Seawolves’ Tough Loss in NCAA Tournament
In a nail-biting semifinal at the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball West Regional Championships, the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves fought hard but ultimately fell short against Cal State Dominguez Hills, losing 63-61. The game took place on March 15 in Carson, California.
The Seawolves, ranked No. 16 nationally, were led by senior Tori Hollingshead and junior Elaina Mack, both scoring 17 points. Hollingshead also grabbed 15 rebounds, matching her career high. Alaska Anchorage, with an impressive record of 28-5, struggled with their shooting but managed to out-rebound the Toros 42-32.
Cal State Dominguez Hills, the top seed and ranked No. 4 overall, had a standout performance from forward Asia Jordan, who recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds. The Toros advance to the regional title game scheduled against Central Washington.
UAA head coach Ryan McCarthy noted that the team started slow, finding themselves down 32-14 in the second quarter. "They took us out of what we wanted to do," he explained. However, the Seawolves began to find their rhythm, controlling the game’s tempo as they settled in.
The turning point came in the second half. A three-pointer from Mack ignited a 12-0 run, allowing UAA to tie the game. They kept pushing, with Hollingshead’s strong performance helping to lift the team’s spirits. However, the Toros rallied back, scoring the next 11 points.
In a thrilling final moment, Mack managed to sink three free throws to narrow the score to 61-58, but a crucial layup from Jordan nearly sealed their fate. Mack nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer, but it was too little, too late.
This season was historic for the Seawolves, with 28 wins marking the eighth-most in the program’s 48-year history. Senior Jazzpher Evans closed her four-year career with 1,076 points, ranking 15th on the program’s all-time scoring list.
Looking ahead, several players, including Mack, will return for the next season. Mack currently ranks eighth in career three-pointers and is poised to chase the program’s record of 239.
As we reflect on this game, it’s clear that the Seawolves displayed grit and determination, showcasing their potential for future success. Their journey is one to watch, and fans will eagerly anticipate the next season.
For more on NCAA basketball statistics and team histories, visit the NCAA website.
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