FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Jan. 28, 2019) – Sophomore
Bernie Andre hit a layup with 1:36 left in regulation to force overtime and the Northern Arizona men's basketball team outscored Southern Utah 12-9 in the extra period to secure an 80-77 win on Monday afternoon at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Monday afternoon.
The Lumberjacks led by as many as eight points in the second half at 60-52 with 6:56 left in regulation and were able to hold off a late push by Southern Utah, that saw it claim a one-point edge at 68-66 with under two minutes left before Andre scored the final bucket of the second half to send the game to overtime.
The game was tight throughout as it featured a total of 10 ties and 14 lead changes. NAU trailed for just 28 seconds in overtime.
"That was a win we needed badly," NAU head coach
Jack Murphy said. "Our guys have responded all year long when hit with adversity and quick turnarounds. I am really proud of them. That was a big win to lift us in the Big Sky standings."
With the victory, NAU improves to 6-13 overall and 4-5 in Big Sky action. The six wins eclipses the Lumberjacks' win total from all of last season. Southern Utah slips to 9-9 overall and 4-5 in the conference loop.
NAU's defense was stout in the victory as it forced a total of 13 turnovers by the Thunderbirds which it turned into a 14-9 advantage in points off miscues. The Lumberjacks also limited Southern Utah to a 41.4 percent (24-of-58) clip from the field and forced eight steals.
"I felt like our defense was there early on," Murphy said. "Our offense was a little shaky early, but the defense picked us up and Southern Utah struggled from the field. The second half we came out of the gates and made some shots. Overall, I think it was a terrific effort, especially on the defensive end."
The Lumberjacks were able to pull out the win despite a tough shooting performance that saw it finish the game making 38.2 percent (29-of-76) of their shots from the field. NAU outrebounded the Thunderbirds 46-41 and won the second-chance points battle 17-8.
Andre led NAU with a team-high 19 points and also tallied eight rebounds and a pair of steals. Andre has recorded double-figure scoring totals in seven of the last eight games overall.
Sophomore
Carlos Hines added 17 points, four assists and two steals. Junior
Ted McCree posted 14 points, while making 4-of-7 treys and adding four boards.
Andre Adams paced Southern Utah in defeat with a game-high 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Adams added 10 rebounds to cap off the double-double performance. Brandon Better tabbed 18 points and Cameron Oluyitan chipped in 14.
The Lumberjacks return to action on Saturday, Feb. 2 when they open a two-game road trip at Idaho in an 8 p.m. MST tip.
The 'Jacks-Vandals contest will be streamed on Pluto TV (Channel 242). It can also be heard on the Lumberjacks Radio Network beginning with the pregame show at 7:30 p.m. MST.
