The NAU women’s basketball team has traditionally been on the short end against Montana (UM), as the Grizzlies own a 42-9 lead in the series history. Tonight was no different as the Lady Jacks dropped their eighth straight game of the season in a 72-66 loss, despite being up by seven with twelve and a half minutes to go in the game.

The Grizzlies jumped out to a quick 10-2 lead in the game’s first three minutes and held a 13-point advantage halfway through the first half. But the Jacks slowly chipped away at the deficit and were down by one at the break.

Junior forward Lauren Hoisington’s bucket to open the second half gave the Lumberjacks the lead and more importantly, the momentum. They continued their early second-half spark and led 49-42 following a three-pointer by sophomore forward Katie Pratt.

But as the Jacks did in the first half, the Grizzlies clawed their way to take the lead back, only for the Jacks to tie the game at 62 off a layup by junior guard Vickie Toney with just under four minutes remaining. However, UM responded with a basket of their own to seize the lead for good with 2:38 to go en route to their sixth straight victory over the Lady Jacks.

Freshman guard Amy Patton was the only Lady Jack in double-figure points with team-highs of 20 points, seven rebounds and four steals.
The Lady Jacks conclude their 2009-2010 season with Senior Night on March 6 against Montana State.