FAIRBANKS – The Alaska Nanooks women’s basketball team kicked off their regular season on a tough note, losing to the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a score of 98-76.
Game Summary
The game started slowly, with Chozen Horn-Young putting the Nanooks in the lead briefly at 5-4. However, the Vulcans quickly responded with a 9-1 run, creating a 14-5 lead. Tamai Mancuso tried to turn the tide with a three-pointer, but the Vulcans maintained their momentum. By the end of the first quarter, the Nanooks trailed 25-19.
In the second quarter, Alaska seemed poised for a comeback, cutting the lead to just two points. But the Vulcans struck back with a 6-point run. Though the Nanooks fought back with three-pointers from Emily Freeman and Pearle Green, they entered halftime down 48-38, managing most of their points from free throws.
The second half didn’t fare better for Alaska. They made only three field goals in the third quarter, leaving them behind at 72-50 as they moved into the final quarter. Despite matching the Vulcans’ 26 points in the fourth, the final score remained 98-76.
Player Highlights
- Ashlyn Waggoner emerged as the star for Alaska, scoring 20 points with impressive stats: 6-11 from the field and 8-10 from the free-throw line. She also grabbed four rebounds and contributed on defense with two steals and a block.
- Tamai Mancuso and Chozen Horn-Young chipped in with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Horn-Young also led in rebounds with seven.
Statistical Breakdown
- The Nanooks shot 33.8% from the field and only 23.5% from beyond the arc.
- They went more than double their free throw attempts, converting 22 out of 31.
- Rebounding was a challenge; the Vulcans out-rebounded the Nanooks 44 to 40.
- Both teams scored evenly off turnovers, but the Vulcans dominated points in the paint and fastbreak situations.
Looking Ahead
The Nanooks will try to bounce back on Sunday against The Master’s Mustangs at 3 p.m. as part of the Mt. McKinley Bank North Star Invitational.
Expert Insight
According to basketball analyst Sarah Johnson, “The key for the Nanooks moving forward is to tighten their defense and focus on rebounding. Recognizing teams that can score in the paint will be crucial in future games.”
Recent surveys show that teams that improve their defensive strategies can significantly enhance their win rates.
Social Media Buzz
Fans voiced mixed reactions on social media, with many expressing disappointment but also urging the team to stay positive and focus on growth. Trends like #GoNanooks and #BounceBack started gaining traction, showcasing the community’s support.
In conclusion, while the game was a setback, there’s still hope for the Nanooks as they prepare for their next challenge on Sunday.
