LACEY, WA --- Simon Fraser celebrated an impressive  win against Saint Martin's University Thursday night. SFU stayed on top of the score throughout almost the entire game, walking away 11 points ahead of Saint Martin's at 80 – 69.  

Saint Martin's hit the court running by putting up the first 5 points. Simon Fraser was quick to respond tying up the score at 7 -7, before Wilfried Balata moved the team ahead 6 points through a successful three pointer, fast break layup and free throw within 45 seconds in the half.  Feeding off Balata's momentum, the team produced a concerted effort that led them to finish the first half on top at 38 – 27.  

Simon Fraser did not let up the pressure from there on out, gaining as much as a 14-point lead against Saint Martin's in the second half.  Saint Martin's gained a short 6-point run but were unable to sustain it long enough to catch up to Simon Fraser.  The game ended with a successful free throw by Balata ending the game at 80 - 69.  

Simon Fraser excelled in their ability to score points off turnovers, totaling 22 while Saint Martin's reached just 11 in the same category. Simon Fraser also doubled Saint Martin's in fast-break points scoring 20, superior to Saint Martin's 10. 

Sophomore Wilfried Balata was a game standout serving up 21 points on the board.  Balata's game included 4 assists, 4 rebounds and a steal. Michael Provenzano also played an excellent game contributing 18 points, the Senior also added 3 steals, 3 rebounds and was successful in all 6 of his free throw opportunities.  

Head Coach Steve Hanson added his thoughts on the win: "Tonight was an interesting game. SMU threw a lot of different defenses at us and we couldn't pull away. Good to see different players contribute tonight." 

Up Next, Simon Fraser will play Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA on January 25 at 4:00 PM.