Box Score FAIRBANKS – The Nanooks turned the ball over 28 times, including 15 times in the first half, as they handed Saint Martin's 27 points in a 61-54 defeat on Saturday afternoon at the Patty Center.
Daron Mainville was impressive for Alaska in the loss, however, as she led the team with 17 points and six rebounds.
The Nanooks (13-10, 5-8 Great Northwest Athletic Conference) led in the early exchanges of the game, but after SMU (8-12, 5-7 GNAC) took the lead, the Saints would hold it throughout, despite Alaska's best efforts to get back into the game.
Both teams struggled to get any offensive momentum going, with both teams shooting under 40% from the field throughout the game. Tough defense was due a large part of the credit for both team's offensive struggles, but the game did not generate much flow as the teams combined for 43 personal fouls and 44 turnovers.
Those stats suited the visitors more, however, as the Sains scored 27 points off of Nanook turnovers, compared to only four points off of SMU turnovers scored by Alaska. Saint Martin's also shot 34 free-throws, making 25, compared to Alaska going 13-16 from the charity stripe.
Benissas Bulaya once again scored in double figures for the Nanooks, as she had 10 points as well as a team-high three assists and one steal. Kaillee Skjold also played tough, scoring eight points and contributing five rebounds, a block and a steal.
The Saints were led by Krista Stabler who scored 18 points and Megan Wiedeman who recorded a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.
Alaska's next game is at home to Alaska Anchorage on February 14. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. at the Patty Center.
