UAF Nanooks Rule the World

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: (907) 474-7778
11/24/02

The University of Alaska Fairbanks men’s basketball team re-wrote history for the second time this weekend, becoming the only Division II team to win a Division I tournament. The Nanooks defeated Weber State in the BP Top of the World Classic championship game Sunday, Nov. 24, 77-65.

This is the first time UAF has ever advanced past the second game in the seven-year history of the TOWC.

With outstanding contibutions from several players, including freshman Justin Bourne and tournament MVP sophomore Brad Oleson, who led the team scoring, rebounding and assists, the Nanooks used an explosive offense and aggressive defense to control the championship game.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle between UAF and Weber State with the Nanooks not taking the lead until 11:21 after a steal by Chris Smith resulted in a bucket for Oleson. A three-pointer from Zac Forsyth, a Weber State turnover and Jason Williams sinking two free-throws put the Nanooks within one point of the Wildcats. The Nooks jumped ahead in the final minutes to close the half with a 42-36 lead.

Weber State struck first in the second half, but two steals by Smith swung momentum back to UAF, and the Nanooks led the rest of the game.

Weber State never relented, however, always keeping within at least 12 points. The Wildcats pulled out an aggressive full-court press in the second half. Two Wildcats scored in double figures with Jermaine Boyette scoring a game-high of 21 points and John Hamilton scoring 13. Weber State out-rebounded UAF, 38-33, with Patrick Danley grabbing 9 boards.

Oleson led the Nanooks with 17 points, while shooting seven-of-eight from the line. In the three games, Oleson hit a near perfect 23 of 24 free throws. Four other Nanooks scored in the double figures: Marquis Revels, 12; Jason Williams, 11; and Steve Towne and Justin Bourne each scored 10 points. UAF grabbed 11 steals.

UAF out shot Weber State, hitting 42.3 percent of its field goals, including 7 of 13 three-point attempts, and 26 of 31 free throws. Weber State shot 40.7 percent from the court and 69.2 percent from the line, but were only able to hit only 3 of 18 from three-point range. For complete tournament highlights visit Alaska Sports Hall of Fame.

Note to editors: Downloadable high-resolution photos are available.

UAF Photos by Todd Paris