FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Northwest Nazarene women's basketball team made the long journey to Alaska and came away with a hard-fought 80-68 victory over the Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks on Thursday night. With this win, the Nighthawks improve to 6-3 in GNAC play and 12-6 overall.
The Nanooks came out strong in the opening quarter, building a 10-point lead as they shot an impressive 10-for-15 from the field, while the Nighthawks struggled at 6-for-15. NNU couldn't keep up with Fairbanks' early offensive momentum and ended the quarter trailing 23-13.
The second quarter, however, saw a dramatic shift. The Nighthawks found their rhythm and clawed their way back into the game. The teams battled back and forth, but Jené Wells' buzzer-beater three-pointer just before halftime gave NNU the spark they needed, sending them into the break with a 41-38 lead.
NNU carried that momentum into the second half, outscoring Fairbanks 24-15 in the third quarter while shooting 50% from the floor. With a 12-point cushion heading into the final frame, the
Nighthawks controlled the tempo. A low-scoring fourth quarter allowed them to hold onto their lead and secure the win.
Madeline Gebers led the charge with 21 points and 3 steals, while
Kendall Clark added 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Kate Clark also made a big impact with 12 points and 5 steals.
The Nighthawks stay in Alaska for their next game, taking on Alaska Anchorage on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. (Alaska time).
