The Nikiski Bulldog girls opened play at the 2018 ASAA 3A Girls State Basketball Championships with an opening-round loss to the Western Division Champion Barrow Whalers 55-41 at the Alaska Airlines Arena at UAA on Thursday.
Barrow 55 – Nikiski 41
The Bulldogs trailed early in the first quarter 12-2 and 13-4 by the end of the quarter; and never fully recovered. Nikiski never lead against the Whalers and failed to generate a steady offensive attack, shooting only 40 shots for the game and only 3 of 6 from the free throw line. The Bulldogs trailed 22-16 at the half and 38-32 after three quarters; however, foul trouble and turnovers hindered Nikiski’s efforts to mount a comeback.
Emma Wik lead the Bulldogs with 9 points; Bethany Carstens added eight points and five rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
Nikiski will face Kotzebue on Friday morning in the 8:00 a.m. contest on Court 2 at the Alaska Airlines Center. The Kotzebue Huskies fell to #1 seed Anchorage Christian School 76-46.
Follow the Bulldogs on ESPN 1140AM and www.radiokenai.com
Other 3A State Basketball First Round Results
Sitka Girls 47 – Galena 36
Valdez Girls 40 – Bethel 30
Monroe Boys 60 – Bethel 28
Grace Boys 54 – Eielson 30
4A State Basketball First Round Results
Dimond Boys 48 – Juneau 39
Chugiak 42 – West Valley 38
West Boys 62 – Colony 56
Wasilla Boys 62 – East 45
Colony Girls 47 – West Valley 41
Click here for latest results from ASAA365.com
