Box Score FAIRBANKS – Despite forcing 29 turnovers and grabbing 16 offensive rebounds, the Alaska Nanook women's basketball team lost its first game of the season, 75-66, to Saginaw Valley State. The Thanksgiving Day tilt was the opener for the Nanooks in the Mt. McKinley Bank North Star Invitational.
Alaska (5-1) was led by seniors Benissa Bulaya and Kelly Logue, who scored 16 and 13 points, respectively. Logue also produced a game-high five steals.
Emily Wendling led the Cardinals (2-1) with a dominating 29 points and 15 rebounds. The forward went 10-12 from the field and 8-10 from the charity stripe to produce the game-high total.
The Nanooks were behind, 35-28 at halftime, and trailed by as many as 15 in the second half, but a tenacious full-court press and persistent rebounding brought them within striking distance. Unfortunately, foul trouble kept the game just out of reach, as the Nanooks had Jordan Wilson (10 points, eight rebounds) and Kaille Skjold (four points and four rebounds) foul out late in the game.
Stephanie Toumson continued her impressive play as she contributed 10 points, eight rebounds and a blocked shot.
The Nanooks will take on Augustana College tomorrow, at 4:00 p.m., looking to avenge tonight's loss. Augustana won the opener of the Mt. McKinley Bank North Star Invitational over Colorado Christian, 92-67.
