This has to be the most disappointing home loss in recent memory for Tad Boyle and the Colorado Buffaloes.
Despite being large favorites at home, Colorado couldn't muster enough offense late as the Bears secured the 86-81 victory.
This marks the first time Northern Colorado has beaten Colorado since 1936.
Three takeaways from Sunday's dissappointing loss.
Quinn Denker was a matchup problem
Fresh off a two-game abscense due to injury, Denker dropped a game-high 33 points on 12-of-18 shooting, going 3-for-5 from deep.
He also went a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.
Denker contributed eight rebounds and eight assists despite turning the ball over five times.
Northern Colorado had two other starters in double-figures on the afternoon.
Ibu Yamazaki tallied 19 points followed by Brock Wisne with 13.
Isaiah Johnson continues to shine off the bench
Johnson's game looks that of an upperclassman, despite being merely a freshman. He scored 25 points off the bench on 9-of-20 shooting in a loss for Colorado.
Despite being one of the smallest guys on the court, he played a big role on the glass today. Johnson added eight rebounds, including a big man's board late that kept the possession and game alive for Colorado.
His aggressive nature lead to more attempts at the free throw line as he went 5-of-6 on the afternoon.
Disappointing end to the nonconference schedule
This is not the type of performance you would like to see from Colorado as they enter conference play. Tad Boyle cannot be pleased seeing his team allow 86 points on 53% from the field. Not to mention, Northern Colorado shot a blistering 52% from downtown.
Colorado was outmuscled on the glass as Northern Colorado was +10 in that category.
Despite a promising start to the season (yes, they are still 10-3) they now face the gauntlet of the Big 12 after losing two consecutive games.
Colorado entered Sunday's contest as -15.5 point favorites at home.
The Buffs look to bounce back as they open up Big 12 conference play next Saturday on the road against Arizona State.