The Northern Colorado Bears men’s basketball team, representing the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley, Colorado, competes in the Big Sky Conference. In the 2024–25 season, the team achieved a 23–8 overall record and a 15–3 conference record, sharing the Big Sky regular-season championship. They were led by fifth-year head coach Steve Smiley and played their home games at the Bank of Colorado Arena.
In the Big Sky Tournament, the Bears advanced to the championship game but fell to the Montana Grizzlies 91–83 on March 12, 2025. Montana’s Kai Johnson scored six of his 23 points late to help secure the victory.
Despite the tournament loss, Northern Colorado’s strong season earned them an at-large bid to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). They faced the Utah Utes in the first round on March 17, 2025, but were narrowly defeated 68–66, concluding their postseason run.
Historically, the Bears have made one NCAA Division I Tournament appearance, in 2011, where they lost to San Diego State in the first round.
The women’s basketball team also competes in the Big Sky Conference. In the 2024–25 season, they finished with a 10–13 overall record and a 3–9 conference record under fourth-year head coach Kristen Mattio.