ANCHORAGE (July 15) – The Alaska Anchorage women's basketball team will hit the Alaska Airlines Center hardwood for 18 contests in 2026-27, including a game against an NCAA Division I powerhouse in the ASRC/ConocoPhillips Great Alaska Shootout.

The Seawolves will play host to the state's premier basketball tournament Nov. 21-22 when they welcome D-I programs Chicago State, Louisville and Seattle University in the 43rd Shootout edition. UAA will challenge a Louisville club in the first round that is coming off a 29-8 record and NCAA Sweet 16 appearance. Under head coach Jeff Walz, the Cardinals have won at least 22 games for 16 straight seasons and reached four Final Fours since 2009.

"We're excited to officially announce our schedule and begin preparing for what we believe can be a special season," said UAA head coach Matt Thune, who was an assistant on Louisville's 2013 NCAA runner-up club. "Every game presents an opportunity to grow, and having a matchup versus a nationally respected program like Louisville, which finished last season ranked No. 11 in the nation, is exactly the type of challenge we embrace. With 33 games on the schedule, our team will have opportunities to develop and prepare for the grind of GNAC play. Most importantly, we're excited to compete in front of the best fans in Division II at the Alaska Airlines Center, and we're thankful to both ASRC and ConocoPhillips for their continued support of our tournament and program."

UAA opens the season Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Honolulu at the Hoops In Hawaii Tip-Off Classic. The Seawolves will face reigning NCAA Div. II national semifinalist Colorado Mesa in the opening round of the eight-team traditional bracket. UAA plays either St. Mary's (Texas) or Chaminade on day two, and either Hawaii Pacific, Western Colorado, Winona State or Lubbock Christian on day three.

The home season starts Nov. 6-7 against NAIA foe College of Idaho, before a return trip to the Islands to face Chaminade, HPU and Hawaii Hilo. Following the Shootout, UAA closes the non-conference season with home games Nov. 27-28 against Benedictine Mesa, Dec. 14 & 16 against Embry-Riddle (Ariz.), and Dec. 20 against Missouri S&T.

The nine-game Great Northwest Athletic Conference home slate kicks off Jan. 2 against in-state rival Alaska Fairbanks, followed by dates with Central Washington on Jan. 7 and Northwest Nazarene on Jan. 9 (College of Health Night, presented by ANTHC).

Other home dates are Jan. 21 against Seattle Pacific, Jan. 23 against MSU Billings (Baby races, presented by Providence Alaska), Feb. 11 against Saint Martin's, Feb. 13 against Western Oregon (College of Engineering Night, presented by ConocoPhillips), Feb. 25 against Simon Fraser and Feb. 27 against Western Washington (Bounce Back Charity Night, presented by JustServe).

The postseason starts with the GNAC Tournament, Mar. 4-6 in Nampa, Idaho, with the NCAA West Regional Championships to be played Mar. 12-15 at a to-be-determined site.

Surf to GoSeawolves.com for complete schedule, roster and ticket information.

2026 ASRC/ConocoPhillips Great Alaska Shootout
Alaska Airlines Center – Anchorage, AK
(all times AST)
Saturday, Nov. 21
5:15 pm: Seattle vs Chicago State
7:30 pm: Louisville vs Alaska Anchorage
Sunday, Nov. 22
2 pm: UL/UAA winner vs SU/CSU winner                (title game)
4:30 pm: UL/UAA loser vs SU/CSU loser (3rd-place game)

2026 Shootout Team Quick Facts
Alaska Anchorage
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Nickname: Seawolves
Conference: Great Northwest Athletic Conference
Head Coach: Matt Thune
2025-26 Records: 16-11/8-10 (7th of 10)
2025-25 Postseason: None

Chicago State
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Nickname: Cougars
Conference: Northeast Conference
Head Coach: Corry Irvin
2025-26 Records: 9-23/8-10 (t-6th of 10)
2025-26 Postseason: NEC Quarterfinals

Louisville
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Nickname: Cardinals
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference
Head Coach: Jeff Walz
2025-26 Records: 29-8/15-3 (2nd of 18)
2025-26 Postseason: NCAA Sweet 16

Seattle University
Location: Seattle, Washington
Nickname: Redhawks
Conference: West Coast Conference
Head Coach: John Bonner
2025-26 Records: 5-25/1-17 (t-6th of 10)
2025-26 Postseason: WCC First Round