Lumberjacks Take Their Talents to Montana - Northern Arizona University Athletics

Lumberjacks Take Their Talents to Montana

/ January 20, 2015

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona men's basketball team will travel to the state of Montana this week to face the University of Montana on Thursday and Montana State on Saturday. The Grizzlies are 8-8, 4-1 in conference play, while the Bobcats are 3-14, 0-5 in the Big Sky.

The Lumberjacks (8-10, 3-2 BSC) won their last game at home versus Idaho State and will look to continue their winning ways on the road in Montana. NAU is 1-1 in conference road games this season, including defeating Portland State in its last away game. The Lumberjacks split this trip last season with a win at Montana and falling to Montana State on a buzzer beater.

NAU has continued to make its presence known on the boards this season, especially in the month of January. With a look into conference-only games, NAU leads the league in rebounding margin (+6.0), offensive rebounds (12.2) and offensive rebounding percentage (.351). Jordyn Martin is fourth in rebounding (7.2) and second in offensive rebounds (3.8). Kris Yanku is tied for second in defensive rebounds (5.2).

Fans can download the Watch Big Sky app or log on to www.WatchBigSky.com for live video of both games. Lumberjack fans can listen to the game on HITS 106.1 FM, KNOT 100.9 FM & 1450 AM, and www.Hits106.gcmaz.com. Fans in the Phoenix area can tune into Money Radio 1510 AM & 99.3 FM. Mitch Strohman will be providing play-by-play, while Dave Brown will provide color commentary.

Northern Arizona Facts

• Head coach Jack Murphy enters his third season at NAU with a 34-48 overall record and 23-22 Big Sky mark.

• Quinton Upshur leads NAU in scoring at 13.6 points per game each. Aaseem Dixon is averaging 13.1 points, while Kris Yanku is third on the team with 11.6 ppg.

• NAU had a 2013-14 home record of 9-4. The Lumberjacks are currently 5-2 at home and 3-8 on the road. NAU's last conference road win was on Jan. 3, 2015, 73-60 at Portland State. NAU's last conference home win was on Jan. 17, 2015, 72-69 versus Idaho State.

• The Lumberjacks lead the Big Sky in offensive rebounds, rebounding offense and rebounding margin in conference-only games.

Scouting Montana

• Head coach Travis DeCuire is in his first season with Montana. The Grizzlies are 8-8, 4-1 BSC under Decuire - who also played for the Grizzlies from 1992-94.

• The Grizzlies are on a three-game winning streak after victories versus Idaho State, Montana Tech and Montana State. UM has started off 4-1 in conference play.

• NAU swept Montana last season, including snapping a 31-Big Sky home game winning streak in Missoula.

• Montana finished tied for second in the league last season with a 12-8 Big Sky record and 17-13 overall mark.

• The Grizzlies were picked to finish fifth in the Big Sky preseason media poll, and eighth in the coaches poll.

• Montana holds a 61-33 all-time edge over NAU. The Lumberjacks are 11-34 in Missoula, but NAU has won the last two meetings.

Scouting Montana State

• Head coach Brian Fish is in his first season with Montana State.

• The Bobcats are on a nine-game losing streak dating back to Dec. 14, 2014. Seven of those losses have been by 10 points or less.

• NAU and Montana State split last season with each team winning on their home court.

• Montana State finished seventh in the league last season with an 9-11 Big Sky record and 14-17 overall mark.

• The Bobcats were picked to finish 11th in the Big Sky preseason media and coaches polls.

• NAU holds a 49-44 all-time edge over Montana State. The Lumberjacks are 12-31 in Bozeman, while NAU has lost the last seven meetings in Worthington Arena.

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