ANCHORAGE – Alaska Anchorage forward Tyler Brimhall scored 31 points but it was not enough Thursday as visiting Western Washington used a balanced scoring effort to earn a 76-66 men's basketball victory at the Alaska Airlines Center.

The host Seawolves (13-12, 8-9 Great Northwest Athletic Conference) also got 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting and five rebounds from senior center Brian Pearson as they had to settle for a regular-season split with WWU.

The Vikings (13-13, 7-9) were led by 14 points, five rebounds and four assists from forward Trevor Jasinsky, 14 points from guard Tyler Payne, and 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists from reserve guard KJ Bosco.

Entering in a four-way battle for the last two spots in the Mar. 7-9 GNAC Tournament, UAA took an early 14-6 lead and went ahead 22-16 on a three-pointer by Niko Bevens at the 8-minute mark. The Vikings would answer with a 10-0 run, however, and stretched the lead to 34-24 late in the first half.

The Seawolves stayed within striking distance thanks to 6-of-13 three-point shooting from Brimhall, who topped 30 points for the third time, while also tallying six rebounds and a pair of blocks. A three-pointer by freshman guard Tobin Karlberg sliced UAA's deficit to 55-46 with 9:18 remaining, but the hosts could get no closer.

Sophomore point guard Brennan Rymer had eight points, seven rebounds and nearly matched his career high with nine assists, while freshman point guard Travis Adams dished five assists.

Despite the loss, UAA stayed tied for fifth place in the GNAC standings with Montana State Billings, which lost early Thursday at Seattle Pacific. WWU and Simon Fraser – UAA's Saturday opponent – currently sit just outside the GNAC playoff bubble with 7-9 league marks.

UAA hosts SFU at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Alaska Airlines Center. Visit GoSeawolves.com or AlaskaAirlinesCenter.com, or call 907-786-1562 for tickets.