Lady Nanooks vs. MSUB Yellowjackets

By Autumn McPherson

On February 22nd, the Nanook’s Women's Basketball team competed against Montana State Billings (MSUB) in an exciting matchup. Prior to the game, a heartfelt ceremony was held to honor the team’s graduating seniors. The ceremony began with Taylor Tiulana, a guard from Anchorage, who kicked off her UAF career in 2022. Next was Tristian Martin, a forward from Fairbanks who joined the team in 2023. Following her was Jayda Van Dyke, a guard from Herriman, Utah, who began playing for UAF in 2022. Bobbi Clark, a forward from Cathlamet Washington, was also celebrated for beginning her UAF career in 2024. Destiney Reimers, a guard from Anchorage, was celebrated; her UAF career began in 2021. Finally, Taylor Pilot, a guard from Fresno, California, who started her career at UAF in 2024, was celebrated.

Photo Autumn McPherson

UAF player Destiney Reimers encourages teammate Tristan Martin in the fight over possession of the ball in the first quarter.

The first quarter began with a tied set of three-pointers from MSUB player Aspen Giese. UAF player Reimers scored two consecutive buckets, allowing her to hit the 1000-point mark, making her one of 19 women to do so at UAF. With approximately five minutes left, UAF lost control of the ball, allowing the MSUB to run down the undefended court and score eight consecutive points until UAF senior Tristian Martin got a layup. MSUB ended the quarter with a three-pointer, leaving the score at 18-7.

With approximately seven minutes left in the second period, UAF player Reimers achieved a layup, followed by UAF’s Van Dyke, who completed a free throw and a jump shot. However, MSUB took the next nine points, reducing the time for UAF’s recovery. Van Dyke achieved another jump shot before MSUB took the next seven points leaving the quarter’s score at 36 points for MSUB and 14 points for UAF.

The third quarter began with a bang for the Nanooks as Martin, Reimers, and Van Dyke scored individual bucket shots. UAF’s Maranda Lomax and Clark each achieved a pair of free throws, while Tiulana achieved a three-pointer during the quarter. The quarter ended with a 57-30 score.

The Nanooks got their first four points of the fourth quarter from the free-throw line. Reimers achieved a layup, which Martin followed with a three-pointer. Martin completed a second three-pointer later in the quarter followed by layups from Amelia Brady and Reimers. MSUB took home the victory with a 74-46 score.