HONOLULU (Dec. 20) – Junior guard Tyler Burraston scored 18 points and the Alaska Anchorage men's basketball team rode a program-record-tying defensive effort to a 76-27 victory Friday over Johnson & Wales (R.I.) at the Hoops In Hawaii Classic at the Shark Tank.

The Seawolves (8-7) also got 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists from junior forward Bishop Tosi as they outshot the NCAA Div. III squad .415 to .191 and outrebounded them 54-23.

The Wildcats (2-7) were led by six points apiece from Jonah Phang and Chris Botolino, but could not connect on any of their 21 three-point tries.

"It was another outstanding defensive effort by our guys tonight. We maintained focus and intensity for 40 minutes, and made them seem much worse than they are," said UAA head coach Rusty Osborne. "They are a well coached team with some talented kids. Offensively, we let our defensive intensity affect our shooting, but that will come around. It's a good way to finish before the holiday break."

UAA led from the opening minute and forged a 30-9 halftime advantage. The nine points tied for second on the Seawolves' all-time list for fewest allowed in an opening half, and set a new standard against an NCAA opponent.

The Seawolves threatened to outright break the program record of 27 points allowed in their Nov. 24 home win over Portland Bible, but the Wildcats managed to make four free throws in the final 95 seconds.

Burraston shot 6 of 12 from the field (4-10 3FG) to lead a balanced offense for UAA, which got at least one field goal from all 12 active players. Senior guard Dillon Barrientos had nine points, while junior wing Hasaan Herrington added eight points and tied his UAA career high with eight rebounds.

Junior forward John McFadden had four points on 2-of-2 shooting, seven rebounds and a career-high-tying four assists.

The Seawolves return to Great Northwest Athletic Conference play for the remainder of the season, starting Jan. 2 at Simon Fraser. Find live video and stats links at GoSeawolves.com.