FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Alaska Nanooks men's basketball team was defeated, 63-66, by the Central Washington University Wildcats. This loss brings the Nanooks to 10-13 overall and 9-6 in conference play.
"We fell in love with the three-point line again." Coach Sparling reflects on the team's 9-29 shooting performance from deep. The Nanooks came out the gate swinging, scoring their first six points unanswered. Central Washington hit a three to get themselves on the board and the two teams battled for control of the game. There were three lead changes in the first half with CWU taking a late lead after hitting a three-pointer around the three-minute mark. This basket gave the Wildcats a two-point lead, 31-29, and they scored two more unanswered baskets to push their lead to seven points.
Markel Banks hit a jumper to close out the half for Alaska and give them some momentum going into halftime. The Nanooks trailed, 31-36 at the half.
Shadeed Shabazz hit a jumper to get the 'Nooks going coming out of the break. Central Washington answered with a three and
Spencer Sweet matched it with his own deep ball. A few possessions later Sweet hit another three to give the Alaska back the lead, 41-39, with 15:37 left to play. The Wildcats answered with another three-pointer to take back the lead, 42-41. Shabazz found some rhythm and scored six consecutive points to put the Nanooks up, 47-44. CWU stalked their way back and the two teams traded the lead back and forth until just under the nine-minute mark when Central Washington flushed down a dunk to give them a, 54-53, lead. The Wildcats would not relinquish this lead despite a valiant last effort from Alaska. The 'Nooks had one last chance to tie the game but the shot from
Alex Sommerfield missed the mark and the team lost, 66-63.
Shadeed Shabazz led the team with 27 points on 11-23 shooting from the field, five assists and five steals. Behind him,
Spencer Sweet had 13 points on 5-11 shooting from the field and 3-7 from deep.
Markel Banks flirted with a double-double with eight points and seven rebounds.
The team shot 26-64 from the field, 9-29 from deep, and 2-3 from the free throw line.
The Nanooks will shake off this loss and be back at the Patty Center this Saturday, Feb. 15 against Northwest Nazarene. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 P.M. AKST.
For more information on the Alaska Nanooks men's basketball team, follow @NanooksMBB on Twitter, or follow along on the Alaska Nanooks athletics page on Facebook.
