Jan. 19, 2008

Final Stats |  Photo Gallery 

FAIRBANKS, AK- It was a tale of two halves at the Patty Center on Saturday evening, as a clutch three-pointer from Saint Martin's Michelle Short with 28 seconds remaining allowed the Saints to escape Fairbanks with a 63-61 win. Cristina Bruketta had two good opportunities to tie the game in the closing stages, but could not get her mid-range jumpers to fall.

Alaska seemed to be well on their way to victory early, dominating much of the first half and running into the locker room with a healthy 31-20 lead. The Saints finished strong, however, hitting their shots when they needed them most to close the game out on a 17-4 run. The visitors shot 52 percent from the floor in the second half after making just nine of their 36 shots in the first.

As a result, the Nanooks are left to regret a victory that slipped out their hands, as they fall to 8-6 on the season (1-5 GNAC).

There were plenty of bright spots on the day for the Blue and Gold, however, including another outstanding performance from Joscelyn Shumate. The senior co-captain tied a school record with six blocked shots on the evening, matching her career-high total that she set just two days ago against Western Oregon.

Fellow senior Kari Reabold also assumed a starring role for Alaska, pouring in 13 points with four assists and four steals. Sheena Brown also had 10 points and three assists in the loss for the Nanooks.

The Saints got a game-high 15 points apiece from both Short and Dara Zack. Jamey Gelhar also had 13 points and four assists, while Amber Harmon and Kassie Ludeman grabbed seven rebounds each.

Alaska will look to shake off the tough loss as they prepare for arch-rivals Alaska Anchorage in a weeks' time. Tip-off for that Jan. 26 encounter at the Patty Center is set for 3:00 p.m.