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Seattle Pacific University’s men’s basketball team secured an 83-74 victory over the University of Alaska Anchorage on Saturday, Feb. 22. The Falcons rebounded from a tough 71-60 loss on Thursday, Feb. 20, against the University of Alaska Fairbanks, but then lost 73-67 to Montana State University Billings on Saturday, March 1.
The victory over Anchorage locked SPU’s spot in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Tournament, which starts Thursday, March 6. Seattle Pacific put together one of its best offensive performances of the season against UAA, highlighted by a season-best 16 made three-pointers.
The Falcons moved seamlessly together, each of the players confident in their shots. The whole game, the team remained calm; even when Anchorage stole the lead 21-20 midway through the first half, the team stayed together and pushed through to victory.
There was a noticeable contrast in the team’s energy and demeanor when they stepped onto the court against Anchorage compared to how they entered against Fairbanks.
On Saturday, the Falcons moved with purpose, control and determination. The court almost seemed to stretch wider, offering SPU more space to operate, and the players carried themselves with an undeniable presence — strong, poised and unshakable.
Top scorers:
Versus Alaska Fairbanks: junior guard Owen Moriarty, 20 points
Versus Alaska Anchorage: junior forward Jonas LaTour scored a career-high 23 points
Versus MSU Billings: junior guard Jaxon Nap, 18 points
Team’s thoughts:
Senior guard Brian Caldera credited the team’s disciplined approach for the victory.
“We had a hard practice Friday and relocked into who we really are because we knew that Thursday night’s game was not who we are or who we wanted to be,” Caldera said. “Our game plan was to be boring — stick to what we’ve done all year, what we are best at, what makes us good as a team and not do anything different.”
For basketball fans, ‘boring’ can teach the most. When players take their time, rely on what they are good at and not try to push out of their comfort zones, the game can become poetry in motion.
The Falcons entered the season projected to finish seventh in the GNAC but have defied expectations. They secured the No. 3 slot after their game against MSU Billings.
“It feels fantastic,” Caldera said. “Nobody thought we could do it, and I’m proud of my teammates. We all love each other, and even when we have our differences, we overlook them and stick to the plan.”
With the end of the season approaching, Caldera reflected on the team’s bond and resilience.
“Regardless of the outcome of the next couple of weeks, this is a really special team,” Caldera said.
All eyes on:
Redshirt-junior guard Mason Landeck was instrumental in leading the offense against Alaska Anchorage, recording a double-double with 13 points and 13 assists. He facilitated the Falcons’ ball movement, contributing to the team’s 29 total assists. Landeck dished out 10 of those in the first half alone and added five rebounds to his stat line.
Upcoming:
The Falcons will be back in action for the GNAC Tournament, where they will face Alaska Fairbanks on Thursday, March 6, at noon.
Fairbanks enters the GNAC Tournament confidently, having ended its regular season on a five-game win streak. The Falcons enter at a comfortable third-seed placement and with the scoring advantage in the paint at 47.8% compared to Fairbanks’ 46.2%. However, Fairbanks’ 37.2% is the second-best scoring percentage at the three-point arch, which Seattle Pacific has traditionally struggled to defend.
Seattle Pacific split its season series 1-1 with Alaska Fairbanks, with each team winning on their home floor. Thursday’s game will break the season tie.
