Seawolves fall to Lubbock Christian in NCAA Division II championship game

(Photo courtesy: Sam Wasson/UAA Athletics)
(Photo courtesy: Sam Wasson/UAA Athletics)

The University of Alaska Anchorage women’s basketball team fell 78-73 to Lubbock Christian on Monday in the NCAA Division II National Championship Game in Indianapolis.

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In the week leading up the national title game, UAA head coach Ryan McCarthy said the pressure was on undefeated Lubbock Christian, and the Seawolves only needed to focus on playing their best game of the season.

After the game, I spoke with Coach McCarthy asking if his team was able to do just that.

“We didn’t play our best game – I think all the ladies would agree with me there,” he said. “We played a good game, we just didn’t play a great game.”

“And to beat a team that’s No. 1 in the country and undefeated, we needed to play a great game.”

The Seawolves play a high-tempo game, moving the ball up the court quickly on offense, and putting constant, overwhelming pressure on their opponents while on defense.

UAA dominated in rebounds, snagging 47 to the much taller Lubbock Christian’s 30. But, it wasn’t quite enough, as the Seawolves’ 25 personal fouls netted Lubbock 19 points from the free throw line.

Despite the loss, McCarthy says his team has plenty to be proud of….he says the team set 18 program records, won 38 games – setting an NCAA Division 2 record – and, of course, appearing in the program’s first NCAA Division II National Championship game.

“And that’s something that these ladies will never forget; they’ll never forget this experience,” McCarthy said. “They’ll be able to tell their kids about this. And, you know, right now, they’re the best women’s basketball team in the history of UAA, and that’s really something to be proud of.”

It will be a tough season to beat, but Coach McCarthy says the future is bright for the women’s basketball program.

“To build on this season is gonna take a four-letter word – and that’s ‘work.'”

And those standards are set high. With the shoes of seven outgoing seniors to fill – including Anchorage’s Keiahnna Engel and Galena’s Jenna Buchanan – the Seawolves look to improve on their 38-3 record and avenge their 78-73 loss to Lubbock Christian in this season’s National Championship Game.

Josh is the Statewide Morning News Reporter/Producer for Alaska Public Media | jedge (at) alaskapublic (dot) org | 907.550.8455 | About Josh

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