The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) men’s basketball team will face Newberry College for the first time in history in a two-game series on November 29th and 30th at the Alaska Airlines Center. UAA enters these meetings with a record of 4-5 and recently broke a five-game losing streak, highlighting its strong performance in recent games against Portland Bible, which set the highest field goal percentage in history. Newberry, currently 2-2, is known for its competitive games, with all games decided by seven points or fewer. This series is crucial for UAA as they look to build momentum during a six-game homestand.

Through the numbers

• UAA record: 4-5 this season
• Newberry’s record: 2-2, all games within seven points
• UAA’s most recent games have seen a record-breaking field goal percentage of .724 (42-58).
• The Seawolves allowed just 27 points against Portland Bible, a new record for scoring defense

state of affairs

• The Seawolves are currently in the middle of a six-game home stretch.
• UAA ranks in the top three in the GNAC in 15 statistics, including leading in scoring defense (59.2 ppg) and scoring margin (+17.0).
• Head coach Rusty Osborne is celebrating his 20th season with the team.

What’s next?

If UAA can maintain its defensive strength, they could secure two wins against Newberry, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season. A higher scoring rate from key players, including Sean Evans and Tyler Burraston, will be crucial to overcoming the challenges presented by Newberry’s tight playing history.

Conclusion

This upcoming series against Newberry represents a critical opportunity for UAA to solidify its position in the GNAC and capitalize on recent success and show that its strong defense and improved offense can carry the team to greater heights this season.