 35.8 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Lumberjacks are allowing opponents 77.4 points per game.

It should also be noted that these two teams met earlier this season. Who prevailed? Last month, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks defeated the Northern Colorado Bears 81-77.

Sophomore forward Zack Davidson leads the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks averaging 14 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1 assist per game. Junior guard Ryan Abelman adds 11.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals per contest, while junior guard Isaiah Shaw contributes 9 points and 2.3 rebounds per contest. Senior forward Traivar Jackson provides a strong interior presence averaging 7.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Northern Colorado Bears Betting Preview

The Northern Colorado Bears enter Saturday’s contest with a 10-17 overall win‑loss record, including a 4–10 mark in conference play and a 9–3 record at home. The Bears have earned wins over Weber State and the Idaho Vandals, while dropping recent games to Northern Arizona, Montana State and the Sacramento State Hornets.

More recently, in the Northern Colorado Bears 88–74 victory over Weber State earlier this month, Northern Colorado guard Quinn Denker played exceptionally well scoring 31 points on 12 of 19 shooting from the field.

The Northern Colorado Bears average 81 points (55th in nation) on 48.4 percent shooting from the field (28th in country) and 35.3 percent shooting from three-point range per game. The Bears are allowing opponents 78.6 points per contest which ranks an abysmal 285th in the nation.  

Senior guard Quinn Denker leads the Northern Colorado Bears averaging 18.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1 steal per game. Senior forward Brock Wisne contributes 15.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per contest providing the Bears with a quality interior presence.  

Why the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks will win

•            Quality guard play. Abelman and Shaw provide consistent perimeter scoring.

•            Interior presence. Davidson and Jackson provide rebounding, inside scoring, and rim protection.

•            Recent confidence. The Lumberjacks arrive at tomorrow’s game on the heels of a 79–74 win over Sacramento State.                

Why the Northern Colorado Bears will win

•             Home court advantage. The Bears have compiled a 9–3 record at home this season.

•             Elite guard play. Senior guard Quinn Denker leads the Northern Colorado Bears averaging 18.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1 steal per game.

•             Offensive edge. The Northern Colorado Bears average 81 points (55th in nation) on 48.4 percent shooting from the field (28th in country) per game. Conversely, the Lumberjacks average just 68.9 points per contest.

Northern Arizona vs. Northern Colorado Prediction

This matchup features Northern Arizona’s efficient shooting and recent momentum against a Northern Colorado team that has been dominant at home and boasts one of the most productive backcourts in the country. The Lumberjacks offensive efficiency gives them a path to competitiveness, but the Lumberjacks recent road struggles are concerning considering the difficult environment they will face tomorrow night. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Northern Colorado Bears to win this game rather easily and cover the 12.5 points.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Northern Colorado -12.5