FAIRBANKS, Alaska - The No. 6 Alaska Nanooks host the ninth-ranked Jacksonville State Gamecocks and the 12th-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers this Thursday and Saturday for a pair of NCAA matches.
Scores from Saturday's match will count towards team and individual shooter qualification for the 2012 NCAA Championships to be held next month in Columbus, Ohio (hosted by Ohio State).
All three teams will participate in smallbore and air rifle relays on both days, according to the schedule below. Follow along with the live electronic targets and via the live interactive blogs.
Match Notes:
Scouting Report - The Gamecocks enter the weekend with an aggregate average of 4,650 (based on three best matches), while the Cornhuskers have averaged 4,628 this season. The 'Huskers are 1-8 in head-to-head matches, while the Gamecocks are 3-2 in head-to-head competition. Alaska is undefeated against both programs, with a 10-0 record against Nebraska since the Fall of 2000, and a 2-0 mark against JSU since the Fall of 2006.
Season Ups & Downs - With five loses on the year, Alaska is experiencing its most challenging season under head coach
Dan Jordan. However, four of the five loses this season have been to teams who rank above them, including the top three teams of Texas Christian, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Fountain of Youth - Alaska's roster is loaded with underclassmen, as more than two-thirds are either freshmen or sophomores. With just two juniors (
Cole Bures and
Scott Franz) and no seniors, the Nanooks' future is bright with all nine current team members set to return next season.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, February 16
8 a.m. - Alaska vs. Nebraska (Air Rifle)
10:30 a.m. - Alaska vs. Nebraska (Smallbore)
1:15 p.m. - Alaska vs. Jacksonville State (Smallbore)
4 p.m. - Alaska vs. Jacksonville State (Air Rifle)
Live Stats
Live Blog (see below)
Saturday, February 18 (NCAA Qualifier)
8 a.m. - Alaska vs. Jacksonville State (Air Rifle)
10:30 a.m. - Alaska vs. Jacksonville State (Smallbore)
1:15 p.m. - Alaska vs. Nebraska (Air Rifle)
3:45 p.m. Alaska vs. Nebraska (Smallbore)
Live Stats
Live Blog (see below)
Thursday's blog:
Saturday's blog:
