Scoreboard

Nilsson's hot hand rescues Seawolves against Hawaii Hilo

Women's Basketball UAA Media Relations

Nilsson's hot hand rescues Seawolves against Hawaii Hilo

HILO, Hawaii ? Maria Nilsson nailed seven three-pointers, including six in the second-half, to lead the 4th-ranked Alaska Anchorage women's basketball team to a 72-60 victory over Hawaii Hilo in a hard-fought game Friday at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

The Seawolves (11-1) got 23 points and a career-high eight rebounds from Nilsson, plus 12 points and eight rebounds from junior center Rebecca Kielpinski as they concluded their non-conference schedule.

UHH (0-7) was led by 10 points from point guard Ashley Kualii as seven Vulcans tallied seven points or more.

UAA trailed through much of the first half before Dasha Basova (7 pts) nailed a three-pointer just before the halftime buzzer to give the Seawolves a 31-30 lead.

The Vulcans ? in just their second season as a program ? hung tough early in the second half and held a 43-41 advantage with 11 minutes left. UAA answered, however, with a 10-0 run, sparked by Limor Pelleg's only three-pointer of the game. Leading 48-43, Nilsson then began a barrage of five straight treys, the final one making it 63-51 with 3 minutes to play.

Nilsson's seven threes came one short of her own school record ? set last year and shared by former teammate and current student assistant coach Jayci Stone.

On a night when both teams shot poorly ? UAA 34.9 percent and UHH 32.7 percent ? the Seawolves took control with a commanding 57-32 rebounding advantage. Senior guard Kalhie Quinones equaled her career high with seven boards, while Lillie Parks and Ashley Thompson grabbed six each.

Pelleg also helped to spark the victory with her finest game of the season, including a career-high eight rebounds and a team-best four assists.

The Seawolves have nearly two weeks off before beginning Great Northwest Athletic Conference play Jan. 3 when they host league newcomer Montana State Billings. That game tips off at 7 p.m. AST at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Rebecca Kielpinski

#54 Rebecca Kielpinski

C
6' 2"
Sophomore
Maria Nilsson

#21 Maria Nilsson

G/F
6' 0"
Junior
Limor Pelleg

#5 Limor Pelleg

G
5' 5"
Sophomore
Jayci Stone

#43 Jayci Stone

F
5' 10"
Senior
Dasha Basova

#13 Dasha Basova

F/C
6' 3"
Junior
Lillie Parks

#30 Lillie Parks

F
5' 11"
Junior
Kalhie Quinones

#4 Kalhie Quinones

G
5' 7"
Senior
Ashley Thompson

#20 Ashley Thompson

F
5' 10"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Rebecca Kielpinski

#54 Rebecca Kielpinski

6' 2"
Sophomore
C
Maria Nilsson

#21 Maria Nilsson

6' 0"
Junior
G/F
Limor Pelleg

#5 Limor Pelleg

5' 5"
Sophomore
G
Jayci Stone

#43 Jayci Stone

5' 10"
Senior
F
Dasha Basova

#13 Dasha Basova

6' 3"
Junior
F/C
Lillie Parks

#30 Lillie Parks

5' 11"
Junior
F
Kalhie Quinones

#4 Kalhie Quinones

5' 7"
Senior
G
Ashley Thompson

#20 Ashley Thompson

5' 10"
Junior
F