by FAIRBANKS – The Nanooks came out hot in the second half, which propelled them to a 88-74 victory over NCCAA foe, Portland Bible on Friday night at the Patty Center.
Alaska had five players in double-figures, as Kyle Tomlinson led all-scorers with 18 points. Alex Duncan and Ruben Silvas (Pasua Yaqui Tribe) each had 13 points for the Nanooks, while Ashton Edwards contributed 11. Off the bench, Eric Fongue knocked in 12 and Almir Hadzisehovic had 10.
The Wildcats and Nanooks played out a tense first half, which included some sloppy basketball and both teams shooting under 50% from the field. The teams would trade baskets and the lead for most of the half, and the buzzer sounded with the score knotted at 34.
Tomlinson had an outstanding half with 14 points, while Portland Bible’s Mozeek Waggener had 10 points to lead the Wildcats. However, Waggener picked up four fouls in the first half and would spend much of the rest of the game on the bench.
The Nanooks came out firing in the second half, and were rejuvenated further by back-to-back dunks by Silvas to take control of the game. Silvas, who was named the Ravn Alaska Nanook of the Game for his role in spring-boarding the Alaska performance in the second half, shot 5-of-5 from the field in the closing period and had 10 points. Griffin also had a strong second half, as he scored 11 of his 13 in the frame.
As a team, the Nanooks shot 59.5% in the second half, going 22-37 and made five three-pointers, including a pair from Edwards and Fongue.
Overall, the Nanooks also dominated the game inside, as they outscored the Wildcats 34-22 in the paint and outrebounded their opponents 44-31. Isaac Ladines was the game’s joint-top rebounder with seven.
Portland Bible had four players with double-digit points as Mo. Waggener finished with 17 to lead the way. Miles Waggener came off the bench to score 16 while Marsellus Gray (14) and Bryce Layne (13) also each had big games.
The two teams will play again tomorrow, at 3:00 p.m., in an exhibition game at the Patty Center.
