NAMPA, Idaho – Northwest Nazarene women's basketball held on late for an 81-75 victory over visiting Alaska Fairbanks on Thursday night.
How It Happened
- The Nighthawks and Nanooks were even throughout the opening half, with NNU outscoring UAF by one in the first quarter before Fairbanks tallied one more in the second quarter to head into halftime tied at 32.
- NNU broke out in the third quarter, outpacing UAF 25-8, including an eight unanswered to open the period and a 21-3 run that gave the Nighthawks their biggest lead of the game, 18, with 1:44 to go in the quarter.
- From there, however, the Nanooks starting chipping away, eventually taking the lead with 2:25 remaining in regulation, 70-69.
- After trading baskets, NNU got crucial baskets from Jordan Pinson and Emma Clark to pull ahead by three and then went 6-6 from the line from there to take the six-point victory.
Nighthawks Notes
- NNU improves to 9-3 on the year and 3-1 in GNAC play.
- The Nighthawks have now won five in a row and nine of their last 10.
- NNU forced 29 turnovers by the Nanooks, recording 17 steals.
- Pinson and Teagan Thurman led the Nighthawks with 18 points apiece, while Nyalam Thabach recorded a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds.
- Nicole Gall added 13 points off the bench in her season debut.
- Cami Knishka recorded five assists and five steals along with three points.
- NNU outscored UAF 50-28 in the paint.
Next Up
The Nighthawks will now face a big test on Saturday, hosting No. 11-ranked Alaska Anchorage at 7:00 p.m. in the Johnson Sports Center. The Seawolves are 8-1 on the season, with their lone loss coming in their latest game at Hawaii Hilo.
