Seawolf women trample Cowgirls

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Next week, the 13th-ranked University of Alaska Anchorage women's basketball team will be looking to win its fifth consecutive Great Alaska Shootout title -- but the Seawolves first took care of a little business at their home opener Friday.

West Region games are actually more significant in determining whether the Seawolves advance to the NCAA Division II tournament, and UAA took a step in the right direction Friday by dominating New Mexico Highlands, 73-39.

Hannah Johansson led the Seawolves with 13 points, while Nikki Aden and Tijera Matthews each added 10. UAA also made its usual suffocating impact on defense, forcing 31 Cowgirl turnovers. The teams will play again Saturday.

Contact Kevin Wells at kwells@ktuu.com