I had an idea this was going to be a high scoring game. Especially by one team. NAU has the best offense in the league (80 points a game) but also the worst defense in the league (72+/- points given up). This has been Loree Payne's system since the start. Score enough points that will overcome so-so defense. It's worked very well against every team except one. Problem comes when they meet up with a team with actually good defense like against MSU which gives up only 55 points a game. It's why they lost to MSU twice. NAU did score over 10 points over MSU average defense average but couldn't hold MSU below NAU's average defensive average. Not sure if NAU could depend on their defense when their offense isn't doing so well unless against some bad teams.
It may have appeared to be a joke about firing Loree Payne before her being considered, but I would rather have a decent offence and a reliable defense that can hold a team on average below 60 points. Robin Selvig was very successful over the years because of that. Holsinger appeared to be following Loree Payne's system over his time here. Unfortunately, Nate Harris has no way to correct that this year.
Lady Griz have the 3rd worst defense in the league giving up around 68 point a game. Offense is in the middle of the pack in the league. These two facts and NAU's offense, it's a wonder the Lady Griz stood a chance at coming close to beating NAU this year.
I do believe UM has a chance at making some damage. I think they have a good chance at winning all but maybe one. The one is of course the team located across the divide from us. But, I do not worry about their offense so much as for the defense. Came close to beating them before, only because of the Lady Griz's best defensive effort of the year and an offense that had one of the best games of the year, plus being energized by a home crowd. Next game will be on the road and the odds will be lower of winning. But, we can always hope.