Tennessee topples Nanooks in BP Top Of The World Classic opener

Submitted by Tom Myrick
Phone: 907-474-6805
11/15/07

Alaska drops to 2-1 for the season with loss

The Alaska Nanooks stayed with Tennessee State as long as they could, rebounding from an eight-point halftime deficit to tie the game in the second half, but the Tigers proved too much for the Blue and Gold, riding a late game surge to a 78-64 victory in the BP Top of the World Classic’s opening game.

Tennessee State got a game-high 21 points from junior Bruce Price. Three other Tigers also cracked double-figures, with Andrae Belton hitting for 17, Gerald Robinson pouring in 16, and LaDarious Weaver finishing with 13.

For the Nanooks, Colin Matteson and Kevin Atkins finished with 17 points and nine rebound apiece, both coming up just short of a double-double in a losing effort.

Despite the comfortable final scoreline, Alaska made life anything but for the Tigers throughout most of the contest. Though Tennessee State went into the locker room with a 46-38 halftime lead, the Nanooks needed just five minutes to erase that lead, as two lay-ins from Philippe Jourdain brought the game within striking distance. In fact, the Blue and Gold thought they had sprung into the lead, following a Mike Titus drive and lay-in that would have put them up 45-44. But a frustrated Alaska team saw the bucket erased for a charging foul, and the Tigers promptly rattled off five points to pull away for good.

Despite the much-publicized lack of height on the Nanooks, Alaska finished the game with both more rebounds as well as more points in the paint. Tennessee State, however, did most of their damage from the perimeter. The Tigers hit for six three-pointers in both halves, shooting at a 57.1 percent clip from behind the arc for the game.

The two teams now benefit from an off-day on Friday before returning to action at the Carlson Center on Saturday. The Nanooks will return to the court against either Oregon State or Colorado State at 5:30 p.m., while Tennessee State resumes its tournament run at noon.

On the web at BP Top of the World Classic or visit alaskananooks.cstv.com.