FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.- The University of Portland men’s basketball team lost their second consecutive road-game Saturday night, falling to Northern Arizona at the Walkup Skydome. The Lumberjacks (7-6) continued their home perfection, moving to 5-0 for the season on their home floor. Despite knocking down a season-high 14 three-pointers, the Pilots could not overcome a 13-point, second half deficit and finished their non-conference schedule with a 6-7 record. Karl Aaker led the way for Portland with a career-high 20 points.

Pilot senior Dustin Geddis, a Phoenix, Ariz. native, scored six early points, but his third bucket proved costly. After a Portland steal, Pooh Jeter left a behind-the-back pass to Geddis who was trailing the break. Geddis converted the lay-up and was fouled, but went down hard and was forced to leave the game with a bruised back. Karl Aaker came off the bench to make the free throw, giving Portland a 12-5 edge. Geddis did not return in the first half and only played three minutes after the break.

After Aaker hit consecutive three-pointers to double-up NAU at 18-9, the Lumberjacks went on a 13-2 run to regain the lead at 22-20. Aaker’s third trey put UP back on top temporarily, but the Lumberjacks closed the half with a 10-3 run and a 32-26 halftime lead.

To keep Portland fresh, all 12 Pilots saw action in the first 20 minutes. Aaker’s 10 first half points set a new season-high. Portland had 10 costly turnovers before the break, but hit 5-of-10 three-pointers and all three free throws to keep it close. NAU leading scorer Aaron Bond had nine points and five boards to lead the Lumberjacks.

The pace picked up in the second half considerably as both teams got in transition offensively. After Quick’s lay-up began the second half, NAU scored the next nine points, seven by sophomore guard Kelly Golob, and gained a 41-28 edge.

A Golob three-point play extended the NAU lead to 48-31, but freshman forward Dreshawn Vance answered with a lay-up and free throw on the other end. Vance continued to be active, getting an offensive rebound and making one-of-two free throws after being fouled.

Vance blocked a shot at the other end and fellow freshman Sean Smith capitalized with a transition three, making it 48-38. After another NAU turnover, Smith hit two from the charity stripe to get the deficit back to single digits at 48-40.

Aaker and Quick hit back-to-back threes to make it a six-point game at 52-46. The teams traded baskets before NAU rattled off seven straight to gain a 13-point lead. Jeter and Frandsen’s three-pointers were countered by a pair of Golob treys to make it 69-58 with less than four minutes remaining.

Tempers flared as Galos and Bond got tangled down low, and both were assessed technicals at the 3:50 mark. Galos, who was fouled on the play, made one free throw and Aaker set a new career-high with his fifth three-pointer on the next possession. Aakers three made it 69-62 with two minutes to play.

The Lumberjacks worked the 35-second clock down to three and Bond hit a 15-footer, extending it to a nine-point lead. Aaker continued his career-night with a pair of free throws, but NAU beat the press and Bond’s three-point play fouled out Galos and made it 74-64 with 1:08 left.

NAU hit their free throws late to pull out the 81-73 victory. The Lumberjacks made 29-of-33 free throws and 8-of-16 three-pointers to hold off the Pilot rally. Bond led NAU with 23 points and was a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. Golob went for 20 points and Stephen Garnett chipped in 13 points.

“Their defense was better than ours and that was a key factor,” said Pilot Head Coach Michael Holton. “Our defense was solid for most of the game, but when you fall behind, it opens the floor up for shooters as you scramble defensively. Their shooters knocked down shots.”

Portland out-rebounded the Lumberjacks 33-30, hit a season-high 14 threes, and shot 41 percent (24-59) from the field, but only went to the line 16 times.

“The free throw margin was the difference in the game,” said Holton.

Aaker set career-highs of 20 points and five three-pointers on the night. Adam Quick was the only other Pilot in double-digits, going for 13 points.

“I was very pleased with Karl’s contributions tonight,” said Holton. “He has been ready to take on a significant role, and we need his continued contributions. I can always count on Adam. He is our veteran and played like it tonight.”

Portland begins conference play on the road at Loyola Marymount on Jan. 8.