ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A fourth-quarter rally fell short, as the Northwest Nazarene University women's basketball team lost 78-68 on Saturday to Alaska Anchorage in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference matchup.

NNU (5-2, 1-1 GNAC) pulled to within eight twice in the final three minutes, but turned it over on both ensuing possessions.

"I loved our effort," NNU coach Steve Steele said. "We played with the pace and energy we expect. I was disappointed with our fundamentals – we didn't communicate, rebound, rotate defensively or execute our scouting report consistently enough.

"And when you play the No. 2 team in the nation on their court especially, they make you pay for those mistakes."

The Nighthawks struggled shooting the ball, finishing 22 of 57 for 38.6 percent. NNU made 17 of 23 free throws to remain in the game, though.

Marina Valles scored 17 points to lead four players in double figures. Coco Gall had 12 points and eight rebounds, Lexi Tubbs added 12 points and six rebounds and McKenna Walker had 11 points.

"Hopefully we can learn from this and get better, especially on the defensive end," Steele said. "Full marks to UAA, they deserve every bit of their ranking."
Hannah Wandersee's 27 points led the Seawolves (8-0, 2-0), who were picked to win the GNAC before the season started.

Despite the loss, the Nighthawks escaped the brutal Alaska road trip with a split.

NNU returns home and will face Concordia at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19.