OGDEN, Utah (December 31, 2022) – The Northern Arizona men's basketball team capped off its Big Sky Conference opening weekend with a 76-60 loss at Weber State. The Lumberjacks fall to 4-11 overall and 0-2 in conference action, while the Wildcats improve to 7-8 and 2-0.
Two players scored in double figures for NAU, led by
Jalen Cone with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Nik Mains added 10 points plus a team-high eight rebounds on 4-of-5 from the field.
Carson Towt added six boards and a team-high six assists.
Weber State shot 58 percent on the day (29-50) while NAU was held to 23-of-54 (42.6%). Nineteen of NAU's field goals were assisted, and it was just edged in the rebounding column, 29-to-26. The Lumberjacks shot 45 percent from three-point range, making nine. In the paint, the Wildcats outscored NAU 48-to-18. The contest featured seven lead changes and two ties.
The Lumberjacks started strong as a layup by Mains and three-pointer by Cone gave NAU a 14-10 advantage. After WSU cut the lead to a point, Northern Arizona surged ahead after consecutive triples from Trenton McLaughlin and Cone. A bucket by
Xavier Fuller gave NAU its largest lead of the day, 27-19, with eight minutes left to play in the half.
However, the Wildcats found their footing and closed the half on a 20-3 run to lead 37-30 at the break. Despite making six three-pointers, NAU was held to 42.9 percent from the field compared to Weber State who shot 55.6 percent.
Cone opened the second half with five-straight points of his own to put NAU back within striking distance, 37-35. From there, a
Jack Wistrcill triple sparked an 8-0 run that gave the Lumberjacks a 43-41 lead. A Fuller jumper and a triple by Mains also contributed to the surge. The lead wouldn't last, as Weber State responded with an 8-0 run of its own for the 50-43 advantage.
The Wildcats continued to pour it on, extended the lead to 72-52 with three minutes to play. The Lumberjacks could not make ground and fell 76-60.
Northern Arizona plays at Findlay Toyota Court in the Walkup Skydome for the first time this season next week when it hosts Montana and Montana State. The Lumberjacks clash with the Griz on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. Mountain Standard time before hosting the Bobcats on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. MST. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
