March 6, 2008

Box Score

BILLINGS, MT A hard fought battle between Alaska and Montana State ultimately went the Yellowjackets way, as the home side snapped the Nanooks winning streak with a 73-65 victory. The Blue and Gold kept the game close throughout most of the contest, but could not keep up with a late second-half burst from the Yellowjackets, who dropped the Nanooks to 11-14 on the season.

The Nanooks could not find an answer for Great Northwest Athletic Conference leading scorer Alira Carpenter, who hung up a game-high 23 points. Sheena Brown, the GNAC's second-leading scorer, led the Nanooks with 17 points while dishing out seven assists as well.

Though the Yellowjackets clung to a three-point lead at the break, the game would be decided in a back-and-forth second half. Down by 10 midway through the period, buckets from Kari Reabold, Nicole Bozek, and Joscelyn Shumate keyed a 8-0 Nanook surge cut that deficit to just two points in just a minute and a half.

Unfortunately for Alaska, that momentum left just as quickly as it had come, as an old-fashioned three-point play from Shantell Marquis put the Yellowjackets firmly back in charge, and they wouldn't look back. Montana State Billings then rattled off 18 of the game's next 22 points to put the game beyond the Nanooks.

Among the bright spots for the Nanooks was the play of freshman Nicole Bozek, who continues to illustrate her potential in her first season at center for the Blue and Gold. Bozek contributed 13 points (including sinking her first three-pointer of her college career) and pulled in seven rebounds.

Seniors Joscelyn Shumate and Kari Reabold also enjoyed fine games for the visitors, finishing with 14 and 13 points respectively.

Alsaka completes its 2007-08 season on Saturday, with a trip to Seattle to take on the Redhawks. Tip-off in that match is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Alaska time.