FAIRBANKS, ALASKA. (Jan 12) -- Kerie Hughes (Jr., 5-6, Mount Vernon, Wa.) led the Seattle Pacific University women's basketball with season-high 18 points and seven rebounds, but it was not enough as the Falcons were upset by Alaska-Fairbanks University 75-71 in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference matchup Saturday at the Patty Center.

SPU is currently ranked No. 6 in the NCAA Division II ESPN/USA Today national poll and No. 5 in West Region. Fairbanks is ranked No. 10 in the region.

The Falcons (12-3, 4-2) trailed the Nanooks (10-5, 4-2) at the half 29-24 and by as many as 11 in the second half. SPU came roaring back, however, spurred by four three-point buckets by Hughes that sent the game into overtime. The Falcons continued to struggle offensively in the overtime period to hand the Nanooks the upset and their first victory over SPU in six meetings.

Foul trouble and poor shooting hurt the Falcons against UAF. SPU shot a season-low .321 from the floor and saw three players foul out of the contest. The Falcons also matched their season-low assist total of seven set at Cal Poly Pomona earlier this season.

Four Falcons finished the game in double-figures. Emily Faurholt (Fr., 5-11, Kennewick, Wa./Kennewick) scored 14 points and matched Hughes' team-high rebound total of seven. Kelley Berglund (Jr., 6-3, Port Angeles, Wa./Port Angeles, Washington State) finished with 11 points while Michelle Beaumont (Fr., 5-11, Bellingham, Wa./Sehome) chipped in 10.

The Falcons return home next Thursday, Jan. 17 to host Western Oregon at Brougham Pavilion. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

SPU -- Faurholt 14, Hermanson 0, Poe 9, Berglund 11, Gustafson 6, Hughes 18, Beaumont 10, Urrutia 3, Lukkes 0, Duffin 0.

Halftime -- SPU 24, UAF 29 Overtime -- SPU 10, UAF 14