The Seawolves (0-1) also got 10 points from junior transfer Casey Robinson, plus six points and six rebounds from sophomore transfer Brandon Walker in the loss.
The Mustangs (1-0) prospered with a balanced attack as reserve guard Andy Beilke scored 12 points and three other players tallied nine. Center Ross DaMasi grabbed 15 rebounds to help SMSU dominate UAA on the boards, 43-28.
The teams battled evenly through the first 15 minutes and UAA took a 22-20 lead on a jumper by Barker at the 5:49 mark of the first half. However SMSU's Andrew Peschong answered with a three-pointer only 19 seconds later to give the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference team the lead for good.
UAA – which returns no starters from last year's 29-6, Final Four team – trailed by as many as 15 points in the second half before slicing the deficit late. Robinson's second three-pointer made it 58-53 with 1:46 remaining, but that would be the Seawolves' final field goal.
Alaska-Anchorage boasts two Aussies on their roster in sophomore Kevin White (Manly) and junior transfer Chris Neal (Sydney).
The Seawolves have a quick turnaround as they prepare for their next opponent in the round-robin format. UAA will take on Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference West Division-favorite Fort Lewis (Colo.) at 6:30 p.m. AST.
