NEWBERG, Ore. – The Alaska Nanooks women’s basketball team began their 2025-26 season with an exhibition game against George Fox on Thursday. Despite a strong effort from Tamai Mancuso and Emily Freeman, the team fell short, losing 103-72.
The game got off to a tough start for the Nanooks. They quickly found themselves trailing 10-2. Mancuso hit two three-pointers to bring the score to 15-10, but the Bruins responded with a powerful 13-0 run, making it 28-10. Freeman broke the cold spell for the Nanooks with a three-pointer, but they ended the first quarter behind 34-17.
In the second quarter, the Nanooks tried to regain their footing. Mancuso scored a layup and then another jumper, narrowing the gap to 34-21. However, the Bruins went on another run, leading 51-25 at one point. After a timeout, Mancuso and Freeman led a mini-resurgence, and the Nanooks closed the half down 54-34.
The third quarter started slowly for Alaska, with points coming mainly from free throws. Redfox finally scored their first field goal with just under five minutes left in the period. Mancuso took charge, scoring 10 of the next 12 points for the Nanooks, but they still trailed 77-53 heading into the final quarter.
Freeman opened the fourth quarter strong, making a three-point shot while being fouled, converting it into a four-point play. Mancuso and Freeman continued to lead the scoring, but it wasn’t enough, and the Nanooks finished the game with a final score of 103-72.
Key Players
- Tamai Mancuso: In her debut, she scored an impressive 31 points with a shooting percentage of 40.7%. She also contributed two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
- Emily Freeman: She added 14 points, hitting 33.3% of her three-point attempts.
- Alycia Shelley: The team’s playmaker, recorded five assists, looking to set up her teammates effectively.
- Ashlyn Waggoner: Offered solid support with eight points and four rebounds.
As a team, Alaska faced challenges with shooting, finishing at 30.1% from the field and just 31.3% from beyond the arc. However, they had the edge in points off turnovers, scoring 13 compared to George Fox’s 11.
Looking ahead, the Nanooks have another exhibition game lined up against Oregon State. This game is crucial for them to build momentum before the regular season starts.
This season, basketball teams across the nation are seeing an uptick in competitive spirit. According to a recent NCAA survey, college basketball participation has increased by over 5% in the last two years. This rising interest could translate to closer matches and more thrilling plays on the court.
Follow the action as the Nanooks dig deeper into their season. You’ll want to keep an eye on their progress—not just for wins but for how they continue to develop as a team.
