In the midst of an eleven game losing streak, the UAF women's basketball team is in search of the victory that will turn around their season.  That victory almost came against conference rival Northwest Nazarene on Thursday, Feb. 5 as junior guard Adrienne Taalak's 19 points gave the Nanooks a 10 point lead at the half.  But missed shots and unforced turnovers eventually cost them the game as the Crusaders took the lead after less than four minutes of play in the second half.

Guards Valerie Hartman and Cecilia Chan had characteristically solid performances but the Nanook post players simply couldn't turn offensive rebounds into points.  The 'Nooks have only two seniors on the active roster and it seems as though the young team has lost confidence.  After last week's heartbreaking last second loss to the UAA Seawolves, the Nanooks seemed to be waiting for something to go wrong.  They never made the crucial defensive plays and just didn't hit their shots in the final minutes. Taalak seemed almost to be playing alone at the end, scoring UAF's final six points before the game ended 77-71 in favor of the Crusaders.

After the game assistant coach George Coomer III predictably spoke of the missed opportunities and 21 turnovers, while hoping for an upset victory Saturday against a strong St. Martin's team.  Assistant coach Karen Wilken echoed the sentiment.

"Consistency is the key," she said in reference to the team's first half domination and second half collapse. 

Flashes of strong play shows the ability is there, but the Nanooks need a taste of success and the discipline to turn talent into victories.

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