NAMPA, Idaho. – Simon Fraser University led by seven with less than seven minutes to play but couldn't hold on, losing 82-77 to Northwest Nazarene University in Great Northwest Athletic Conference men's basketball action Saturday at the Johnson Sports Center.

WATCH MEN'S BASKETBALL SIZZLE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9ynTyjhyLQ

Leading 64-57 with 6:34 to play, Simon Fraser gave up 25 points and the game in those final minutes. NNU went on a 9-2 run to tie the game, 66-66, with 4:19 left, and then scored six straight free throws to take a 72-66 lead with 1:43 to play. The Clan was outscored 15-2 over those critical five minutes down the stretch.

A three-pointer by Hidde Vos pulled the Clan to within three but that was as close as the team would get.

Five players reached double figures in scoring for Simon Fraser, led by senior Michael Harper and forward JJ Pankratz with 13 points each. Vos added 12 points.

With the win, NNU moves to 7-9 overall and 3-7 in the GNAC. SFU fell to 1-15 and is winless in 10 conference games. Four losses this season have been by seven points or less.

Everything went right it seemed in the first half for NNU as the Crusaders went up 23-9 and held a 41-25 edge just before halftime.

NNU's offense stalled in the second half, and that 16-point advantage quickly disappeared as the Clan held the Crusaders to 7-of-27 (25.9 percent) shooting in the final 20 minutes.

The Clan defense enabled the team to rebound from the 16-point deficit and build a seven point lead with 6 ½ minutes to play.

NNU changed the game down the stretch with a stingy match-up zone defense, and Clan hit just one of six shots immediately after the game was tied 66-66.

NNU allowed just two offensive boards to the Clan in the second half after The Clan grabbed 11 in the first half.

Mike Wright and Bouna N'Diaye led the way on the scoreboard with 20 points each for the Crusaders.

Next up, SFU plays at home on Tuesday, Jan. 26 against rival Western Washington in the West Gym. Tip-off is 7PM.

Follow the SFU Clan men's basketball team on the club's official Twitter account at Twitter.com/SFU_MBB.

-- with files from NNU Sports Information

--@SFUClan--