Forward Spencer Clark drives in against defender Travish Parrish late in the first half Tuesday night at the Patty Center. The Nanooks kept the game close, but eventually fell 61-68. Baxter Bond/ Sun Star Photo credit: Baxter Bond
The Alaska Nanooks lost an intense game to the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves on Feb. 7, at the Patty Center with a score of 61-68.
It was a constant battle between the two teams, the Seawolves dominated in the paint with their rebounding skills, causing the Nanooks to strain to get the ball and score for their team. The Seawolves got more rebounds than the Nanooks with 47 rebounds. UAF got a total of 27.
Bengaly Kaba (right) attempts a layup over defender Taylor Thompson (left) early in the first half of Tuesday nights game at the Patty Center. Baxter Bond/ Sun Star Photo credit: Baxter Bond
In the first half, Nanook Brandon Davis scored almost half of his teams points, 14 of 26. He battled UAA’s Diante Michell who also scored 11 of his team’s points.
Man of the Game, Brandon Davis said: “We had some chances to make shots, but they didn’t fall. We came out I felt good, ready to play today, I didn’t see any signs of us being tired. “
The Nanooks picked up their game, which intensified the first half by ending it with a score of 26-26 on both ends. During half time the team found out what they needed to work on.
Nanook guard Brandon Davis advances against Diante Mitchell during a fastbreak in the middle of the first half. Despite a strong game from Davis with 19 points and two three pointers, UAF fell to UAA 61-68. Baxter Bond/ Sun Star Photo credit: Baxter Bond
“Focus, just trying to understand what can we do better,” Nahjee Matlock said. “What can we do to pull out a win, and capitalize on the things we messed up on. Just focus.”
UAA picked up their defense by pressuring UAF in the start of the second half. A time out was called with 17:33 minutes left on the clock where Nanook Lorenzo Graham was put in the game and managed to sink in a three point shot right off the bat.
Najhee Matlock rises up for a jumpshot against defender Damien Fulp midway through the second half. Despite a strong game from Matlock with 18 points and three three pointers, UAF fell to UAA 61-68. Baxter Bond/ Sun Star Photo credit: Baxter Bond
Keeping the game close, there was another time out called and the Seawolves fought back and scored a three point shot. The Seawolves locked down on defense and lead by 12 points, that’s when UAF’s Coach Mick Durham called a timeout and told his team what they needed to work on.
Nahjee Matlock picked up his game. He got the ball back and sunk in a three-point shot leading his team closer and closer to the what could’ve been a victory. He ended the game having scored 18 points. The Nanooks had many opportunities to score, but couldn’t quite get the feel of the ball.
UAF head coach Mick Durham talks to the team before the start of the second half. UAF lost against their Alaska rival UAA 61-58 at the Patty Center Tuesday night. Baxter Bond/ Sun Star Photo credit: Baxter Bond
UAF’s defense picked up and got two blocks on the Seawolves, making it harder for them to score. They couldn’t stop UAA’s Spencer Svejcar who drove it in on UAF’s defense, drawing fouls and scoring free throws.