FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (January 4, 2025) – NAU Basketball grabs first Big Sky Conference victory with an 80-77 win over the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday at
Trent McLaughlin snagged his first 30-point performance of the season.
"The crowd was into it, I thought our team responded unbelievably today and our crowd was a big reason for that," head coach
Shane Burcar said.
The Wildcats took quick start. Hitting five of their first nine shots to lead the Jacks 12-7 by the first media break of the game. With 11:36 to play, today's referees issued two ejections and two personal fouls for NAU, one ejection for WSU alongside two personal fouls, as
Carson Towt and
Jack Wistrcill were issued the ejections for NAU and Alex Tew for the Wildcats.
Looking to erase the 8-point early deficit,
Jayden Jackson tied the game up at 22-22 while Northern Arizona took a 12-0 run to take a four-point lead. The Jacks first lead of the game came with 9:02 to play. A
Dillan Baker three-pointer followed by two makes at the line for
Leigh Rickwood-Pitt gave Northern Arizona the 41-38 halftime advantage.
Continuing back-and-forth play into the second frame, a Weber State layup would tie things up at 64-64 with 7:07 to play. With 4:28 to go the Jacks would regain the lead and never look back highlighted by eight points from McLaughlin including a dunk inside while
Oakland Fort sealed the deal with a layup and two makes at the line to secure the victory.
Northern Arizona shot 50.9 percent from the field at 44.4 percent from three-point range led by McLaughlin's 30 in addition to a steal and seven rebounds. Jackson finished with 21, four boards, and a perfect 2-2 from beyond the arc while Fort finished with nine points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Northern Arizona will now head on the road to take on Montana and Montana State for the conference road trip of the year. To stay up to date with NAU Basketball, follow the Jacks on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
