N. Colorado 63, E. Washington 53

Published Feb. 3, 2011 11:20 p.m. ET

foxsports

Devon Beitzel scored 19 of his 27 points in the second half as Northern Colorado moved into a first-place tie with Montana in the Big Sky Conference by beating Eastern Washington 63-53 Thursday night.

Beitzel shot 5-for-12 from the floor and 9-for-11 from the free throw line after the break for the Bears (12-9, 8-2), who trailed by 11 points in the second half.

Weber State helped the Bears by beating Montana 68-52.

Cliff Colimon led Eastern Washington (7-15, 4-6) with 17 points. Kevin Winford had 15 for the Eagles, 0-12 away from home and losers of 18 consecutive road games over two seasons.