Sacramento State came out shooting hot, but it didn’t last, as the Lumberjacks were able to run away with the game 89-64. The men’s basketball team early on looked as if it were going to achieve its first victory in the Big Sky Conference, but two huge runs by Northern Arizona gave the Lumberjacks a lead they never gave up. Loren Leath came out firing, scoring eight points as the Hornets had a 16-10 lead early in the first. But the constant barrage of three-point shots by the Lumberjacks led to a 10-0 run. Tied at 20, Northern Arizona then went on an 11-0 run and never looked back. Jared Stigall hit a three-pointer as the half expired with the Hornets trailing 48-33. Leading all scorers despite not starting the game was Matt Johnson; the Lumberjack guard hit six shots from three-point range and finished with 20 points. The Sacramento native had people cheering in the stands throughout the game.

Justin Eller led the Hornets in scoring with 14 points and four rebounds. The Lumberjacks’ smooth passing contributed to their open looks and effective shooting as Northern Arizona more than doubled Sac State in assists, 28-13. Northern Arizona also out-rebounded Sac State 27-23. Northern Arizona went 15-of-26 from three-point range, constantly building its lead and preventing Sac State from getting any momentum going.

“They got a lot of open shots, that gave them confidence,” said Leath, who finished with 12 points and five rebounds. “I felt we scored enough points to win, we just need to work on the defensive end and rotate better.” “Their penetration killed us,” said Antonio Flaggs. “Back-to-back turnovers led to runs. Everyday we’re getting better, it’s a learning process.” The game against Northern Arizona was the first of a four-game homestand; Weber State visits the Hornets Nest on Thursday.

Mitchell Wilson can be reached at [email protected]