Box Score Ellensburg, Wash. – After winning six straight games dating back to December 19, the Nanook women's basketball team has now lost five games in a row following a 71-50 defeat to Central Washington on Saturday night in league play.
Alaska now falls to 12-9 overall and 4-7 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference while the Wildcats improve to 11-8 overall and jump over .500 in the league with a 6-5 record.
Stephanie Toumson followed up her impressive night against Northwest Nazarene with another strong game, leading the Nanooks with 13 points. Benissa Bulaya scored nine points to follow Toumson, while Daron Mainville's eight rebounds and Victoria Milton's five steals were both team-highs, as they each contributed nine points as well.
Jasmin Edwards came off the bench to lead Central Washington with 15 points and three of the Wildcats' starters scored in double-figures.
Alaska's defense kept the Nanooks in touching distance early on, as overall they forced 21 turnovers and had seven steals. However, Alaska would never lead, as outside shooting separated the two teams.
Central Washington, as a team, shot 33.3% from the 3-point arc, and hit six treys overall, led by Ericka Locker's three (12 points). The Nanooks, however, made just one 3-point field goal in 13 attempts, and went 0-6 in the first half.
The Nanooks trailed by 12 points at the break, 32-20. Toumson scored 11 of her 13 points in the first half, which accounted for over half of Alaska's offense. Milton scored all nine of her points in the second half, including Alaska's lone three-pointer.
Alaska will now return to Fairbanks for a three-game home stand, beginning with a game on Thursday, February 5 against Western Oregon, at 7:00 p.m. at the Patty Center.
