NANPO, Idaho – The Nanooks men’s basketball team faced a tough matchup against the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks, trailing by as much as 18 points. They made a strong effort to fight back, tying the game late, but ultimately fell short with a final score of 74-68. This loss brings their season record to 8-7, with a GNAC record of 3-3.
Game Recap
Luke Fotheringham kicked off the scoring with a powerful dunk, and Mike Miller helped keep the team close. In the first half, the teams exchanged baskets, but a three-pointer from Michael Day pushed the Nighthawks ahead 15-10. Despite efforts from the Nanooks to stay in the game, they went into halftime down 31-26.
The Nighthawks surged at the start of the second half, scoring 13 consecutive points to lead by 18. However, the Nanooks didn’t back down. Jalai O’Keith hit a crucial three-pointer, and Davis Crilly followed up with a four-point play. As the game progressed, Alaska managed to claw back, cutting the deficit to just two points. With a minute to go, they even tied it at 68. Sadly, a late six-point run from the Nighthawks sealed the Nanooks’ fate.
Noteworthy Stats
- Mike Miller led with 16 points and nine rebounds, making two three-pointers and also distributing two assists.
- Jalai O’Keith and Luke Fotheringham each contributed 14 points, with O’Keith grabbing seven rebounds and Fotheringham shooting efficiently from the field.
- Tyriq Luke added 10 points, along with three rebounds.
- The Nanooks improved their three-point shooting in the second half, hitting 50% after struggling initially. They ended the game with a field goal percentage of 39.3%.
What’s Next?
The Nanooks will return home next Saturday to face their in-state rivals, the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves. This game, scheduled for January 17 at 3 p.m., is anticipated to draw a significant crowd, as they aim for 1,000 fans to fill the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium. Special events are planned, including giveaways for fans who wear white, so it promises to be an exciting matchup.
In recent years, the rivalry between the Nanooks and Seawolves has heightened, drawing fans into seats and generating buzz on social media. As the game approaches, platforms like Twitter and Instagram are abuzz with anticipation from fans boasting their team colors and rallying support.
Final Thoughts
This game showcased the resilience of the Nanooks as they fought back from a significant deficit. While they didn’t secure the win, their performance indicates their potential for the season ahead. Keep an eye on their next game — it promises to be a thrilling showdown!
For more information, you can check out NCAA Basketball Stats to explore deeper insights on player performances.
