Chris Kaba blocked Broderick Gilchrest's 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left and Northern Colorado edged Idaho State 77-74 Monday night, eliminating the Bengals from postseason contention.
Devon Beitzel scored 28 points for the Bears (18-10, 12-3 Big Sky) and was 16 of 16 from the free-throw line. Neal Kingman added 14 points.
Idaho State (9-19, 4-11) battled back from a 39-34 halftime deficit to build a 64-60 lead with 9:14 left, but Northern Colorado ended the game on a 17-10 run to stay in contention for the No. 1 seed for the Big Sky tournament. The Bears will win the regular season title outright with a victory over Sacramento State on Wednesday.
Gilchrest scored 26 points to lead the Bengals, who were hoping to stay in contention for the No. 6 seed in the Big Sky tournament. Idaho State's loss clinched a spot for Montana State.
