ANCHORAGE (Feb. 22) - Four Seawolves scored in double figures, but the UAA men's basketball team came up just short against rival Alaska Fairbanks tonight at the Sports Center, dropping a 73-70 decision in a key Great Northwest Athletic Conference game.

Peter Bullock led UAA (12-11, 9-5 GNAC) with 20 points and 10 rebounds, but UAF (17-6, 10-4) got a game-high 26 points from guard Steve Towne to remain in a second-place tie in the league standings. UAA drops into fourth place with the loss.

UAF took advantage of UAA's early offensive struggles and took a 21-6 lead. However, Bullock scored 16 of his points in the first half as UAA clawed back to within 32-27 at the half.

The Nanooks enjoyed their largest lead of the second half when Brad Oleson knocked down a short jumper to make it 59-48 with 8:56 remaining. UAA point guard Bryson Vaughan then scored four of his 10 points during a Seawolf run that cut it to 59-57 at the 6:42 mark.

UAF went back up by eight, but the Seawolves, who never led, had one more run. Shane Bannarbie brought the score even at 70 when he nailed a free-throw line jumper with 57 seconds left.

Oleson then hit one of two free throws with 27 seconds remaining, leaving the Seawolves with a potential last shot. But UAF point guard Chris Smith stripped Vaughan with 10 seconds left and Towne knocked down a pair of free throws.

UAA inbounded to Mark Drake, who had already nailed three three-pointers, but his desperation try from 30 feet hit glass and rim before bouncing out.

Drake finished with 16 points, while Bannarbie chipped in 12. Vaughan had 10 assists to go with 4-of-5 shooting.

The Seawolves go on the road for the final time next week, taking on nationally ranked Humboldt State on Thursday, Feb. 27 in a 7 p.m. AST tip.