In the final game of a three-game road trip, Northern Arizona fell against the Portland State Vikings 60-55. NAU managed to hold the lead throughout the first half, but a strong third quarter for the Vikings ultimately proved the difference. Junior
Emily Rodabaugh led the Lumberjacks with 17 points and a season-high two blocks.
NAU (15-12, 9-5 Big Sky) entered the game in sole possession of second place, having topped Sacramento State on the road on Thursday night. Portland State (12-11, 7-6) had beaten the Lumberjacks earlier in the season, meaning NAU was hoping to avoid a season sweep.
The Lumberjacks' offense found an early rhythm, including a 9-0 run. NAU led by as much as 10. However, Portland State pulled their way back, using a 7-0 run in the final two minutes of the period. The Lumberjacks still held the lead after the opening quarter, 16-13.
Both teams buckled down defensively in the second quarter, aside from a four-minute stretch that saw them combine for 23 points. In the other six minutes of the period the two teams scored a total of five. The Lumberjacks still held the lead through the quarter and, despite the scoreless stretch, extended it going into the locker room 31-26.
The Vikings came out of the break hot, opening the quarter on a 12-5 run and taking their first lead of the game. The Lumberjacks fought back with a pair of three pointers from Rodabaugh and freshman
Saniyah Neverson scoring two big buckets at the end of the period. The result was still in doubt as NAU trailed 48-45.
NAU managed to retake the lead by opening the fourth quarter a perfect six of six from the free throw line, but it wouldn't be for long. Portland State's defense continued to cause problems for the Lumberjacks and allowed the Vikings to respond with a 7-0 run. NAU found themselves trailing 58-55 entering the final minute and needed a stop as the Vikings had the ball.
Rodabaugh came up with a huge block to keep the Lumberjacks in the game. NAU just needed one more three-pointer to tie the game. Despite a series of hustle plays that gave the Lumberjacks multiple chances, the team's final effort came up short.
Two free throws from the Vikings put the game away and NAU fell to 2-1 on the three-game road trip. The Lumberjacks will return to Flagstaff to begin their final home stand of the season. NAU looks to secure high seeding going into the Big Sky tournament before finishing their season on the road against Weber State.
The home stand begins at Findlay Toyota on Thursday, Feb. 16 against the Eastern Washington Eagles and will be watchable on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. Mountain Standard time.
