NAU routs Embry-Riddle at WR Events Center

FORT DEFIANCE

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks exploded for 54 points in the second half to turn a close game into a 90-57 rout over the Embry-Riddle Eagles in a game played at the Window Rock High School Events Center in Fort Defiance.

NAU head coach Jack Murphy said the Lumberjacks had a slow start and came out shooting well in the second half.

“It took us time to get into our rhythm,” Murphy said. “Once we got into our rhythm, then everything went our way. We played three previous games prior to this game, and we were up and down. We got good performance from all our players. We shot well, hitting key three-pointers and shots from the perimeter, to begin the second half. We went on a good run and we broke the game open.”

NAU improved its season record to 1-3. Embry-Riddle, a NAIA school from Prescott Valley, dropped to 1-5.

The Eagles took a 6-4 lead when Joseph Jewell canned a jumper from the perimeter. The Eagles extended its lead to 11-6 on Nick Agostino nailed a basket.

NAU stormed back to take a 12-11 lead on Jaleni Neely’s trey with 11:37 remaining in the first half. Eagles’ Anthony Jenson knocked down one of two charity shots to tie the game at 12-12.

The Lumberjacks went on a 5-0 run, taking a 17-12 lead, thanks to a basket by Isaiah Thomas and Brady Twombly’s three-pointer.

The Lumberjacks continued to roll in the first half. NAU’s Kris Yanku netted a pair of free throws as the Lumberjacks took a 30-23 lead with 1:58 remaining in the first half.

Jenson’s free throw cut the Lumberjacks’ lead to six points, 30-24. NAU score the final six points of the first half, including two points by Corey Brown and four points from Yanku, for a 36-24 advantage at halftime.

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