Anchorage, Alaska (March 2) - The Central Washington University women's basketball team couldn't overcome on of the country's best teams in their regular season finale as No. 6 the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves downed the Wildcats 69-51 on Saturday night.
The Wildcats (17-10, 12-8) were uncharacteristically cold from three-point range against the Seawolves (27-1, 29-1). The team shot a mere 17.2 percent (5-for-29) for the game. Kaelie Flores and Brianna Phiakhamngon were the only Wildcats to knock down three-points, as Flores led the way with three. The Wildcats did find an advantage on the boards, out-rebounding the Seawolves 45-32.
"Our team struggled to execute details, knock down shots and take care of the ball tonight," CWU head coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said. "Credit to UAA for shooting the ball really well in the first half and forcing us to speed up on offense. Happy with our effort on the boards, especially in the second half giving up zero offensive rebounds."
The Seawolves jumped out to a hot start in the opening quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 26-14. With 6:51 to go in the first half, a three-pointer from Flores cut the Seawolves lead to six points as the score sat at 28-22. Again, the Seawolves created separation and led 43-33 at halftime.
A three-pointer from Phiakhamngon made it a six-point game again with 3:55 to go in the third quarter. The Seawolves stretched their lead to 53-40 by the end of the period. The Wildcats were unable to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter.
Flores was fantastic for the Wildcats, scoring 19 points while going 7-for-9 from the field. Flores grabbed seven rebounds while dishing out two assists. No other Wildcats scored in double-figures on Saturday. Sadie Mensing was the next closest to Flores with seven points. She grabbed four rebounds and had two assists. Alexis Pana led the team with eight rebounds, while Kassidy Malcolm hauled in seven boards.
The Wildcats anticipate the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships in Bellingham, Washington. The tournament starts for the Wildcats when they take on Concordia (Ore.) on Thursday at noon. The winner between the Wildcats and Cavaliers take on Alaska Anchorage on Friday at noon. The Championship game will be played on Saturday at 5:20 p.m.
