FAIRBANKS, Alaska - After a tough loss on Friday night, Salem women's basketball team had another chance to pull away from the Mount McKinley Bank North Star Invitational with a win. They faced the host Alaska-Fairbanks in the final game of the 2 day event on Saturday night. However, they were bested by the Nanooks by a score of 80-64.

For the first period, Salem took initial control of the game as they found scoring opportunities early and often. Three of those baskets were made by Anna Machykova in the quarter, and Salem held onto a 13-9 lead after one. 

In the second, the Nanooks showed that they were not going to go away easily, and they found some more of those scoring plays that eluded them in the first. Salem was up to the task, and protected their slim lead thanks to some big shots from Emerson Wells and Jayla Atkins. Both teams ended up with 22 in the quarter, and Salem maintained a 35-31 lead going into the half. 

After the intermission, Salem went out looking to lengthen their advantage and put the game out of reach for the Nanooks. Unfortunately, the scoring seemed to dry up for the Tigers as they could only muster 12 points to the Nanooks' 30. Salem, therefore, fell behind 61-47 after three.

In the final period, Salem had a tough comeback bid in front of them. Salem made a courageous effort behind some strong play from Elena Pericic and Nerea Arambarri Fernandez. Unfortunately, it would not be enough to overcome the Alaska-Fairbanks advantage, and the game resulted in a 80-64 loss for the Tigers. 

On the stats sheet, it was the usual suspects for the Tigers as Nerea Arambarri Fernandez led the way again with 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. Also in double figures for the Tigers were Elena Pericic and Anna Machykova with 11 and 10 respectively. 

After the long trip for these two contests in Alaska, Salem will be looking forward to their next matchup in the friendly confines of T. Edward Davis Gymnasium. They take on Virginia State at home on Tuesday, November 29th at 2 PM.