FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- The Northern Arizona women's basketball team had five players in double-figures for just the second time this season, but the Lumberjacks lost control of the fourth quarter in an 83-72 defeat to Montana State in the Walkup Skydome.
The Lumberjacks (6-17, 2-10 Big Sky) trailed by just one going into the final period, but the Bobcats (18-5, 11-1) shot 75 percent from the field in the final 10 minutes to put the game out of reach.
"We played them tough the first time we met up there, and I think we match up well with them," said head coach Sue Darling. "But credit Montana State because they shot extremely well. We played them even for three quarters and then we made a few too many mistakes down the stretch. It's nice to know that we're in games and that we can compete with the number-one team, but at the end of the day 'nice to know' doesn't cut the mustard right now."
Montana State shot 52.5 percent overall for the game and 56.3 percent from behind the arc.
NAU freshman Alyssa Rader had 20 points along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Junior Taylor Leyva was an efficient 7-of-9 from the floor to record 19 points, which is the second-highest output of her career.
Rader connected on a triple to give NAU a 43-38 lead with 5:39 remaining in the third, but Montana State fought back to lead 51-50 going into the fourth.
The Lumberjacks were within 66-64 with 3:26 left in the game following a bucket by Leyva, but the Bobcats responded with an 8-1 run to take control.
"We're going to reach our peak soon," Rader said. "We do a nice job of staying in the game for three quarters, and I don't know what it is but we let up a little (in the fourth quarter). When we figure that out, that's when we'll hit our peak."
NAU will be back in action on Saturday against Montana. The game can be seen on FOX Sports Arizona, starting at 5:30 p.m.
