UAF Sends Green Bay Packing

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: (907) 474-7778
11/22/02

The University of Alaska Fairbanks men’s basketball team opened the BP Top of the World Classic with a win against Wisconsin Green Bay, 78-55, in what turned out to be a defensive dual between the two teams.

The defensive play from both teams was highlighted by UAF’s 12 team steals and Green Bay’s 39 rebounds.æ

Brad Oleson led aæ tenacious defense with five of the team’s total steals to go along with a team high 21 points and four assists. Chris Smith and Steve Towne scored 14 and 13 points, respectively. UAF shot 76.7 percent from the line with Oleson shooting 12 of 12.

Green Bay dominated the boards, grabbing eight more rebounds than the Nooks. Greg Babcock was the top scorer for Green Bay with 12 points, eight rebounds and shot 50 percent from the line, sinking 4-8.æ

"We have a very good team and had guys stepping up all night long, making big plays for us," UAF Coach Al Sokaitis said. "It was a great team effort."

Green Bay Coach Tod Kowalczyk said, "This being my first game as a head coach, it was a very emotional happening and supposed to be a great night in my life. Now I’m not so sure."

This is the Nooks fifth win in the seven years of the tournament with every win in even-numbered years. The Nooks’ next game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who beat the Centenary Gents 68-45.

Visit Alaska Sports Hall of Fame for more highlights of the BP Top of the World Classic.