Tigers, Rams triumph in first round of Classic

Submitted by Tom Myrick
Phone: 907-474-6805
11/16/07

Photo by Todd Paris, University Marketing and Publications

UAF’s Mladen Begojevic goes up for two of his 13 points in the Nanooks’ 64-78 loss to Tennessee State in the first round of the BP Top of the World Classic.

The Tennessee State Tigers toppled the Alaska Nanooks and the Colorado State Rams overpowered the Oregon State Beavers in the first round of play Thursday at the 2007 BP Top of the World Classic.

In the tournament opener, Alaska held on 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.

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.

Returning just two players from last year’s roster, Colorado State may not quite know what to expect from their team this season, but if its first game at the Classic is any indication, the Rams have a bright future in store for them in 2007-08, as they trounced Oregon State, 69-56.

With the win, Colorado State extends their record to 1-1 on the year, while Oregon State drops to 0-1. The Beavers now face a matchup with hosts Alaska on Saturday, tipping off at the Carlson Center at 5:30 p.m. The Rams advance in the winner’s bracket to take on Tennessee State at noon Saturday.

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