The night kicked off with the introduction of UAF’s two honored alumni; Diane Hutchinson and Diann Darnell. 

Hutchinson was a member of the Alaska’s inaugural women’s basketball team in 1974 and played in the first-ever intercollegiate game against Anchorage.  She was also named MVP for the ’76-77 season averaging 11.75 points per game and upon retiring in ’78 was still the second leading scorer in schools history.  Today she still remains in Alaska’s top 25 for points scored. 

Darnell became head coach of the Nanooks in 1975 when the team was just in their second year of existence.  During her six years with the team she won 88 games, a school record that remained unbeaten for 20 years.  She also coached the Nanooks to three consecutive 17-win seasons.

The Nanooks started the night off strong working their way to a 38-23 lead going into the locker room at halftime.  During the second half the momentum shifted to the Alumni team and they began their comeback.  The Alumni shot for 54 percent from the floor while the Nanooks could only manage to shoot for 29 percent.  With five minutes left in the game the Alumni pulled the score to within one.  Then with three minutes to go Cecilia Chan hit a three pointer that put the Alumni ahead for the first time on the night.  Then a steal by Chan put the alumni up by four.  The Nanooks made a three pointer in the final seconds of the game but it was not enough to overcome the Alumni and they fell 63-62.

“Everyone played awesome,” said Cecilia Chan after the game.  “They have a great team this year with a lot of height.”

Despite their loss several of the Nanooks had great games.  Cristina Bruketta finished the game with 18 points, while teammate Sheena Brown finished with 13.  Kari Reabold managed a team high seven boards for the Nanooks.

“We all had a great time”, said several members of the Alumni team.  The Alumni team wasn’t given much time before the game to practice together.  They all just knew when the game was going to be and anyone in the area showed up to play.