FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Arizona women's basketball fell to 2-4 in the Big Sky Conference after a 56-48 loss to Portland State on Saturday at the Rolle Activity Center.  After beating Montana and moving to 2-1 in league play, the Lumberjacks have dropped their last three Big Sky games.

"Our effort was better tonight," said head coach Laurie Kelly.  "We got down early again but I didn't feel it was because we were lackadaisical.  I feel like Portland State made some shots early and came out on a run."

NAU (7-12, 2-4 BSC) again bounced back from an early deficit after trailing by 11 points six minutes into the game.  The Lumberjacks cut the Portland State lead to four points at the 10 minute mark but the Vikings answered back entering the break with a 30-20 lead.

The women were down by 11 two times in the second half before cutting the lead to three points with 3:30 on the clock.  The Lumberjacks would not come any closer and were outscored 8-3 in the closing minutes.  

"Overall, I thought our shot selection was much better inside and out, but in the end, we have to make shots," Kelly said.  "We held them to 56 points and 33 percent shooting.  Defensively, I was pleased with our effort.  You just can't win a game shooting 27 percent and 14 percent from the floor."

In the loss, Amy Patton collected her fourth double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds.  She was the only Lumberjack in double figures.  Portland State's Eryn Jones recorded a game-high 17 points and was also the only player on her team in double digits.

"We are a very talented team and there is no question we are not playing to our ability right now," Kelly said.  "When it came down to it I think our effort was better, but I still give it to Portland State.  They were the harder working team tonight."

After a four-game home stretch, the Lumberjacks embark on a three-game road swing.  NAU plays one game next week, a matchup with Northern Colorado on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7:05 p.m.

DID YOU KNOW…Student-athletes, coaches and athletic department staff combined to volunteer more than 4,500 hours over the 2009-10 academic year, assisting with events like Red Ribbon Week, Relay for Life, Welcome Back Jacks, St. Mary's Food Bank, Adopt a Family, Climb to Conquer Cancer. In all, the department participated with more than 20 different organizations and/or events.