Nanooks basketball celebrates seniors in last home games

By Amber McCain

Photo courtesy of Kristen Pearson/ UAF Athletics
UAF seniors surrounded by friends and family during the last home game held in the Alaska Airline Center.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks basketball teams celebrated their seniors during the last home game held Feb. 28 at the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium. The women's team fell 73-58 to Western Oregon while the men's team won 82-74 against Western Oregon. Before the games began, each senior was honored in a celebratory ceremony, surrounded by their families, friends and loved ones. Names, stats, a brief bio and heartfelt words from the coaches were shared with the crowd.

Photo courtesy of Kristen Pearson/ UAF Athletics

Friends and family gathered on Feb. 28, 2026 to celebrate their senior players during the final home game of the 2025-2026 season.

Both the men's and women's teams celebrated the achievements of their senior players during their final home games. Balloons filled the air, and cheers echoed through the gym as their names were called. Over the loudspeaker coaches’ fond words were for each player and their contributions to the team.

Kicking off at 1:00 p.m., the women's ceremony featured seniors Tamai Mancuso No. 2, Emily Freeman No. 4, Jazlynn Novelli No. 24, Pearle Green No. 20, Amelia Brady No. 30, Alannis Rogers No. 5, Anna Nevison No. 13, and Nya Bostic No. 32. Despite the celebration at the start of the game, the women’s team fell to Western Oregon, with a final score of 73-58.

The men’s team, whose ceremonial celebrations began at 3:15 p.m., honored seniors Joel Amaro No. 2, Jalai O’Keith No. 11, Jeremiah Hersrud No. 12, Cortarius Mingo No. 13, and Jackson Krug No. 20. In an exciting game, the men’s team secured a hard-fought victory, defeating Western Oregon 82-74.