FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (November 20, 2023) – Coming off a nine-point victory to VMI at the Arizona Tip-Off to improve to 2-3 on the season, the Lumberjacks are in Hawaii set to take on the Rainbow Warriors on Tuesday at 11 p.m. MST.
The Jacks put up a big game on Saturday against Virginia Military Institute, highlighted by five career-highs for the Jacks lifting the team to its second win of the season.
Oakland Fort led the Jacks offensively through the final six minutes as NAU held on to a cushioned 10-point lead. Fort dropped two three-pointers and ten points total in his final minutes on the floor, while the Jacks held VMI to zero field goals for the final three minutes aside from the Keydets final layup to close the game out as NAU secured the 78-69 win.
Trent McLaughlin finished with a career-high 21 points, in addition to
Carson Basham's double-double performance for a career-high 13 points and career-high 10 rebounds
. Jayden Jackson also recorded a career-high with eighteen points, follow by Fort's season-high 13 points.
C.J. Ford recorded a career-high 16 minutes on the floor, creating multiple opportunities for the Jacks on both sides of the ball, finishing +9.
The Jacks as a team are currently shooting 41.6 percent from the field, an area that has improved with each game played this season. NAU has been out-rebounded in every game so far this season, looking to improve inside the paint ahead of the Hawaii matchup as the Rainbow Warriors are averaging a rebound margin of 12 through their first two games.
Hawaii is coming off a 19-point victory to Niagara after a quick start, pulling away quickly and never allowing the Purple Eagles a chance to come back. The 'Bows victory was backed by four steals, and a 59.6 field goal percentage. Noel Coleman led Hawaii with 21 points in 33 minutes on the floor.
Through the season the 'Bows are led offensively by Coleman who is averaging 15.5 points while shooting 41.7 percent. Justin McKoy is proving to be a dual threat for Hawaii, averaging 13.5 points alongside 8.5 rebounds per game.
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