March 3, 2007
Box Score
Fairbanks, AK - The Alaska Nanooks had their NCAA Tournament hopes ended with a 85-75 loss to in-state rival the University of Alaska Anchorage Saturday night in front of 1,136 fans at the Patty Center. Alaska (17-13 overall, 8-8 Great Northwest Athletic Conference) had a slim chance to move on to postseason play with a win but the Seawolves (19-8, 10-6) were too much in the second half.
Senior Jushay Rockett (Long Beach, CA) had game-highs of 32 points, four steals and three blocks to go with five rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes. It was the fourth game of 30 or more points for the 6-5 forward season but one point shy of his career best.
Junior Kenny Barker scored 19 of his 24 in the second half but was the only other Alaska player in double figures.
Alaska had less turnovers (14 to 10) than the Seawolves and more offensive boards (14 to 9) but were hurt by the free throw differential. UAA made 22-of-24 at the line, while Alaska cashed in on eight of nine freebies.
The Nanooks jumped out to an early 20-10 lead and held a four-point lead, 34-30, at the half. The second half belonged to UAA, as they shot a scorching 72 percent (18-of-25 FGs) in the final 20 minutes.
Junior forward Carl Arts scored 20 of his 25 after intermission, while senior guard Eric Draper had 11 of his 18 points following the break. Ivan Platenik added 15 points for the winners, while Luke Cooper had 10 points and six assists.
The Seawolves took the lead for good with 6:53 left on a Trenton Millar lay-up to go up 62-60. A Rockett lay-in pulled the Nanooks to within 68-67 with 4:37 to go but Arts scored six straight to give UAA a seven-point cushion.
A Barker bucket and free throw made it 74-70 with 1:20 left but that is as close as Alaska would get. UAA made nine of ten free throws in the final minute to seal the win.
