TUCSON, Ariz.- Northern Arizona University men’s basketball struggled through a lopsided first half against No. 5/6 Arizona, but found a shooting rhythm in the second half before ultimately falling to the Wildcats. The lumberjacks’ performance showcased flashes of potential despite the defeat, signaling ongoing advancement as they prepare for a four-game home stand.
NAU trailed 21-11 with :28 remaining in the first half before Arizona extended its led with a 22-2 run spanning the next six minutes. The Lumberjacks shot just 25% from the field in the first half, missing 7-of-8 shots during the Wildcats’ surge.however, NAU adjusted after halftime, connecting on 54.5% (12-of-22) of their field goal attempts in the final 13 minutes.
Traivar jackson led NAU in scoring with 10 points, six coming in the second half, marking his first double-digit scoring game as a Lumberjack, finishing 5-of-8 from the floor. Karl poom added seven points, all after halftime, and Chris Komin contributed a pair of second-half three-pointers off the bench.
Despite committing 17 turnovers, NAU recorded a season-high 13 steals – their most in 10 games dating back to last season – with Komin leading the team with four thefts in 13 minutes. Osojnik and Jackson each added two steals.
“We come to work every day to play in the NCAA Tournament,” said head coach Burcar. “We have a group who wants to get better. We have some things to clean up – tonight is not about moral victories – and we will.”
The Lumberjacks will next host Embry-riddle on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. MST in the Rolle Activity Centre, beginning a stretch of four consecutive home games through the first week of December. Fans can follow NAU men’s basketball on X (@NAUBasketball) and Instagram (@naubasketball).
