Bailey, Rasheed Carry Northern Arizona Past Sacramento State in #BigSkyWBB First Round
Box Score (PDF) | Photo Gallery
BOISE, Idaho (March 11, 2019) – Northern Arizona scored 31 fourth quarter points to overcome a double-digit deficit and advance to the quarterfinals of the Big Sky Championship with a 74-69 victory over Sacramento State Monday afternoon at CenturyLink Arena.
With the victory, Northern Arizona stretched its winning streak to four games with its first conference tournament win since 2007.
Sparked by 10 fourth-quarter points from Khiarica Rasheed and eight from Brianna Lehew, the Lumberjacks rallied back after trailing by as many as 10 points with 1:48 remaining in the third quarter.
Rasheed and Lehew combined for the first eight NAU points in the fourth as Sacramento State (10-19) saw its last lead of the game at the 5:43 mark at 54-53.
Outscoring the Hornets by 12 in the final frame, Northern Arizona (13-17) built a nine-point advantage in the final minute before Gabi Bade knocked down a pair of three-pointers to pull Sacramento State within three. However, Regan Schenck hit a pair of free throws to seal a 74-69 win for the Lumberjacks.
“I’m super proud of our team today,” said Northern Arizona head coach Loree Payne. We showed a lot of resilience, and in the third and fourth quarters we really settled in. The camaraderie of this team is pretty phenomenal and I’m excited for them. It’s March Madness, survive and advance.”
Rasheed and Jacey Bailey finished with 18 points apiece to lead Northern Arizona while Kaleigh Paplow provided a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Hannah Friend finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds to pace Sacramento State, scoring 13 first half points to carry the Hornets to a 35-31 halftime advantage.
Northern Arizona advances to face top seed Idaho in the Big Sky quarterfinals tomorrow at 12 p.m. MT.