ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Alaska Nanooks women’s basketball team faced a tough challenge against No. 9 Central Washington on Saturday, suffering a 92-40 defeat.
The game began with a rough start for the Nanooks, who fell behind as the Wildcats scored 11 unanswered points. Emily Freeman helped break the silence with a three-pointer about halfway through the first quarter. Unfortunately, Central Washington quickly responded, pushing Alaska into an 18-3 deficit. By the end of the first period, the score was 24-6, with the team unable to find their rhythm.
In the second quarter, Tamai Mancuso shone brightly, scoring 11 of Alaska’s 13 points. Despite her efforts, the Nanooks went to halftime down 53-19 after allowing the Wildcats to go on a scoring spree.
The second half saw some offensive bursts from Alaska. Genevieve Velasquez and Jazlynn Novelli contributed a couple of baskets, but the team still faced a significant 73-32 gap entering the fourth quarter. Mancuso and Sophia Lachenmayer got on the board early in the final period, yet the momentum was still far out of reach.
Key Stats:
- Tamai Mancuso led the team with 14 points.
- Jazlynn Novelli followed with 10 points.
- Amelia Brady led in rebounds with five.
The Nanooks struggled with their shooting, making just 14 of 55 attempts from the floor, resulting in a 25.5% shooting percentage overall. They recorded 15 turnovers compared to the Wildcats’ nine.
Looking ahead, the Nanooks are set to face their rivals, the University of Alaska Anchorage, next Saturday, February 7, at 1 p.m. This matchup is a chance for Alaska to regroup and gain momentum against a familiar opponent.
It’s important to note that women’s sports have seen a rise in interest over the past few years. According to a 2022 survey by the NCAA, participation in women’s college basketball has increased by 15% since 2005. This reflects a broader trend of growing support for women in sports, which is crucial for programs like the Nanooks to thrive.
For more details about college sports and updates, you can check out the NCAA’s official statistics page here.
