ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – The Alaska Nanooks men's basketball team grabbed their first win of the 2021-22 season at Sonoma State on Friday, Nov. 19.

After grabbing a 13-point lead at halftime, the Nanooks held on late to grab the victory, 85-79. Early in the first, the Nanooks jumped out to a quick 11-2 lead. Alaska maintained the lead, but the Seawolves slowly crawled back into the game, making it a one-point game at 17-16. That run did not last long as a fast-break from Markel Banks quickly made it a 10-point lead for the 'Nooks. That lead grew to 14 before settling at 13 for the halftime buzzer. Shadeed Shabazz hit a three-pointer with five seconds remaining, giving Alaska the cushion.

Sonoma State made a quick push out of the halftime break, quickly pulling within five. A Shabazz bucket put a stop to the run and led to the 'Nooks extending their lead back out to 13. As the second half went on, the Seawolves pulled closer, but the Nanooks held on. With 1:59 remaining, a three-pointer from Preston Blakely made it a four-point game, but that was the closest Sonoma State came. A pair of Koby Huerta free throws and a Shabazz free throw put the game out of reach.

Koby Huerta was the high-scorer for the Nanooks, posting 21 points, two steals and assists and one rebound. He shot 6-11 from the field. Quin Barnard continued his strong shooting with a 6-9 performance from the field and 5-7 from deep. He ended the night with 17 points, one steal and two assists and rebounds. Shadeed Shabazz and Coleman Sparling ended the night with 13 and 12 respectively. Sparling led the way with seven rebounds and Shabazz posted four steals.

The Nanooks are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 20 against Cal State East Bay.

For more information on the Alaska Nanooks men's basketball team, follow @NanooksMBB on Twitter, @AlaskaMensBasketball on Instagram, or like the Alaska Nanooks athletics page on Facebook.