Alaska Anchorage opened its season with a 94-65 win over Evergreen State, powered by a dominant rebounding edge and balanced scoring. Senior Sylas Williams posted 17 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, while Mack Keighran added 16 points and five assists in coach Cameron Turner’s debut. A crowd of 3,874—the second-largest in the arena’s 12-year history—watched the game, which also welcomed thousands of local fifth-graders.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Alaska Anchorage 94, Evergreen State 65.
  • Attendance: 3,874, the arena’s second-largest men’s basketball crowd.
  • Shooting: Alaska Anchorage 53.3%; Evergreen State 35.1%.
  • Rebounds: Alaska Anchorage 53, Evergreen State 27.
Yes, But

Turner said the new-look Seawolves, who have nine transfers, still have adjustments to make after entering the season without an exhibition game. Evergreen State counted the matchup as an exhibition.

State of Play
  • Alaska Anchorage led for good after taking a 7-5 advantage and went into halftime up 43-27.
  • Evergreen State pulled within 18 points in the second half but could not mount a closer challenge.
What’s Next

The teams meet again Saturday at 4:15 p.m. at the Alaska Airlines Center.

Bottom Line

A convincing opener gives Turner’s retooled Seawolves an early win—and a clear strength to build on: controlling the glass.