March 3, 2008

FAIRBANKS, AK- The month of March has gotten off to a dream start for the Alaska Nanooks women's basketball team. After claiming two crucial victories against Western and Central Washington at the Patty Center last week, Alaska's Cristina Bruketta has now been named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference's Player of the Week for Feb. 26-March 1. Bruketta claims the award for the second time in her career, and the first since November 28, 2005.

The Ellensburg, Wash. native played a key role in helping the Nanooks snap a six-game losing streak with a 78-72 triumph over Western Washington on Thursday. The junior sharpshooter kicked in 12 points for the Blue and Gold, including hitting three of her seven shots from behind the three-point arc. In a tense back and forth second-half against the Vikings, Bruketta would hit an important lay-up that would give the Nanooks the lead for good.

Bruketta followed up her outstanding performance on Thursday with one that was arguably even better on Saturday. Playing against her hometown team, Bruketta registered a team-high 14 points, each one vital in a highly-defensive contest in which baskets were at a premium. Bruketta hit five of her 11 shots from the floor, and sunk three of her four free-throws.

But perhaps Bruketta's best contribution of the contest came on the defensive end. With the Nanooks clinging to a two-point lead, and just seven seconds left on the clock, Bruketta got in position and took a hard charge from Central Washington's Ashley Fenimore, who was driving to the baseline for a game-tying layup. Bruketta earned the foul, recording a Wildcat turnover and a crucial stop for Alaska. She then caught the subsequent inbounds pass, and put the icing on the game by sinking a free throw at the other end as the Nanooks claimed a 47-44 win.

Bruketta's heroics ensured an emotional send-off for seniors Kari Reabold and Joscelyn Shumate, giving them a well-deserved victory in their final game on the Patty Center court.

The junior guard finished with a total of 26 points, seven rebounds, and three steals over the two-game span.

Bruketta joins teammate Sheena Brown in claiming GNAC Player of the Week honors for the 2007-08 season. Brown previously won the award twice, for the weeks of Dec. 10-16 and Jan. 7-13.

The Nanooks will look to keep their momentum going as they look to end their season strong. Alaska plays its final games of the year on the road, with contests at Montana State Billings on Thursday and at Seattle on Saturday.