FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- The Northern Arizona men's basketball team played their final game in 2014 at home against San Diego Christian on Sunday. The Lumberjacks had four players score in double-digits as NAU cruised to a 71-45 victory over the Hawks to end their non-conference schedule with a record of 5-8.
"We played a well-coached team tonight," NAU coach Jack Murphy said. "I thought our kids did a great job in the first half to get up early. Our defense really set the tone for us which allowed us to kick start our offense."
The Lumberjacks jumped out early on the Hawks in the first half. NAU's largest lead in the first half was 29 as Ako Kaluna led Northern Arizona in the first half with 12 points. Kris Yanku filled up the stat sheet with 11 points, five rebounds and six assists. The Lumberjacks smothered San Diego Christian on the defensive end as the Hawks shot just 22 percent from the field and forced six turnovers. The Lumberjacks outrebounded San Diego Christian 25-11 in the 20 minutes as the Lumberjacks went into halftime with a 42-13 lead.
The Lumberjacks dominated the glass pulling down 15 offensive rebounds leading to 18 second chance points. NAU increased its lead in the second half to 33 at the six minute mark as Kaluna led the Lumberjacks with 15 points. Senior Gaellan Bewernick had a solid performance with 13 points and six rebounds while Springs had a career high 13 rebounds along with six points and three blocked shots.
"Gaellan was huge for us today and was a catalyst for us earning the win," Murphy said. "Len was another player that stepped up for us and Ako's first half performance got us going to start the game."
