LACEY, Wash. - The Alaska Nanooks women's basketball team fell to the Saint Martin's Saints on Jan. 4, 2021. 

In their first true road game of the 2021-22 season, the Nanooks battled to the final buzzer, but an off night from the floor offensively spelled trouble for Alaska. Saint Martin's jumped ahead early and often, grabbing a 20-7 lead after the first quarter. Just over three minutes in, the game was tied at 4-4 on a putback layin by Zosha Krupa. SMU quickly responded and ran out to a 20-7 to end the quarter with Claire Dingus making a layup with seven seconds remaining. 

Out of the quarter-break, the Saints ran ahead to a 15-point lead but Alaska responded. As the half drew near, the Nanooks made it a nine-point defiit on four-straight free throws from Pearle Green. The third quarter was key for the Nanooks comeback; SMU jumped back out to a big lead, pushing ahead by 14, but the Nanooks scored 10 straight, bringing it to four and eventually three. The Saints connected on a three at the buzzer to push the lead to six but Alaska had built up momentum for a strong fourth. Unfortunately, their momentum was enough to stay close, but never push them over the limit to grab the lead. 

Their offensive struggles continued in the final 10 minutes as they shot 3-23 from the field. Alaska managed to make it a four-point game with 1:19 remaining, but SMU closed it out, making it 51-43 for the final. 

Pearle Green led all scorers with 17 points. She picked up five steals, added three rebounds and blocked one shot. Emma Wass was the next highest-scorer for the Nanooks with seven points on 2-3 shooting and 3-3 FT. 

For more information on the Alaska Nanooks women's basketball team, follow @NanooksWBB on Twitter, @NanookWBB on Instagram, or like the Alaska Nanooks Women's Basketball team page on Facebook.