Flagstaff, AZ, December 30, 2025
Northern Arizona University’s men’s basketball team showcased their skill with a 112-60 victory over the nationally-ranked Benedictine Mesa. Brennan Peterson led the effort with a perfect shooting performance, highlighting the team’s collective synergy and offensive strength. This win not only boosts the Lumberjacks’ confidence as they prepare for the upcoming Big Sky conference but also exemplifies the university’s commitment to excellence in collegiate athletics. The game served as a reminder of the important role college sports play in energizing local communities and economies.
Phoenix, AZ — Northern Arizona University’s men’s basketball team concluded its 2025 non-conference schedule with a commanding 112-60 victory over nationally-ranked NAIA Benedictine Mesa, a win that underscored individual excellence and collective team synergy. The decisive performance, highlighted by Brennan Peterson’s flawless shooting from the floor, provides a significant boost as the Lumberjacks prepare to enter Big Sky conference play. This display of competitive spirit and disciplined execution reflects the broader commitment to excellence and growth seen across Arizona’s collegiate athletic programs.
The triumph on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Findlay Toyota Court in Flagstaff, showcased a program on an upward trajectory. Such spirited victories not only energize the fan base but also reinforce the value that well-supported university athletic programs bring to local economies and community pride, a testament to the benefits of robust collegiate competition.
A Triumph of Precision and Teamwork
The Lumberjacks’ victory was largely fueled by an exceptional offensive outing, with Brennan Peterson leading the charge. Peterson delivered a career-high 23 points in just 22 minutes, achieving a perfect shooting night by going 8-of-8 from the field, including an impressive 7-of-7 from beyond the arc. This level of individual precision exemplifies the dedication and rigorous training inherent in high-level college athletics.
Beyond Peterson’s standout performance, the team’s collective shooting was formidable. Northern Arizona drilled 17 three-pointers, converting 53.1% of their attempts from long range. The Lumberjacks shot 58.7% overall from the field and demonstrated exceptional ball movement, assisting on 29 of their 37 made field goals. Defensively, NAU was equally dominant, forcing 25 turnovers and recording 16 steals against a Benedictine Mesa team that entered the contest undefeated with a 15-0 record in NAIA play and a national ranking of No. 22. Additional strong performances came from Zack Davidson, who contributed 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting, and Arne Osojnik, who added 18 points, including 6-of-9 from three-point range, with both players logging fewer than 20 minutes on the court.
Building Momentum for Big Sky Play
This decisive non-conference finale victory serves as a critical morale and confidence builder for the Lumberjacks. It follows a challenging road loss to UIW on December 21, 2025, demonstrating the team’s resilience and ability to learn and adapt. The win brings NAU’s overall record to 6-7 as they prepare to commence their Big Sky Conference schedule.
The 2025-26 season has been anticipated as a period of continued growth for Northern Arizona men’s basketball, building upon the significant strides made in the previous 2024-25 season. During that season, the Lumberjacks achieved an 18-16 record, marking their most wins in a decade and securing their first postseason appearance since 2015, participating in the College Basketball Invitational. This consistent upward trajectory reflects a commitment to strategic development and the cultivation of talent within the program, preparing student-athletes for the heightened competition of conference play.
Arizona Athletics: A Driving Force for Economic Prosperity
The success of programs like Northern Arizona’s men’s basketball team extends far beyond the court, contributing significantly to the economic vitality of the state of Arizona. Collegiate athletics are substantial economic engines, attracting visitors, generating revenue, and supporting local businesses through direct spending, tourism, and job creation.
For example, Arizona State University’s intercollegiate varsity sports teams generate an impressive $99.5 million in total economic impact on the state’s gross domestic product. This impact is not solely reliant on football; ASU’s other ticketed Olympic sports collectively added nearly $45 million to the state’s GDP in the past year. Similarly, the University of Arizona Athletics accounts for approximately $265 million in economic output for the state. Mega-events, such as the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four hosted in Arizona, showcased this economic power, generating $429 million in economic impact and contributing $256.9 million to Arizona’s Gross Domestic Product. These figures underscore how investments in university athletic programs, through private initiative and community support, yield substantial returns for the broader state economy, fostering responsible growth and opportunity.
Fostering Community and Cultivating Character
Beyond economic contributions, university athletic programs like NAU’s play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and developing character among student-athletes. Northern Arizona University Athletics actively promotes community involvement through initiatives such as its “Raise the Flag” campaign, a multi-faceted effort aimed at increasing fan and community engagement.
The university prioritizes mutually beneficial community engagement as a fundamental strategic objective, seeking to connect experts with real-world challenges, prepare graduates for community contributions, spur economic growth, and foster cultural vitality. Programs like the “Axe of Service” digital platform connect residents with local volunteer opportunities, making it easier for individuals to give back and strengthen their communities. Additionally, NAU Athletics has hosted events such as “Victory Day,” providing unique experiences for children with special needs and their families, showcasing the inclusive spirit and positive influence of college sports. These endeavors highlight the valuable role of collegiate athletics in promoting self-reliance, encouraging initiative, and building strong, interconnected communities through shared endeavors and healthy competition.
The recent win by NAU men’s basketball is more than just a notch in the win column; it is a vivid demonstration of individual perseverance, team cohesion, and strategic program development. As the Lumberjacks transition into Big Sky Conference play, the momentum from this non-conference finale will be invaluable. The continued success and community involvement of Northern Arizona University AZ athletics, alongside other Phoenix AZ sports and college basketball in Arizona, contribute significantly to both the state’s economic landscape and its social fabric. Supporting these student-athletes and programs is an investment in the future, nurturing young talent and strengthening the community at large. We encourage all Arizonans to stay engaged and support our collegiate athletes as they strive for excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the final score of the NAU men’s basketball game against Benedictine Mesa?
A: The Northern Arizona University men’s basketball team defeated Benedictine Mesa with a final score of 112-60.
Q: Who was the standout player for NAU in this game?
A: Brennan Peterson was the standout player for NAU, scoring a career-high 23 points and shooting perfectly from the field (8-of-8 overall, 7-of-7 from three-point range).
Q: When did this game take place?
A: The game took place on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Q: What was Benedictine Mesa’s ranking and record before playing NAU?
A: Benedictine Mesa was nationally-ranked No. 22 in the NAIA and entered the game with an unbeaten 15-0 record in NAIA play.
Q: What is the significance of this win for NAU’s season?
A: This win concluded NAU’s non-conference schedule, providing significant momentum as the team transitions into Big Sky Conference play.
Game and Team Highlights
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Northern Arizona 112, Benedictine Mesa 60 |
| Date of Game | December 29, 2025 |
| Leading Scorer (NAU) | Brennan Peterson (23 points) |
| Peterson’s Shooting | 8-of-8 FG, 7-of-7 3PT |
| Team 3-Pointers Made | 17 |
| Team Field Goal Percentage | 58.7% |
| Opponent Ranking (Benedictine Mesa) | No. 22 NAIA |
| Opponent Pre-Game Record | 15-0 (first loss of season) |
| NAU Current Overall Record | 6-7 |
| Location | Findlay Toyota Court, Flagstaff, AZ |
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