OGDEN, Utah – With the never give up attitude, Northern Arizona men's basketball defeated Weber State 61-54 tonight at the Dee Events Center. The win was the second straight for NAU in the building, and the fourth straight Big Sky home loss for the Wildcats. NAU was led by Quinton Upshur who tallied 20 points.

"I'm proud of our guys for coming in here tonight and never giving up," said head coach Jack Murphy. "We had a good lead for a while, but even when Weber State came back we didn't stop competing. It feels good to be able to come in here and get the win and split the series. Every road win is a good win."

Upshur always finds a way to hit a three-pointer when it counts at Weber State, and today the senior guard sunk one at the buzzer entering halftime to give NAU a 24-15 lead. Upshur's 10 points coupled with eight from Kris Yanku only blurred the fact that NAU shot 29 percent from the floor. The Wildcats were worse, shooting 25 percent from the floor connecting on only four field goals.

Ako Kaluna got the second half started with back-to-back baskets for his sixth and eighth points of the game.

Jordyn Martin took matters into his own hands and pulled out nine straight points for the Lumberjacks to keep NAU ahead in the game. Remarkable play for Martin who had zero points in the first half, his ability to get down low and connect on the step back jumper was essential for NAU in the second half.

The valiant effort by NAU's big men in the second half saw the Lumberjacks grab a 39-31 edge with 9:30 remaining in the game.

Weber State did not lie down easily. It came back slowly and inched its way to within four points with 7:10 left to play. A pair of free throws by Bolomboy made it a two-point game on the next possession.

Upshur snapped the Wildcats' 10-run with a layup, but two plays later a dunk by James Hajek tied the game at 41-All with 5:30 on the clock.

Both teams traded points over the next few possessions, but it was a pair of free throws by Yanku that began to change the momentum to favor NAU.  

Upshur scored six straight points, leading to the Lumberjacks netting nine consecutive points at the free throw line. The Wildcats' strategy to foul NAU down the stretch may have stalled the clock but it didn't bring Weber State any closer to the Lumberjacks. NAU managed to stay two steps ahead and secure the six-point win at the Dee Events Center.

Adding to the stellar play of Upshur, was Yanku who registered 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Kaluna added 12 points and five boards.

Bolomboy led Weber State from all areas of the court. He finished with 23 points and 17 rebounds.  

Notes: Double figure scoring games: Quinton Upshur (21), Kris Yanku (18), Ako Kaluna (10)…Tonight's win is the second straight in the Dee Events Center over the Wildcats for NAU…The win handed Weber State its fourth straight Big Sky home loss…NAU out-rebounded Weber State 36 to 31, holding the Wildcats to three offensive boards.