FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona women's basketball team had five players in double-figures for just the second time this season, but the Lumberjacks lost control of the fourth quarter in an 83-72 defeat to Montana State in the Walkup Skydome. The 'Jacks (6-17, 2-10 Big Sky) trailed by just one going into the final period, but the Bobcats shot 75 percent from the field in the final 10 minutes to put the game out of reach.

"We played them tough the first time we met up there, and I think we match up well with them," said head coach Sue Darling. "But credit Montana State because they shot extremely well. We played them even for three quarters and then we made a few too many mistakes down the stretch. It's nice to know that we're in games and that we can compete with the number-one team, but at the end of the day 'nice to know' doesn't cut the mustard right now."

NAU hung in the game behind the play of its starters – who combined for 70 of the team's 72 points on Thursday – despite Montana State shooting 52.5 percent overall for the game and 56.3 percent from behind the arc.

Freshman Alyssa Rader posted her fifth 20-point game of the season, hitting 20 points on the dot along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Junior Taylor Leyva was an efficient 7-of-9 from the floor to record 19 points, which is her second-highest output of both the season and her career.

The opening period was up-tempo and the Lumberjacks came out of the games making 7-of-13 from the floor. Rader, junior Catelyn Preston and freshman Kaleigh Paplow all totaled at least five points in the first quarter, yet the teams were locked up at 18-18 at the end of it.

Junior Rene Coggins found her stroke in the second quarter, but the 'Jacks had their lowest scoring period of the game which allowed the Bobcats to take a 34-29 lead into halftime. Coggins scored nine of NAU's 11 points in quarter and Montana State took advantage by scoring eight of the final dozen points before the half.

On Play 4 Kay night, Leyva and the 'Jacks showcased their fight coming out of the intermission as they sliced their halftime deficit to a single point heading into the fourth quarter. Before the Bobcats claimed a 51-50 edge by the end of the quarter, Leyva led the NAU charge by scoring the team's first seven points to tie the game at 36-36. Preston then knocked down a three, Leyva added another free throw and Rader connected on a triple to give NAU its largest lead of the game, 43-38, with 5:39 remaining in the third.

Montana State rallied late to go into the fourth with the slimmest of advantages, and then exploded for 32 points in the fourth. Despite the Bobcats' exploits, the Lumberjacks trailed by just two, 66-64, with 3:26 left in the game following a bucket by Leyva. However, Montana State immediately answered with an 8-1 run and made all eight of its free throws in the final minute to seal the outcome.

"We're going to reach our peak soon," Rader said. "We do a nice job of staying in the game for three quarters, and I don't know what it is but we let up a little (in the fourth quarter). When we figure that out, that's when we'll hit our peak."

Paplow scored 11 points and Coggins and Preston each added 10 apiece behind Rader and Leyva. Paplow led the team with eight rebounds and Preston recorded a career-high three steals. NAU shot 44.1 percent overall and was exceptional from behind the arc (41.7 percent) and the free throw line (75 percent) as well. Yet the Bobcats outshot the Lumberjacks' percentages in each area and also outrebounded NAU, 34-31.

The 'Jacks will host the Lady Griz of Montana on Saturday in the Walkup Skydome. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m.