Jan. 17, 2008
Final Stats
FAIRBANKS, AK- Alaska was unable to keep pace with high-flying Western Washington, who made use of their significant size advantage on both ends of the floor to run out winners of an 81-63 decision.
Mike Titus led the Nanooks with 18 points, while his fellow co-captain Colin Matteson chipped in 10 as well. Point guard Keven Campbell was again a bright spot for the Nanooks, getting 12 points while injecting pace and energy to Alaska's game.
The Nanooks got off to a slow start, unable to find their offense in the first few minutes of the game. Colin Matteson finally got the Blue and Gold on the board at 16:22, but the Blue and Gold were already firmly in the Vikings' rear view mirror.
The Nanooks would claw back to within seven points behind an impressive drive and lay-in from Campbell, culminating in a three-point play. Titus and David Cannamore both showed their range as well, knocking down long-range jumpers behind assists from Matteson. But a David Brittinen dunk would restore Western's advantage to nine at the break.
That would be as close as the Nanooks would come, as the Vikings came out flying in the second half. After a quiet first half, GNAC leading scorer Graham would put eight quick points before the first media timeout of the second half. Between his hot hand and the inside play of Severin, the visitors lead quickly stretched to 20 points, effectively killing off the Nanooks chance of a comeback.
Alaska could shoot just 36.7 percent from the floor in the second half, including just two of 10 from behind the arc. Western, meanwhile, hit 16 of their 27 shots: a 59.3 percent clip.
The loss knocks the Blue and Gold down to 4-9 on the season, and 1-3 in the GNAC. Western improves to 10-4 overall, 3-2 in the conference.
Alaska returns to the court on Saturday for a 2 p.m. matinee against visiting Central Washingtop. That game will be followed immediately by the Alaska women's basketball tilt against Saint Martin's.
