Burnaby, BC – Sango Niang's 27 points were not enough to lift a slumping Clan basketball team over Seattle Pacific, as the team fell 115-81 in their first home game of 2015.
Simon Fraser was out-rebounded 53-17 by the Falcons, who lead the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in scoring defence and rebounding defence this season, and managed only two second-chance points throughout the game.
"Our concern following these three games is our defence," said head coach James Blake. "Our press and our defence is what drives our offence as we need to turn the ball over to get the chances necessary to run this system effectively. We struggled to turn over Seattle tonight which led to our downfall."
SPU took an early 11-4 lead in the first half, but the Clan's press proved difficult to handle, as Simon Fraser was able to battle their way back and earn an 18-17 lead, their only lead of the game.
Four of the Clan's season-low five steals came in the first half, as they managed to stay within striking distance of the Falcons through the first 20 minutes.
Trailing 52-42 at the half, Simon Fraser attempted a comeback, pulling within eight points midway through the period, but that was as close as they came, as Seattle found their groove, running away to a 115-81 victory.
"We have been struggling to bounce back following the mandatory break and limited practices, but these moments are when we need our seniors and juniors to lead and be consistent," Blake continued.
"The staff is looking forward to getting some solid and consistent practices in with the guys in the coming weeks as we aim to get back to the pace we had in early December."
Falcon Mitch Penner led all athletes on the court with 31 points and 11 rebounds, while teammate Matt Borton added 21 points and 15 rebounds.
For the Clan, Patrick Simon was the only other player to score in double-digits, adding 14 points and two blocks for the home side.
With the loss the Clan fall to 6-6 overall and 1-3 in GNAC play, but they will look to get back in the win column this Saturday, January 10, as they host Montana State University – Billings.
Tip-off against the Yellowjackets will be at 7:00 p.m. and fans can tune-in in HD here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYeo0dgcMkM.
