ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Feb. 9) – The Central Washington University women's basketball team held on for a 69-66 victory over the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Central Washington improves to 10-13 overall and 5-10 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference competition. The Nanooks fall to 11-11 and 7-8 in GNAC play.
"Great win tonight against a really tough Alaska team," CWU Head Coach
Jeff Harada said. "We made just enough plays to pull it out and we were very fortunate to win this game."
After the first 20 minutes of play, the Wildcats held a 34-19 advantage. Central shot 50 percent (15-30) from the floor, including a 2-for-4 mark from beyond the arc. The Wildcats outrebounded the Nanooks 20-13 in the first half, nabbing five offensive rebounds to Alaska's two.
The Nanooks battled back in the second half, pulling within five in the third quarter before cutting the Wildcats' lead down to just one in the final stanza. Jordan Wilson scored 27 points, while Kailee Skjold led the way with 30. The pair combined for 57 of Alaska's 66 points.
"We knew Wilson and Skjold were good scorers, but they took it to another level in the second half," Harada added. "I was just glad that we were able to hold the lead throughout the game."
The Wildcats scored 40 points in the paint, 11 points off of turnovers, and 12 fast break points. Harada's bench came up big with 27 points, including another big night from
Kaelie Flores. Flores played just nine minutes but finished 4-for-5 from the floor with eight points and three rebounds.
Taylor Baird picked up another double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Sadie Mensing recorded 14 points and five assists.
Jasmin Edwards recorded eight points and eight assists.
"Sadie and Taylor scored well for us and Jasmin made great decisions with the ball, especially in transition," Harada noted. "Our bench again was a major factor and hopefully that continues the rest of the season. I think there's some pride amongst them that they really want to contribute and outplay our opponents bench every night.
Rachel Lorentson hit shots in rhythm with confidence and I was happy to see her have the breakout game we know she's capable of."
The Wildcats finished the night 5-for-8 from beyond the arc, including a 4-for-6 performance from Lorentson.
Central Washington held Alaska to just 22 points in the paint, four fast break points, and two bench points.
Flores was named the Quality Inn Player of the Game with eight points and three rebounds, in just nine minutes of play.
"Bottom line is we're happy with the win," Harada acknowledged. "But know we have to finish games better and can't let double digit leads get away from us like it did tonight."
The Wildcats are back in action on Saturday (Feb. 11) against No. 2 Alaska Anchorage. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Nicholson Pavilion. Live stats and video are available at wildcatsports.com.
