Jan. 31, 2008
Final Stats
FAIRBANKS, AK- Alaska made life uncomfortable for nationally-ranked Northwest Nazarene, but the Crusaders escaped the Patty Center as winners, ultimately taking the game by a 76-63 final scoreline.
The game itself, however, was significantly closer than the 13-point final deficit may indicate. Though the visitors led the entire contest, the Nanooks refused to go away, not allowing the Crusaders to run away with the game as they clawing their way back into it time and time again.
In fact, a three-point play from Toyota Player of the Game Kevin Atkins brought Alaska within four with just 3:30 left to play. Soon after, a three-pointer from Northwest Nazarene's Jason Simmons keyed a late 11-2 run that would finally put the game out of reach.
Atkins finished the game with his fourth double-double on the year, recording 17 points and a game-high 10 rebounds on the night. The Long Beach native was outstanding in the paint for the Nanooks: his post-play a major highlight for the home side as he hit seven of his 13 shots from the floor.
Mladen Begojevic also had 15 points in just 18 minutes for Alaska (4-13, 1-7 GNAC), even though the junior did not start due to injury. Colin Matteson finished with 13 points as well, shooting 9-of-11 from the free throw line.
For the Crusaders (14-3, 6-2 GNAC), Justin Parnell had a game-high 21 points, while Kendall Gielow and Simmons had 16 and 10, respectively. Gielow, the team's leading scorer, just missed out on a double-double as well, grabbing nine rebounds.
Alaska continues their homestand on Saturday, as they take on their second nationally-ranked opponent in as many games in Seattle Pacific. The Falcons come to town for a 1:00 p.m. tip at the Patty Center.
