Cavalier comeback spoils home opener, 79-74

ANCHORAGE – Senior guard Travis Thompson scored 18 points Friday but it was not enough for host Alaska Anchorage as the Seawolves lost 79-74 to Concordia (Ore.) in the first-ever official men's basketball game at the Alaska Airlines Center.

UAA (0-1) also got 13 points and six rebounds from freshman forward Sjur Berg, plus 10 points, eight rebounds and four steals from senior newcomer Derrick Fain in the loss.

Concordia (3-0), ranked No. 25 in NAIA Div. II, was led by 21 points on 10-of-18 shooting, plus eight rebounds, six assists and two steals from forward Thomas Pierce. Guard Tyler Velasquez added 18 points, five rebounds and five assists as the visitors from Portland won the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

The Seawolves appeared in control during the first half, building their lead as high as 35-19 on a pair of free throws from Thompson at the 4:57 mark. But the Cavaliers slowly shaved their deficit and trailed just 43-37 at the break.

After the Cavaliers forged a pair of ties early in the second half, the Seawolves answered with another surge and took a 62-49 advantage with 12:44 left. A three-pointer by Fain made it 65-54 with 11 minutes to play, however UAA would not score another field goal until Brian McGill snapped a 68-68 with a layup at the 5:26 mark.

Concordia guard John Erickson then answered with a three-pointer to start an 8-0 run for the Cavaliers, giving them the lead for good. Trailing 76-72, UAA had a chance to cut it to a one-possession game but McGill missed two free throws and Travis Parrish missed a three-pointer with 2 minutes left.

Redshirt freshman center Kalidou Diouf was the fourth Seawolf to score double figures, finishing with 10 points, five rebounds and a pair of assists in his collegiate debut.

UAA will get a chance at payback Saturday when the teams meet for a rematch at the Alaska Airlines Center. Tip-off is 7 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#11 Travis Thompson: G; 6' 1"; Freshman

#RS Brian McGill: G; 6' 2"; Sophomore

#RS Kalidou Diouf: F/C; 6' 8"; Freshman

#2 Sjur Berg: F; 6' 7"; Freshman

#14 Derrick Fain: G; 6' 4"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#11 Travis Thompson
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: G

#RS Brian McGill
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: G

#RS Kalidou Diouf
: 6' 8"; Freshman
: F/C

#2 Sjur Berg
: 6' 7"; Freshman
: F

#14 Derrick Fain
: 6' 4"; Senior
: G