FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Quinton Upshur's 3-pointer with just under two minutes to play gave Northern Arizona the lead and the Lumberjacks padded it in the final minute to beat Idaho 72-65 on Thursday night.
The victory keeps Northern Arizona (14-12, 9-4) in fourth place in the Big Sky Conference.
"Idaho is one of the better teams we have played all year," NAU coach Jack Murphy said. "They are a well-coached team so I am proud that our guys came back. They really handed it to us early in the second half and I give my coaching staff credit because they got us prepared for this game."
The teams were within a field goal of each other for most of the final 10 minutes of the game. Sekou Wiggs' three-point play with 2:16 left gave the Vandals the lead, 65-64, but Upshur answered with his 3-pointer and Idaho (11-13, 6-7) did not score again.
Mike Scott missed two Idaho 3-point attempts and the Vandals missed four layups in the final 1:36.
Kris Yanku scored 22 points to lead Northern Arizona and Ako Kaluna added 18. Upshur finished with 14 points.
"I've been having some sluggish games lately but my coaches told me to be more aggressive," Kaluna said. "The bench tonight was very supportive of the players on the floor letting us know not to give up and keep going. It was a good win for us."
Connor Hill led Idaho (11-13, 6-7) with 20 points.
