JARON RILLIE’s college basketball career has come to an end in disappointing fashion, his Northern Colorado Bears making it all the way to the Big Sky Championship Final before falling by eight points to Montana.

Northern Colorado finished the season 25-9, and went 15-3 in conference play before winning two postseason games and advancing to the conference final on the back of Rillie’s impressive play. Rillie led his side in scoring in five of the last seven games of the season, including posting 24 points in the last game against Montana.

The Sydney product ran the point guard position well, dishing out six assists to go with his scoring prowess, and was efficient from the field shooting 10-15 including making three of his six attempts from beyond the arc. Rillie also ripped down four rebounds and swiped two steals. He was the only player of either team to play all 40 minutes as he tried to drag his side to victory and an NCAA tournament berth, however the Bears electric run of form came to an end losing 83-91. 

The game looked out of reach for the Bears before back to back baskets from Rillie brought the lead back from 10 to six with nine minutes remaining, giving his side enough hope to keep on fighting into the final few minutes. Northern Colorado were able to reduce the margin to as little as one point with three and a half minutes to go and were still in the contest with just over a minute left, down by just five points. From there, Rillie made a free throw with one minute remaining but it was not to be as Montana advanced to March Madness.

Over the course of his five-year college career Rillie averaged 7.7 points per game and 3.3 assists per game but improved greatly in the last two seasons with Northern Colorado. For the Bears, he averaged 11.6 points per game and 4.6 assists per game as he increased his minutes and gained more opportunity and responsibility. In the latter half of this season Rillie established himself as the Bears’ main scoring option, and down the stretch of the championship final he made several tough buckets to keep his squad within reach. 

Although his career now comes to a close, Rillie’s continued improvement with more experience bodes well for his opportunities going forward, and NBL clubs looking for young development players could seek out Rillie. Of course, his father is the head coach of the Perth Wildcats who are currently undergoing some roster turnover. His career will be an interesting one to track from here.