The NAU men’s basketball team did not improve upon its conference ranking, but the squad crawled closer to a .500 winning percentage over nine games during the winter break. The Lumberjacks posted a 5-4 record during the stretch, bringing the team to 7-9 for the 2009-10 season.

NAU guard Cameron Jones dodges a Weber State defender during the Lumberjacks’ home game on Jan. 9. NAU lost 87-62. Jennifer Hilderbrand / The Lumberjack

With 11 games left this year, NAU looks to improve in the Big Sky Conference after the team’s recent struggles in the first half of the young conference season. The Jacks and Idaho State, who both have 1-4 BSC records, are tied for last in the conference.

NAU welcomed its first conference home game of the season and of the new year on Jan. 2 against Big Sky co-leader, the Northern Colorado Bears. The matchup reopened Big Sky play for the Jacks as the squad hosted the Bears nearly one month after suffering its first two conference losses of the season on the road in Montana. NCU produced with strong defense to win the contest, 75-66.

The Lumberjacks’ second conference game of the break pitted the squad against fellow conference bottom feeders Idaho State. NAU began to walk away with the contest by building a convincing 37-17 lead at halftime. The Lumberjack defense forced 13 Bengal turnovers in the second half, allowing the squad to cruise to its first conference win of the season, 68-56.

On Jan. 9, NAU lost to Big Sky Conference co-leader Weber State, 87-62. The Lumberjacks stayed in the game throughout the first half, but a dominating 21-6 scoring run by the Wildcats put the score out of reach for NAU.

Conference play continues for the Lumberjacks against Eastern Washington (6-11, 2-2) in Cheney, Wash. on Jan. 15.

NAU then heads to Portland, Ore., on Jan. 17 for a matchup against Portland State (7-9, 2-2).

NAU head coach Mike Adras screams at an official over a call made during NAU’s loss at home to Weber State on Jan 9. Jennifer Hilderbrand / The Lumberjack