Box Score
FAIRBANKS, Alaska - It was a night to forget for the Nanooks as they were blown out of their on gym by their down-state rivals of Alaska-Anchorage 81-52 and fall to 4-8 (1-2 GNAC).
The Seawolves took the air out of the Patty Center and its largest crowd of the season as they made quick work of the Nanooks in the first half. UAA did what they wanted on the offensive end and exploited the Nanooks porous defense with back door cuts and hitting open shots that were available to them. The Seawolves opened the game on a 30-5 run and saw their lead swell to as large as 31 at 45-14.
Alaska shot just 21.4 percent from the field on 6-28 field goals in the first 20 minutes. They were 1-10 from behind the arc and were out rebounded on the glass 21-14. UAA on the other hand, shot 60 percent from the floor (18-30), and 5-7 from three point land. The Seawolves took a commanding 27 point lead into halftime, 45-18.
Although the outcome was never in doubt, the Nanooks didn’t quit and showed signs of life in the second half, only outscored by two, 36-34.
Nashorn Maynard continued his consistent play as he had 11 points and 12 rebounds, his sixth double-double this season. But the balanced attack of UAA plus their suffocating defense built them an insurmountable lead.
Anchorage was in no rush on offense and used most of the shot clock on their possessions in the second half, yet still found the bottom of the bucket. Five of their players reached double figures led by seniors Ken Barker (21 points seven rebounds), and Jeremiah Truemann (20 points, seven rebounds).
The Blue and Gold were held to 29.8 percent shooting for the game, and committed twice as many turnovers (12) as they had assists (6).
Alaska will have to have a short memory as they get on a plane and fly to Montana tomorrow morning to face Montana State-Billings on Saturday. It is their first of a four game road trip, which ends in Anchorage on Jan. 31 as they will look for redemption against the Seawolves.
