Monroe High School grad and UAF Junior guard/forward Joe Stepovich took his first shot of the season Thursday, in what he called "a fun, and good experience."

The experience was anything but fun or good for the Puget Sound Christian College Anchors.  UAF men's basketball team, which is rated number one in its conference, and number six in the nation, beat them soundly in Thursday's game, 114-41, which ties the all time UAF record for fewest points allowed.

Thursday was also Coach Frank Ostanik's first night at the helm.  "I'd rather learn and win than learn and lose," he said.

The Nanook team beat the Anchor Point Christian School, who play in NCCAA Division II (that's National Christian College Athletic Association), in almost every aspect of the game, forcing 34 turnovers and stealing the ball 18 times.

The Nanook home crowd of 668 they oohed and aahed as Nanooks slammed dunked, alley-ooped, and stole their way to the record breaking rout.  But not to be sore winners, they even applauding when the Anchors scored a basket.

Senior guard and last year's GNAC Player of the Year, Brad Oleson led the Nooks with 25 points, and 8-12 shooting from the field.  He made three consecutive three-pointers, and was 4-7 from behind the three-point arch.

Junior forward Ivan Miskovik had 15 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, three assists, and was 5-5 from behind the line.  He said he was happy with his team's performance.  "We need to still sharpen up on defense," he said.

Freshman guard Chris Jordan scored 15 points and two assists in his first night in the blue and gold.  Junior center Andrew Smith, and Tristan Below both had ten points.

Veteran Senior Guard Chris Smith led the 'Nooks with seven assists.  He said he felt good about the win, and that this year's team looks better in their first game than last year's.

Lathrop grad and freshman guard Mike Titus scored nine points, made three assists and one steal in 21 minutes of play.

PSCC's Center Peter McCallum led the Anchors with 11 points.  Guard Derrick Pringle and Guard Chris Reichert tied with 10 points each.

Despite his team's stellar performance, Ostanik doesn't want anyone to get overly confident.

"People will look at that score and not realize that we made some mistakes, and that we need to do some things better," Ostanik said.

Both teams agreed that Saturday should be a better competition.

This is PSCC's first time in Alaska.  PSCC Head Coach Nathan Mumm said his goal for Saturday is to "not be so star struck."

Photo by Dave Lokken/ Sun Star
Chris Smith, right, drives for the basket against Puget Sound Christian College Thursday at the Patty Center. The Nanooks defeated the Anchors 114-41.

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