FLAGSTAFF, AZ – the Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) Redhawks’ second-half rally came up short Wednesday night, falling 79-72 to the Northern Arizona (NAU) Lumberjacks in the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Despite outscoring NAU 43-40 after halftime and dominating the paint 48-38, SEMO couldn’t overcome a strong shooting performance by the Lumberjacks and a significant free throw disparity.
The loss drops SEMO to 2-3 on the season, while NAU improves to 4-1 and remains undefeated at home (4-0). The Redhawks will return to the Show Me Center to host Lipscomb on November 29th, seeking to rebound from this road setback. This contest marked the first of a two-game road trip for SEMO.NAU established control early, shooting 56 percent from the field in the first half and building a 39-29 lead at the break. Ryan Abelman led the Lumberjacks with a game-high 20 points, one of four NAU players to score in double figures. SEMO struggled to find its rhythm offensively in the first stanza, with its only lead coming from a pair of free throws by Brendan Terry early in the game.
The Redhawks mounted a comeback attempt in the second half, fueled by layups from luke Almodovar and Brendan Terry, both of whom were fouled on the plays but missed the ensuing free throws that would have brought the game within three points. NAU ultimately sealed the victory by converting 11 of its 18 second-half free throw attempts, finishing the game 18-7 at the line.Brendan Terry paced SEMO with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, adding four rebounds. Phillip Stacker contributed 16 points, including three 3-pointers, in his second start of the season. David Idada provided a spark off the bench with a season-high eight points and four rebounds. Luke Almodovar also reached double figures with 10 points for the Redhawks.
NAU shot 52.8 percent (28-of-53) from the field for the game, while SEMO finished at 44.8 percent (26-of-58). The Lumberjacks were led in scoring by AbelmanS 20 points,followed by 14 from Isaiah Bridges,13 from Jalen Cone,and 10 from Nico Carvacho.
