MISSOULA, Mont. (March 4, 2019) – The Northern Arizona men's basketball team led for over 27 minutes and by as many as nine points, but were unable to hold on down the stretch in a 66-64 road loss at Big Sky Conference leader Montana on Monday night at Dahlberg Arena.
"I thought we played really well and responded once again," NAU head coach
Jack Murphy said. "Obviously you are sick to your stomach that we lost the game. Defensively, I thought it was one of our best efforts of the year. You have to give credit to Montana. They are senior-laden ball club and they made plays at the end."
The Lumberjacks, who had control for the majority of the contest combining aggressive defense and opportunistic and balanced scoring on the offensive end, led as late as with 4:54 left in regulation, but a 20-6 run over the final 6:30 by the Grizzlies eventually erased a nine-point second-half NAU edge.
Montana took the lead on a three pointer by Bobby Morehead with 3:26 left to make the score 61-58. After the Grizzlies built a five-point advantage, NAU freshman
Luke Avdalovic got the 'Jacks back within one at 65-64 at the 1:06 mark.
The Grizzlies left the Lumberjacks an opening by missing a three pointer and a free throw on their next two possessions, but a pair of key offensive rebounds led to a free throw by Michael Oguine, which made the score 66-64. Sophomore
Carlos Hines had one last shot attempt for the 'Jacks, but came away empty on a three-point attempt from the top of the key at the final buzzer.
"I thought we grew tonight and we got better," Murphy said. "
Luke Avdalovic hitting two massive three's late in the game was huge. I was very proud of him. Our guys came in and battled, but we are a young team and just didn't make enough plays in the end."
The Lumberjacks had a total of three players finish with double-figure scoring efforts led by Hines, who totaled 18. Avdalovic and fellow freshman
Cameron Shelton each notched 13.
Oguine had a game-high 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting and added 11 rebounds for the double-double to lead the Grizzlies. Sayeed Pridgett added 14 in the victory.
The game featured a total of six ties and five lead changes. The Lumberjacks connected on 11-of-27 three-point attempts, marking the 10
th time this season that NAU has hit on double-digit treys.
The Lumberjacks attempted just six free throws in the loss, making five. Montana hit on 8-of-14 from the charity stripe.
With the loss, the Lumberjacks fall to 9-20 overall and 7-12 in Big Sky action. Montana improves to 22-7 and 15-3 in the conference.
The Lumberjacks will close out the regular season on Saturday, March 9 at Northern Colorado. Tip time is slated for 5 p.m. MST.
The 'Jacks-Bears contest will be streamed on Pluto TV (Channel 241). It can also be heard on the Lumberjacks Radio Network beginning with the pregame show at 4:30 p.m. MST.
