FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Central Washington University women's basketball team fell to the University of Alaska Fairbanks in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference contest, 61-70.  Central is now 15-8 on the year overall, while the Wildcats hold an 8-7 record in GNAC play.  The Nanooks are now 11-14 overall and 6-9 in the GNAC.

"Really disappointed in our effort defensively," CWU Head Coach Jeff Harada said.  "I thought we had a great scout and game plan but didn't execute it like we worked in practice."
 
A 32-30 lead at the half disappeared in the third quarter, as the Nanooks outscored Central 17-15 bringing the score back to level. 

"We struggled guarding Kaillee Skjold and Jordan Wilson," Harada added.  "They took over the game when their team needed them to."

Skjold finished with 25 points, while Wilson added 22.
 
Fairbanks outscored the Wildcats 23-14 in the final stanza, taking the 70-61 victory.
 
The Nanooks led for the majority of the first 20 minutes, until a three by Melanie Valdez put Central up by one with 2:39 remaining in the second quarter.
 
The Wildcats did not find a rhythm from beyond the three-point line in the second half, shooting just 1-for-13. 
 
Alexis Berrysmith led the Wildcats in the first half with 12 points and a 5-for-6 mark in the field.

"We had good looks in the paint in the first half and Alexis finished well," Harada added.  "They started doubling the post in the second half and we got some open looks on the perimeter, but just counldn't hit them."
 
Jamsin Edwards recorded 11 second half points after scoring just two in the first half.  She finished with five rebounds, four assists, and five steals in addition to her 13 points.  The sophomore point guard finished 6-for-13 from the field with one three.

"Jasmin did a little bit of everything and helped keep us in the game," Harada noted.  "I also thought Sadie Mensing and JonNae Richardson played really hard tonight and did some nice things for us."
 
Jasmine Parker swatted away four shots and picked up a steal to go along with eight points and eight rebounds.
 
Central finished with a shooting percentage of 40.3.  The Wildcats put up 32 points in the paint and scored 16 points off of turnovers.  Central's bench added 21 points.
 
The Wildcats are back in action on Saturday (Feb. 13) against No. 1 Alaska Anchorage at 2 p.m.