Northern Ariz. beats Southwestern of Ariz. 113-61

Nov 14, 2009 - 4:22 AM FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.(AP) -- Eric Platt scored 26 points to lead Northern Arizona to a 113-61 win over NAIA Southwestern College of Phoenix in the season opener for the Lumberjacks on Friday.

Platt, a transfer from Wyoming, who was forced to sit out last year because of NCAA transfer rules, made his Lumberjack debut in style, going 7 for 10 from 3-point distance and adding six rebounds in the win.

Junior Shane Johannsen added 18 points and nine rebounds and was 8 for 9 from the field. In all, the Lumberjacks had six players score in double figures.

After being tied 7-7 with 18 minutes left in the first half, Northern Arizona went on a 31-4 run to take a 38-11 lead with 7:37 to go in the opening half.

Julian Olubuyi and Gabe Rogers each had 10 assists in the victory as the Lumberjacks had 33 assists on 44 baskets. Olubuyi also had 10 points.

Northern Arizona had a 50-24 advantage in rebounding and had 16 offensive rebounds on 31 missed shots.

Nick Sheffield led Southwestern with 14 points and Derek Gossard added 13 for the Eagles.

It was the first time Northern Arizona scored 100 points in a game since a 100-52 win over Johnson and Wales of Rhode Island in the 2005-06 season. The 113 points was the most the Lumberjacks have scored in a game since a 116-63 win over Southern Utah in the 1999-2000 season.