BOISE, Idaho – Despite senior Jordan Wilson's game-high 19 point performance and fellow-senior Kaillee Skjold's double-double, the Alaska Nanooks dropped their second-straight exhibition contest to a NCAA Division I opponent on Sunday afternoon, falling 75-61 to the Boise State Broncos at the Taco Bell Arena.
"Today was such a fun game for us, I really feel like we developed quite a bit in our offense and defense, as well as our teamwork," head coach Cody Bench said on Sunday. "Kaillee and Jordan played outstanding against some really tough Boise players; both of them were very active on both ends."
Wilson went 8-11 from the field and 3-3 in free-throws to total the game's highest individual score of 19 points. The Henderson, Colorado native also chipped in four rebounds, two steals and one assist in her 29 minutes on the court.
Skjold was one of two players in Sunday's game to collect a double-double with a 16-point, 10-rebound performance. Skjold went 5-10 from the field, 2-3 in 3-point attempts and 4-6 from the free-throw line to total her 16 points – the game's second highest scorer behind Wilson. The Kasilof, Alaska native's registered nine defensive rebounds and one offensive rebound to total a team-high of ten.
The game started off a little uneasy for the Nooks, as the Broncos went on a nine-point run before senior Autumn Childers finally put Alaska on the board with a jump-shot. Alaska kicked into defensive mode, stopping 11 attempted shots by Boise State to tie the game at 12-apiece at the 2:38 mark of the first quarter. Two good free-throws by freshman Lexi Carpenter finally gave the Nooks the lead they needed, continuing the Nanooks' 12-point run at 16-12.
Entering the second quarter, the Nooks held a 20-16 lead over the Broncos before a timely 3-pointer from BSU's Marta Hermida closed gap to within one point. However, Alaska capitalized on Boise's missed shots and fouls to hold onto the lead entering halftime up 30-29.
The Broncos came out of the gate in the third quarter, going on a 13-point run to take a 10-point lead 45-35 halfway through third. Thanks to back-to-back free-throw efforts by sophomore Sanni Salonen and senior Autumn Childers, the Nooks started close the gap on Boise's lead. At the 3:16 mark, Wilson hit back-to-back jumpers to pull the Nooks within two points, before ending the third quarter behind 50-46.
Childers had a big fourth quarter, posting seven points to bring the Nooks back into the game 59-60 halfway through the final ten minutes of play. Unfortunately, the Broncos found momentum from the 3-point line, draining four 3-pointers in a row to seal Boise State's victory 75-61.
Childers concluded the game with 11 points, shooting 3-5 from the field and 4-4 in free-throw attempts, as well as her one three-pointer of the game. Salonen chipped in seven points on the day, while also registering four rebounds, three steals and one assist.
"I was really impressed with Sanni's play today, she went up against some bigger posts, had some great rebounds and really held her own," Bench continued. "Alex and Victoria did some good things and pushed the ball well when we needed and helped lead the floor."
As a team, the Nooks shot 36.2% from the field, with their best shooting quarter came in the first when they posted a FG percentage of 45.0%. The Nooks also posted an impressive 76.2% from the free-throw line throughout the game, going 16-21. Alaska also totaled 35 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals on the day.
Boise State was led by Marijk Vanderschaaf, who recorded a team-high 15 points, followed by Shalen Shaw (10), Marta Hermida (10), Brooke Pahukoa (14) and Riley Lupfer (13), who each posted double-digit scoring.
"I really liked that we got to play these two games here in Idaho this weekend," Bench concluded. "I think it helped us work some things out and we are excited to play on our home court next weekend."
The Alaska Nanooks women's basketball returns to the Alaska Airlines Court at the Patty Center next Friday (Nov. 11) and Saturday (Nov. 12) for two non-conference contests against the Academy of Art and the Cal State Los Angeles Eagles in accordance with the West Region Challenge with UAA. Friday's game against Academy of Art is scheduled for 7pm AKT, while Saturday's matchup against Cal State LA is slated for 3pm AKT.
For more information on the Alaska Nanooks women's basketball team, follow @NanooksWBB on Twitter or like the Alaska Nanooks Women's Basketball team page on Facebook.
