TIPOFF: Friday, 7 p.m. CU Events Center.

TV/RADIO: ESPN+/KOA 850 AM and 94.1 FM.

RECORDS (2023-24): Northern Colorado 19-14; Colorado 26-11.

COACHES: Northern Colorado — Steve Smiley, 5th season (65-61 at UNC and Division I overall). Colorado — Tad Boyle, 15th season (299-183, 355-249 overall).

KEY PLAYERS: Northern Colorado (2023-24 stats) — F Brock Wisne, 6-9, Jr. (11.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, .616 FG%); G Jaron Rille, 6-3, Gr. (11.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, .342 3%); G Quinn Denker, 6-3, Sr. (12.5 ppg, 3.7 apg, 3.4 rpg at Idaho); F Isaiah Hawthorne, 6-8, Gr. (3.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg at San Francisco); G Taeshaud Jackson, 6-6, Jr. (10.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg at VMI).Colorado (2023-24 stats) —G Julian Hammond III, 6-2, Sr. (7.4 ppg, 1.8 apg, .400 3%); G Javon Ruffin, 6-5, R-Jr. (2.1 ppg, 9-for-11 FTs, career .337 3%); F Bangot Dak, 6-11, So. (1.7 ppg, .438 FG%); F Assane Diop, 6-8, So. (1.3 ppg, .395 FG%); G RJ Smith, 6-3, R-So. (5-for-11 3-pointers in seven games); F Andrej Jakimovski, 6-8, Gr. (9.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg at Washington State).

NOTES: The state rivals are meeting in a third consecutive season for the first time since the 1930s. CU leads the series 24-18 with wins in the past 12 matchups. … The Buffs posted a 90-68 win at home last year against the Bears behind 21 points on a 9-for-12 night for KJ Simpson and a double-double from Eddie Lampkin Jr. (10 points, 10 rebounds). … UNC opened the season on Monday with a 75-55 home win against Colorado College. Langston Reynolds went 7-for-11 with a team-high 21 points, and Brock Wisne went 7-for-9 with 15 points and nine rebounds. … CU’s season-opening, four-game homestand continues on Wednesday against Cal State Fullerton (7 p.m., ESPN+).