Nov. 10, 2007

FAIRBANKS,AK- A competitive Alaska Alumni side took full advantage of an ice-cold second half by the Nanooks to shock the Blue and Gold, 63-62, in a preseason exhibition at the Patty Center on Saturday.

Alaska seemed to be in cruise control at halftime, as they went into the locker rooms sporting a healthy 38-23 lead. The Nanooks could shoot just 29 percent from the floor in the second half, however, and the Alumni capitalized. The former players hit for 40 points after the break, knocking down 13 of 24 shots (54 percent). After trailing the entire game, the Alumni leveled the score at 52-52, and taking their first lead soon after behind a Cecelia Chan three-pointer.

The alums stretched their lead to as much as six behind free throws from Karen Rabung and Sarah Kupczyk. Cristina Bruketta hit two long-range shots late to give the Nanooks hope, but it was too little, too late as the Alumni registered the upset.

Denise Perez, who sits fourth on the Nanooks all-time scoring list, added to her legacy by scoring 18 points and pulling down 7 boards for the Alumni. Chan also broke double-digits, chipping in 10 points, all in the second half.

For the Nanooks, Bruketta finished with 18 points as well, while Sheena Brown rang up 13 points in a losing cause. Senior Kari Reabold brought in a team-high seven boards for the Blue and Gold.

Alaska now has nearly two weeks to regroup before they begin their season in earnest, when they meet Merrimack College in the Mt. McKinley Bank North Star Invitational on Nov. 23. The Nanooks, who will also serve as tournament hosts, will then face either Chico State or Fort Valley State in the second round.