FAIRBANKS – The Alaska Nanooks women’s basketball team faced off against the Seattle Pacific Falcons and fought hard, despite a tough start. After trailing by 22 points early on, they pushed back and narrowed it down to just three points at one point, but ultimately lost 69-56.
In the first quarter, the Nanooks struggled to find their groove. Jazlynn Novelli scored first, but it was a while before they found the net again. The Falcons jumped ahead with a strong 19-0 run while the Nanooks went cold. By the end of the first, they were down 27-10.
The second quarter showed promise for Alaska. Pearle Green’s three-pointers lit a fire, reducing the deficit to 11. By halftime, they were trailing 36-28, thanks to some clutch scoring from Green and Genevieve Velasquez.
The second half began with a surge from the Nanooks. Emily Freeman scored quickly, bringing them within three. Unfortunately, the Falcons answered back with a 15-4 run. Even as the Nanooks continued to fight—hitting crucial shots from distance—they couldn’t secure the lead. In the end, their effort fell short, despite some intense moments in the fourth quarter.
Key Players
- Pearle Green led the team with 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Her shooting was notable, with a solid percentage from three-point range.
- Genevieve Velasquez contributed 12 points and was significant on defense with two steals.
- Several players tied for rebounds, including Emily Freeman, Marney Rees, and Desiree Redfox—each bringing down seven boards.
Stats Snapshot
- The Nanooks hit 30% of their field goals and struggled from beyond the arc, making only 24% of their three-point attempts. However, they did grab more rebounds than the Falcons, 48-45, and made seven of nine free throws.
Next week, the Nanooks will head on the road to face Northwest Nazarene on January 29 at 5 p.m. AKST.
The Takeaway
The Nanooks showcased resilience and teamwork, especially in the second half. Their ability to rally back from a significant deficit is a hopeful sign as they seek their first conference win. Keep an eye on their upcoming games as they continue to grow and improve.
For more insights on women’s basketball trends and scores, check out NCAA Women’s Basketball.
