OGDEN, Utah – Every Lumberjack rally was answered by the Wildcats as the Northern Arizona women's basketball team was unable to complete their second half comeback despite several hard efforts in a 66-53 loss to Weber State on Thursday. Senior Erikka Banks led the way with her sixth double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the defeat, dropping the Lumberjacks' record to 6-9, 2-2 in the conference.

"There are times in basketball, and in life, where you may take a step back but it will help propel you forward," said head coach Sue Darling. "This is one of those times. This was a tough loss and we're disappointed but it's going to free us up to take some major steps forward. This whole season we've taken it one game at a time. Our focus is on Idaho State (on Saturday) and looking forward to bounce back."

Senior Raven Anderson and Banks converted on consecutive layups to put NAU in front, 8-5, five minutes into the game before Weber State used one of a few defining runs to change the tide of the game. Over the next three and a half minutes, the Wildcats leaped in front with a 14-0 run and maintained at least a seven-point cushion the rest of the half taking a 24-16 halftime lead.

Both teams, two of the top four defensive squads in the conference by scoring defense, kept the opposing offenses in check in the first 20 minutes as neither team shot better than 33 percent in the first half. NAU shot just 29.6 percent going into halftime, but still were in the game due a defensive effort that kept Weber State at a field goal percentage of 32.3 percent.

A swift start to the second half push the home team's lead out to a game-high 14 points three minutes in, building an uphill climb for the Lumberjacks. NAU was up to the task though and following a three-point play by junior Mariah Willadsen, it held the momentum cutting the Weber State lead to five, 44-39, with 7:56 to play. The Wildcats quickly answered with a three-pointer on the ensuing possession though, erasing Willadsen's three-point play on their way to building a 10-point lead again.

NAU sliced the deficit to five with 4:15 remaining and following a triple by sophomore Rene Coggins, the 'Jacks got within four at 53-49 at the 2:56 mark. Just as they had done all game though, Weber State responded with the next four points and down the stretch knocked down 13-of-14 free throws to keep the Lumberjacks from getting any closer.

Banks added a career-high three blocks and tied her season-high of five steals to her line. Willadsen finished with a season-high 14 points, her fifth straight double-digit scoring game, and six rebounds. Anderson was also in double-figures with 12 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore Brittani Lusain posted nine assists, eight rebounds and seven points.

Both teams shot upwards of 40 percent after halftime with Weber State finishing the game at 38.6 percent from the floor. NAU wound shooting 36.7 percent. The Wildcats held a slim 39-37 advantage on the glass, although the Lumberjacks did hold them six under their average of 18 offensive rebounds per game, sixth-best in the nation. The Lumberjacks totaled a season-best 12 steals with four players recording double-digit steals.

"We're playing solid defense and tonight we did a good job on the offensive boards and keeping them off the offensive boards, and they are a very good offensive rebounding team," Darling said. "I was really proud that we had 18 assists on 22 made shots. We have to keep being aggressive on offense and get to the free throw line."

The 'Jacks wrap up the week in Pocatello, Idaho Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. versus Idaho State.