Northern Colorado Edges Pepperdine 88-81 in Thrilling OT Victory

UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, Northern Colorado defeated Pepperdine 88-81 in overtime, solidifying their position in the early season standings. This thrilling matchup unfolded on November 15, 2025, at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, Colorado, and left fans on the edge of their seats.

The game began with Northern Colorado taking a strong lead, closing the first half at 41-31. However, Pepperdine rallied in the second half, pushing the game into overtime where Northern Colorado ultimately prevailed. This victory is vital for Northern Colorado as they aim for a successful season.

Key performer: Northern Colorado’s Jaden Denker was exceptional, scoring 26 points and contributing significantly from the free-throw line with 9 of 13 attempts. Jordan Bloch also made a notable impact, scoring 16 points on 6 of 12 shooting.

Pepperdine’s top scorer, Joe Phipps, fought valiantly with 22 points and 13 rebounds, but his efforts fell short in the decisive moments. The game showcased the resilience of both teams, with Northern Colorado’s defense ultimately making the crucial stops needed for victory.

Throughout the game, Northern Colorado demonstrated superior rebounding with a total of 42 boards compared to Pepperdine’s 31. This edge was pivotal in controlling the pace and flow of the game.

Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with Northern Colorado hitting 9 of 26 three-pointers, while Pepperdine managed just 5 of 23. However, Northern Colorado’s ability to convert critical free throws down the stretch, finishing 19 of 25, proved decisive.

This victory marks a significant moment for Northern Colorado as they continue to build momentum in the season. Fans are eager to see how this win will influence their upcoming games.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on both teams as they prepare for their next challenges. Northern Colorado will look to capitalize on this momentum, while Pepperdine aims to regroup and come back stronger in their next match. Stay tuned for further updates as the season unfolds.