FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Playing with just seven healthy bodies, Sacramento State outscored Northern Arizona in the second half, 49-41, but came up short in a 79-74 loss at Northern Arizona on Saturday evening.

Sacramento State was missing six players to injury or illness, including guard Mikey Williams (20.1 ppg in league) for the second straight game. The short-handed Hornets, who trailed, 38-25, at the half, battled back with a 49-point second half in which the team shot 58% (18-31) from the field. 

A 6-0 run got the Hornets within, 59-55, with 5:28 to play. The Hornets would close to within four points of the NAU lead three times during the final 5:30, but would not get closer. Northern Arizona never trailed during the game, using a 15-0 run in the first half while Sacramento State was held scoreless for over eight minutes.

The Hornets, who are still seeking their first win on the road, dropped to 9-16 overall and 5-8 in the Big Sky Conference. With just five games remaining in the regular season (three at home), Sacramento State will return to Hornet Pavilion next week for a pair of games.

Northern Arizona is 4-3 over its last seen games after beginning the season with an 0-7 mark in league. The Lumberjacks (10-17, 4-10) avoided a season sweep as the Hornets defeated NAU at home on Jan. 15 by an 83-69 score.

Sacramento State finished the game 45% (25-56) from the field and 77% (20-26) from the free throw line, while Northern Arizona shot 49% (25-51) from the floor and 64% (21-33) from the line. The big difference was the 3-point line where NAU was 8-for-26, and the Hornets 4-of-21. The Hornets owned a 33-30 rebounding advantage, and outscored the Lumberjacks, 11-4, in second chance points.

Four Hornets scored in double figures, led by Jahni Summers' 18 points and five rebounds. Shaqir O'Neal had a season-high 15 points (8-11 FT), four rebounds, and was a +2 in plus/minus before fouling out with 14 seconds left.  Prophet Johnson added 15 points, seven rebounds and two steals, and Arman Madi 13 points (all in the second half) to go with four boards.

Jayden Teat had seven points and four rebounds, and Mark Lavrenov added six points and six rebounds.

Sacramento State returns home next week for matchups on Thursday vs. Eastern Washington, and Saturday vs. Idaho. Both will start at 7 p.m.

NOTABLES
• Besides Williams, other players that did not play tonight because of injury/illness were Jeremiah Cherry, Brandon Gardner, Romari Robinson, Isaiah Bronson and Davis Ambuehl.
• The Hornets were attempting to sweep the season series over Northern Arizona for the first time since the 2004-05 season.