FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Northwest Nazarene University men's basketball team played another strong defensive game, but its offensive woes continued Saturday.

The Nighthawks dropped their second consecutive game, falling 67-53 to Alaska in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference game.

"The guys really stuck together," NNU coach Paul Rush said, "but had a tough time shooting the ball again."

Trailing 45-30 with 11:18 to go in the game, the Nighthawks (11-11, 7-9 GNAC) went on a 12-1 run to pull within 46-42 with 8:29 left.

Olamilekan Adetunji started it and finished it with a dunk, Maurice Jones added a pair of 3-pointers and Jayden Bezzant had a jumper.

But Alaska responded with a 15-0 run of its own to put the game away.

"We had another strong defensive game," Rush said, "but didn't respond offensively when they made a run."

NNU shot 31.7 percent from the field, making just 20-of-63 shots. That performance came on the heels of a 31.5-percent shooting game Thursday at Alaska Anchorage.

Despite the loss, the Nighthawks are only one game out of the sixth and final playoff spot. Though with Alaska sweeping the season series, NNU must pass the Nanooks to get into the tournament.

Jones finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Obi Megwa had 19 points, six rebounds and three steals.

Amenofis Mitchell's 14 points led Alaska (10-12, 8-8).

The Nighthawks return to Nampa for their final two home games of the season, hosting league-leading Western Oregon on Thursday and Concordia on Saturday.