FAIRBANKS - The Nanooks men's basketball snapped a six-game drought with a big 70-63 win over their in-state rivals on Saturday, Feb. 15. The win improves Alaska to 10-13, 6-8 GNAC on the season and keeps them within striking distance of a GNAC playoff spot.
How it Happened
The Seawolves opened up the game with the advantage in the first 20 minutes. At 33-24, UAA took a nine-point lead into the locker room for halftime. Out of the break, the Nanooks outscored UAA 46-30 in the second half, completing the big comeback and grabbing a 70-63 win on their home court.
Chris Lee opened up the scoring, making it 2-0 Alaska on a fastbreak bucket.
Paul Johnson followed up with a three, making it 5-2 'Nooks in the opening three minutes. The two sides traded buckets before UAA grew a four-point lead at 11-7 on a Tyler Burraston three. The Nanooks pulled to within one but at the 8:40 mark, UAA began a run to their biggest lead of the half. At the 7:57 mark they took a nine-point advantage; two and a half minutes later it'd reach a dozen at 28-16.
Griffin Effenberger would cut the run with a layup at the 4:09 mark but UAA's momentum carried into the half.
Out of the break, UAA extended their lead to 11 but a
Chris Lee layup at the 17:48 mark sparked a run by the Nanooks.
Paul Johnson knocked down a pair of three-pointers and
Jalai O'Keith connected on one, pulling Alaska within two. Following a Seawolves jumper,
Isaiah Saams-Hoy connected from deep making it a one-point game. Saams-Hoy then picked up a steal, setting up Effenberger for a layup to give the Nanooks a 47-46 lead at the 12:48 mark. Johnson's sharpshooting continued as he extended the lead to four immediately after a missed layup by UAA. Effenberger would hit a three of his own moments later, making it 53-46 Alaska.
Anchorage made a push in the final three minutes after Alaska's lead reached nine with 5:16 left in regulation. Bishop Tosi hit a pair of free throws before Tyler Burraston hit a three to make it 62-59 Nanooks. Tosi would make another free throw, pulling UAA to within two, but
Ketan Sidhu connected on a corner three to stop the run and give the 'Nooks cushion. 32 seconds later,
Isaiah Saams-Hoy battled through an and-one, extending the Nanooks lead to 68-60. UAA returned the favor with an and-one of their own, but a pair of
Griffin Effenberger free throws sealed the deal for the Nanooks as they defeated the Seawolves 70-63.
Inside the Numbers
- This win over UAA was the Nanooks' second this season. Since 1975-76, the Nanooks have swept UAA in a season only four other times. This was the first season sweep since 2002-03.
- Isaiah Saams-Hoy led the Nanooks with 19 points on 7-15 shooting. He went 2-4 from deep while dishing six assists, and grabbing six rebounds. He also had two steals. 15 of his 19 points came in the second half on 6-11 shooting.
- Paul Johnson had 16 points on an efficient 6-10 shooting night. He went 4-7 from deep.
- Chris Lee had 11 points, four rebounds, two steals, and an assist.
- Jalai O'Keith had eight points and 10 rebounds.
- Off the bench, Griffin Effenberger had 13 points on 4-8 shooting. He had three steals, two rebounds, and an assist.
- Alaska outscored UAA 30-16 in the paint and 12-5 on the fast break.
- The Nanooks surrendered only four turnovers in the second half after 10 in the first half.
- After shooting 36% in the first, the Nanooks used a 53.1% second-half showing to pick up the victory.
What's to Come
The Nanooks stay at home next week. They welcome Seattle Pacific on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Montana State Billings on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 3:15 p.m. Thursday's game is a canned food drive; if you donate three canned/non-perishable items you get free admission. Saturday's game is Senior Day - come out and celebrate the Nanooks who are playing in Fairbanks for the final time in their career!
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