MONMOUTH, Ore.— Nicole Vander Helm scored 30-points to lead Simon Fraser University to an 81-67 win over Western Oregon in GNAC women's basketball action on Thursday night.

Vander Helm scored 16 of her game-high 30 points in the first half to boost Simon Fraser (7-6, 2-3 GNAC) to a 43-28 lead at the break. Simon Fraser held off a spirited third-quarter rally to defeat Western Oregon. The Wolves outscored the Clan 21-13 in the third quarter and pulled to within six points, 52-46.

The two teams traded baskets early in the fourth and the Wolves continued to cut into the deficit, eventually making it a four-point spread at the 6:57 mark.

After being held scoreless in the third, Vander Helm tallied 14 points in the finale, including converting 8-of-9 from the free throw line, to secure the win. In addition to Vander Helm's outburst, the Clan outrebounded the Wolves 11-to-5 over the final 10 minutes of play.

Vander Helm finished with a double-double, scoring 30 points on 9-of-13 shooting and grabbing 10 boards. She was 10-of-12 on free throws. The Clan connected on 75.8 percent (25-of-33) of their chances from the stripe.
 
Sophie Swant (14-points) and Jessica Jones (12-points) also reached double figures for SFU.

Kennedy Corrigan led all WOU players with 16 points after hitting 3-of-6 from distance.

Simon Fraser will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 6 at Concordia University in a 2PM tipoff.

The Clan returns to action at home in the West Gym on Jan. 11 against Saint Martin's and Jan. 13 vs. Seattle Pacific. Both home games are 7PM tip-offs.

-- with files from Western Oregon Communications
-- @SFUClan—