BURNABY, B.C. – The Simon Fraser University women's basketball hit the floor for the first time in 28 days on Saturday as the defeated the Trinity Western University Spartans 87 to 55.
Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe (Toronto) had a record-breaking night as she led all players on the court with 23 points and 24 rebounds.
The senior's efforts earned her the Great Northwest Athletic Conference single-game rebound record, besting the previous record by one rebound. It was also her seventh double-double of the season.
"I had no idea during the game," Raincock-Ekunwe confessed after the match. "We didn't start well and I just knew we needed those rebounds to up our play, and it was such a surprise that I got enough for the record."
Trinity Western's Emily Knauff was the highest scorer for either side on the night, earning a total of 24 points for the Spartans.
Guard Erin Chambers (Mission, B.C.) also added 23 points for the home side, equalling Raincock-Ekunwe's offensive efforts.
Playing in her first game since injuring herself in the second game of the season, senior Carla Wyman (North Vancouver, B.C.) hit the floor with intensity adding 11 points of her own, while Katie Lowen (Lethbridge, Alta.) added the same.
Trinity Western started the game off hard opening play with a 4-0 lead over the Clan early in the first two minutes of play.
Junior Chelsea Reist (Mission, B.C.) would be the first Clan player to answer back, but the Spartans would hold their lead for another three minutes. Â
The SFU women would take the lead in the sixth minute of play and never looked back.
High foul counts would provide ample opportunity for both teams to score in the first half, but the Clan were able to capitalize more than the Spartans and extended their lead throughout the half.
Trinity ended the first half with a small rush, adding eight points in the final six minutes, but the Clan would hang on as the half ended 39-30 in the home team's favour.Â
In the opening minutes of the second half the Spartans would score first again bringing the game within seven points.
The Clan responded quicker this time, extending their lead to 59-36 six minutes in. Â
Back and forth play continued throughout the period, as the Clan furthered their lead considerably over the Spartans. Â
Then with four minutes remaining, Raincock-Ekunwe was able to secure her 24th rebound of the game, off her own missed shot, earning her new GNAC record.
As intensity slowed, the Clan added to their point total in the final minutes of play, with the game ending in a 87-55 victory for the home side.
With the win the Clan ladies improve their 2012 overall record to 9-1, while their conference record remains 2-0
The SFU women are back in action in the New Year as they travel to Alaska facing Fairbanks on January 3 and Anchorage on January 5.
Â
