In a commanding display of basketball prowess, Northern Arizona University (NAU) Lumberjacks overwhelmed Benedictine at Mesa with a resounding 112-60 victory.
This decisive win, spearheaded by Brennan Peterson’s flawless shooting performance, highlighted the Lumberjacks’ offensive and defensive capabilities.
The game, held in Flagstaff, Arizona, not only showcased individual brilliance but also underscored the team’s cohesive strategy and execution.
For Benedictine at Mesa, this was their first loss of the season, bringing an end to their previously unblemished record.
NAU’s Dominant Performance
The Lumberjacks’ victory was all about sharp shooting and smart plays.
Brennan Peterson was the star of the night, scoring a remarkable 23 points and making it all look almost too easy.
What made his performance stand out was his perfect shooting—he went 8 of 8 from the field and nailed all 7 of his three-point attempts.
Seriously, you don’t see that kind of precision every day, not even close.
Key Players and Statistics
Alongside Peterson, Zack Davidson and Arne Osojnik played big roles in the win.
Davidson added 20 points, hitting 8 of 10 shots, and showed some range at the free-throw line, sinking 4 out of 7.
Osojnik was feeling it from deep, shooting 6 for 9 from three and finishing with 18 points.
- Brennan Peterson: 23 points, 8 of 8 field goals, 7 of 7 three-pointers
- Zack Davidson: 20 points, 8 of 10 field goals, 4 of 7 free throws
- Arne Osojnik: 18 points, 6 of 9 three-pointers
Benedictine at Mesa’s Struggles
For Benedictine at Mesa, the night just didn’t go their way.
Eric Blackwell III gave it everything with 21 points and two steals, but it just wasn’t enough to slow down NAU’s scoring machine.
Isaiah Howard chipped in with 12 points, four assists, and five steals—solid numbers, but the gap kept growing.
Khari Dunn added seven points, while the team as a whole struggled to keep pace with NAU’s relentless attack.
Defensive Challenges
Benedictine at Mesa just had a rough time on defense.
The Lumberjacks ripped off runs of 21-0, 12-0, and 10-0, which pretty much tells the story.
By halftime, NAU had put the game out of reach, and there was no looking back.
- Eric Blackwell III: 21 points, 2 steals
- Isaiah Howard: 12 points, 4 assists, 5 steals
- Khari Dunn: 7 points
Game Dynamics and Key Moments
The game started off with NAU grabbing the momentum early.
That 21-0 run in the first half pretty much set the tone, and they went into halftime up 53-27.
Peterson dropped 17 points in the second half, and both Davidson and Osojnik added 12 each to keep the lead growing.
Strategic Execution
NAU came out with a plan: go hard on offense, lock down on defense, and don’t let up.
Their shooting, especially from three, was just lights out.
The team seemed locked in, keeping up the energy and stringing together those big scoring runs.
Implications for Both Teams
For NAU, this win was a real shot in the arm, bumping their record to 6-7.
The victory showed what they’re capable of when everything clicks, and maybe it’s a sign of more good things ahead.
For Benedictine at Mesa, it was a tough loss and the end of their unbeaten streak.
Clearly, there are some things to work on as they look to bounce back the rest of the season.
Looking Ahead
As the season rolls on, both teams have plenty to chew on after this matchup. NAU will want to ride the momentum from this win, especially if they can keep up those sharp shooting numbers.
They’ll be hoping to stay consistent with their strategy. On the other side, Benedictine at Mesa has some regrouping to do after their defense got picked apart.
The Redhawks need to find a way to patch things up fast. Their response to this loss could say a lot about how their season turns out—no pressure, right?
For more details on the game and individual performances, you can read the full article on Fox Sports.
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