College Hoops: Vishe’ Rabb’s return sparks UAA’s 61-54 win over No. 14 WWU; UAF posts season-high point total in loss to SFU

Vishe’ Rabb was all smiles Thursday. Photo by Stephanie Burgoon/Alaska Sports Report

In 10 months, Vishe’ Rabb went from devastation to delight with the Seawolves.

Back on the court Thursday for the first time since suffering a season-ending ACL injury in March 2023, Rabb’s return sparked the UAA women’s basketball team to a 61-54 victory over 14th-ranked Western Washington at the Alaska Airlines Center.

The 5-foot-9 senior guard pumped in 16 points in 17 minutes and came up clutch in the final seconds with a big-time finish that pushed the lead to 57-54 with 17 seconds remaining.

Rabb, of Springfield, Minn., split two Western defenders and kissed a driving layup off glass for the game’s biggest bucket.

“Obviously we’re overjoyed for Vishe’ and to get this win tonight,” UAA coach Ryan McCarthy said in a press release.

Rabb started her comeback by nailing her first 3-pointer on her way to knocking down 7-for-10 shots. The first team All-GNAC performer added four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

GNAC Basketball
Saturday’s Games
Women
Western Washington at UAF, 3pm
Simon Fraser at UAA, 7pm
Men
UAA at UAF, 5:15pm

“Vishe’ could have walked away from basketball and moved on after tearing her ACL, but from the first second she came out of the locker room on that night, she has shown incredible dedication to making this comeback, and has continued to lead our club from within,” McCarthy said.

Kate Robertson and Senya Rabouin each made two free throws in the final 8 seconds to seal the deal, extending UAA’s five-game winning streak and snapping a five-game losing streak against the visitors from Bellingham.

This was the first win for the Seawolves against a top-15 nationally ranked team since 2019 when they beat No. 5 Northwest Nazarene during the NCAA West Regional.

“This was an incredible team win, which shows when you get at least one basket from all 11 players,” McCarthy said.

King Cove’s Elaina Mack earned her eighth straight start and chipped in five points and one steal in 21 minutes.

In Fairbanks, Kayla Johnson’s 17 points led four players in double figures, but it wasn’t enough to slow down Simon Fraser in an 85-74 at the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium.

The 74 points represented a season-high for the Nanooks. Johnson, of Federal Way, Wash., sank 7-of-11 field goals.

Locals Ellen Silva and Tristian Martin combined for 10 points and five rebounds.

GNAC Women’s Basketball