Game Notes

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Before the clock strikes midnight, join the Northern Arizona men's basketball team for a noon tip-off versus Montana in its Big Sky opener. NAU (2-9) and Montana (5-6) play at the Walkup Skydome for the first time in two years. Both games tip-off at noon.

Holiday Ticket Package Special

Fans can purchase general admission tickets for NAU's games versus Montana (Dec. 31) and Montana State (Jan. 2) for a special discounted price of $8. As a bonus, you will receive a Louie the Lumberjack Bobblehead. Purchases must be made online at or by calling 928-523-5661.

Ways to Tune In

Mitch Strohman and Dave Brown will provide coverage on the Northern AZ Healthcare Lumberjack Radio Network for both games. The station listings are Flagstaff - HITS 106.1 FM, Phoenix - Money Radio 1510 AM & 99.3 FM, Prescott Area - 97.9 FM Eagle Rocks, and Window Rock/Ft. Defiance, Ariz. & Gallup, N.M. - KHAC 880 AM. Thursday's game will be televised live on FOX Sports Arizona and FOX College Sports Pacific. Saturday's game will not be shown on TV. Both games can be viewed on WatchBigSky.com and www.NAU-TV.com (Thursday only).

Series Breakdown  

Versus Montana

All-Time: 63-33

In Flagstaff: 20-25

In Missoula: 11-36

Last Time Out: 3/13/15 • Montana 61, Northern Arizona 59 (BSC Semis)

Win Streak: Montana has won the last two meetings

Versus Montana State

All-Time: 50-44

In Flagstaff: 32-13

In Bozeman: 13-31

Last Time Out: 1/24/15 • Northern Arizona 71, Montana State 64

Win Streak: NAU has won the last two meetings

Scouting the Griz

• The Griz knocked the Lumberjacks out of the Big Sky Tourney last season.

• The teams played just once last year in regular season play with UM taking the win.

• UM finished non-conference play with a 5-6 overall record.

• The Griz are 0-6 away from home this season looking for their first road win.

• Senior forward preseason all-conference pick Martin Breunig is UM's leading returning scorer, rebounder and shot blocker. He ranks fourth in the league in scoring (17.5) and second in rebounding (8.5). He's scored in double digits eight times this season, has three double-doubles, and his eclipsed the 20-point mark five times.

• UM is averaging 65.7 points per game, while limiting its opponents to 66.5 ppg.

UP NEXT: Montana State

• NAU defeated Montana State in the pairs only meeting last season in Bozeman. The Bobcats haven't beaten NAU in Flagstaff since 2012.

• The Bobcats are 5-7 at the end of non-conference play and enter Big Sky play on a three game losing streak.

• MSU is 4-6 away from Bozeman and 2-5 in true road games.

• Marcus Colbert ranks seventh in the league in scoring at 17.1 points per game and third in assists at 4.8.

• MSU is averaging 76.8 points per game and holding opponents to 81.5 points per game.

Conference Openers By the Numbers

• New Year's Eve brings Montana to Flagstaff for a Big Sky Conference opener.

• NAU is 22-23 all-time in Big Sky openers.

• Since the 2000-01 season, NAU has gone 8-7 in conference openers.

• Thursday marks the third time in three seasons that the Lumberjacks and Griz will play in the league opener. The two teams are split at 1-1.

#RoadToReno

Are you ready for the Road to Reno? Tickets are on sale now for the 2016 Big Sky Championships. Fans can visit RoadToReno.com for information on tickets, hotels, and view up-to-date information on the Big Sky tournaments.

The tournament will take place March 7 through 12 at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nev. The host hotels for the tournament will be the ElDorado and Silver Legacy Resort. The REC is a short walk away from plenty of dining and shopping opportunities.

All 12 Big Sky schools on the men's and women's side will participate in the tournament. Last season, before the new rules, both the NAU men and women competed in the tournament.