FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Arizona topped Southern Utah in its Big Sky home opener 70-67 at the Walkup Skydome. The win gave NAU its second straight conference win to improve to 7-9 overall and 2-1 in league play. Aaseem Dixon led the Lumberjacks with 22 points.

"Our game today wasn't pretty, but we came away with the win and that's what's most important. Give credit to Southern Utah. They came out here today and challenged us," said head coach Jack Murphy. "It's only the second time this season we've won back to back games, but now we need to carry that momentum into our next game."

The Lumberjacks excelled on second chance points and points off of turnovers to keep a steady distance in front of the Thunderbirds for the majority of the game. Southern Utah (3-11, 0-3 Big Sky) attempted a late comeback, but NAU managed to pull out the win with the help of an 8 of 10 performance from the free throw line in the final minute of play.

NAU went 10 of 10 from the free throw line in the first half to jump out to a 32-21 halftime lead. The Lumberjacks led by as many as 13 points with seven minutes to go after a pair of made free throws by Kris Yanku. Dixon was the top scorer for the Lumberjacks with eight points, while Jordyn Martin crashed the boards pulling down six rebounds.

In order for the Lumberjacks to maintain their lead and come away with the victory they would need to continue their dominance at the free throw line and under the basket. Southern Utah played 13 players in the first half shooting just 36.8 percent from the floor, in addition to a mere nine rebounds.

After halftime the Thunderbirds came out going toe-to-toe with NAU over the first eight minutes of play. The Lumberjacks were up 44-30 over Southern Utah with 11:24 remaining in the game.

The Thunderbirds continued to inch their way back in the game, but NAU managed to keep Southern Utah at arm's length for the most part. In the final 10 minutes the Thunderbirds were able to pressure NAU and started to close in on the home team.

With 1:39 to go, the Thunderbirds trailed the Lumberjacks 59-53. SUU used layups and the free throw line to cut into NAU's lead and make it interesting.

Southern Utah's final basket was a three-pointer with three seconds left in the game, but by then it was a little too late as time expired leaving NAU the winners of today's contest.

Yanku netted 15 points and Quinton Upshur added 11 points, as both players scored in double figures. NAU scored 12 more points at the free throw line than SUU, which made a big difference as the game went on.

Southern Utah was led in scoring by Casey Oliverson who had 12 points, followed by Race Parson's 11 points. For the Thunderbirds they weren't able to keep NAU off the boards, as they were out-rebounded 41 to 28.

NAU continues its three-game road streak next week when Weber State and Idaho State come to the Walkup Skydome. The Lumberjacks swept Idaho State and split the series with Weber State.   

Notes: Double figure scoring games: Quinton Upshur (12), Aaseem Dixon (11), Kris Yanku (10)…Today's win marked the third straight over Southern Utah…Dixon recorded his third 20-point game of the season and eight straight double figure scoring game.