Nov. 24, 2000

Box Score

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Ed Kirk scored 22 points to lead the University of Alaska Anchorage to an 87-77 upset victory over Rhode Island on Friday in the consolation round of the Great Alaska Shootout.

The Division II Seawolves (2-1) stormed to a 54-35 lead as the Rams did not score from the field until nearly five and a half minutes had ticked off the clock in the second half.

But Rhode Island (1-3) came roaring back with about 11 minutes left when guard Zach Marbury finally began finding the basket. Marbury scored 11, including a pair of 3-point shots, and Tavorris Bell eight as the Rams closed to within a point at 59-58.

But two lay-ins by Glen Newbold blunted the comeback and solid free-throw shooting down the stretch by the Seawolves provided the final margin.

Kirk's dunk on a fast break with 25 seconds punctuated a fine all-around game as he had seven assists and just two turnovers to go with four rebounds.

Alaska-Anchorage's Peter Bullock scored 18 points and pulled down 11 rebounds and Greg Freeman had 18 points.

Sloppy play marked the opening minutes but Rhode Island led most of the early going with fast-break baskets. The Rams' cold outside shooting and missed free throws gave Alaska-Anchorage the chance to stay close. The Rams had 12 first-half turnovers to six for Alaska-Anchorage.

The Seawolves took their first lead with just more than 10 minutes left on a Kirk layup. Two 3-pointers by Freeman and backup point guard Cody Gallatin extended the lead to 43-34 at the half.