Alaska Nanooks basketball teams host UAA this week

Submitted by Jamie Foland
Phone: 907-474-6807
02/02/10

The Alaska Nanooks basketball teams compete for in-state bragging rights this week, when they host University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves in Great Northwest Athletic Conference action.

The women take to the court Wednesday at 7 p.m. while the men tip off against UAA Saturday at 3 p.m.

The pair of games have dual themes as the Nanooks aim to "Pack the Patty" and "Celebrate Our Military." Anyone with a valid military ID card receives free admission to both games against the Seawolves. The special game promotion and free admission is sponsored by North Haven Community.

Tough challenges lie ahead for both Nanook squads as both Seawolf teams are ranked regionally. On the men’s side, UAA in ranked third in the West Region and sport a 12-6 overall record and 3-4 mark in the GNAC. Alaska Anchorage’s women rank 13th in the NCAA Division II and are currently third in the GNAC with a 15-3 overall record and 5-2 league ledger.

Alaska’s top players will be called upon to lead both teams to victory. Each team boasts some of the top players in the conference: for the men, senior guard Emmanuel Jenkins and for the women, junior forward Lakeshia Levi. Jenkins (17.4 ppg) ranks fourth in the GNAC in scoring while Levi ranks in the top five in the GNAC in both points (5th, 15.5ppg) and rebounding (4th, 8.5 rpg).

Both games will also feature the Alaska Nanooks’ annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day as each student-athlete recognizes one faculty or staff member who has made a difference in their academic progress. Both recognitions will be held prior to the start of each game.

Fans are encouraged to come out and pack the Patty in Blue and Gold and cheer on the Alaska Nanooks to victory!