No. 2 moment – men's basketball stuns No. 2 Western Washington
August 23, 2013
Chris Brooks
907-474-6805
Continuing our countdown to the top moment from the past year, we now take a look at our No. 2 moment of 2012-13. Last season, the Alaska men's basketball team accomplished many feats but on Feb. 21, the Nanooks did virtually the unthinkable in the eye of a casual fan and especially their opponents that night.
The final home Thursday game of the season saw Western Washington come to town with a 24-0 overall record, a nation's-best 30-game win streak and a No. 2 national ranking – but did that stop Alaska? Not a chance as the 'Nooks stunned the Vikings 77-73 at the Patty Center.
The victory not only ended an 11-game losing skid to Western but also clinched Alaska its first ever trip to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championship, where it would be the four seed and advance to the semifinals.
Sergej Pucar tallied a career-best 26 points to go with seven rebounds and two blocks while Ronnie Baker also had 18 points and Dominique Brinson accounted for 13 points. Andrew Kelly nearly had a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds and Pat Voeut dished out a career-high nine assists.
Alaska's ability to shoot from distance proved to be key as it drained nine three pointers (45% 9-20) while limiting WWU to 38 percent shooting from the floor, its lowest mark during the conference season. It was the Nanooks' first win over a nationally-ranked in nearly three years (March 4, 2010 vs. No. 9 Seattle Pacific).
Check out game highlights from Alaska's thrilling 77-73 victory over Western
Tomorrow, we wrap up our top moments of the year as we reveal our No. 1 moment of the 2012-13 season – STAY TUNED!
SCHEDULE OF RELEASES
Aug. 13 – Honorable Mentions
Aug. 14 – Hanneman Earns Spot on U.S. Ski Team and NCAA Berth
Aug. 15 – Men's Basketball Nearly Breaks GNAC Record in Tournament Win
Aug. 16 – Adams Repeats as National Runner-up in the 100 Fly
Aug. 17 – Granberg Scores with Three Seconds Left to Shock Notre Dame
Aug. 18 – McPhetres Tops Podium Twice, Women's Skiing Wins Region Title
Aug. 19 – Taranto's Late Goal Leads Hockey to Win in Final CCHA Game
Aug. 20 – Rifle Takes Fourth at 2013 NCAA Championship
Aug. 21 – Kunyk's OT Winner Lifts Hockey Past UAA in Gov Cup
Aug. 22 – Men's Basketball Stuns No. 2, Undefeated Western Washington
Aug. 23 – No. 1 Moment