FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. –  Northern Arizona edged Weber State in almost every statistical category today, but the Wildcats hung on until the end taking a 77-74 victory with them back to Ogden. Junior forward Ako Kaluna was a man on a mission once again, this time tallying 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Lumberjacks.

"We beat them in some areas that we didn't the last time we faced them," head coach Jack Murphy said. "You have to give Weber State and Coach (Rahe) Randy came out today after (Joel) Bolomboy went out. This game just shows how exciting Reno is going to be in a few weeks. A neutral court is going to make the conference tournament one to look out for."

Weber State (20-7, 12-2 BSC) took a 34-31 lead into the locker room at the half with the help of eight made three-pointers. The Lumberjacks scored 16 of their 31 first half points in the paint, taking advantage of the absence of Joel Bolomboy who went out early in the first half due to an injury.

NAU (5-21, 3-12 BSC) managed 20 points down low in the second half, 14 off turnovers, and 15 points from its bench, and had a few chances to take the lead or tie the game in the final minutes it came up short.

With five minutes to go in the game, the Lumberjacks were down 67-58. Three and a half minutes later and a layup by Marcus DeBerry had trimmed the Wildcats' lead to 70-66. Kris Yanku sank a pair of free throws with 17 seconds remaining. Weber State made the second of two free throws with four seconds to go, giving NAU the ball for the last shot. Yanku heaved up a three-point attempt but it was bounced right off as the buzzer sounded.

Torry Johnson netted 18 points for NAU shooting 50 percent from the field and grabbing six boards. Yanku added 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists for the Lumberjacks.

Jeremy Senglin collected 15 points off three-pointers to finish with a Wildcat high of 22 points. Kyndahl Hill came off the bench to score 19 points, the majority of Weber State's 34-point bench production. The Wildcats shot 40 percent from the floor in the first half and 51.9 percent in the second half to propel them to victory.

NAU will have off next Thursday, as it will host Southern Utah on Saturday, Feb. 27 in the final home game of the regular season.