MONMOUTH, OR ---

Simon Fraser defeated the Western Oregon Wolves Saturday afternoon, their second win in Oregon this week. The 64 - 57 win for Simon Fraser was accomplished with another successful comeback in the fourth quarter, this time after being down by eight points at the end of the third.  

Despite two successful fast breaks by Georgia Swant and Jessica Jones, Simon Fraser was unable to end the first quarter with a lead, behind five points at 13 – 18. The team was able to temporarily tie up the score at 22 -22 in the second quarter, with two successful shots on the free throw line by Claudia Hart. However Western Oregon squeezed in a three pointer within the last two minutes of the half, putting them ahead at 25 - 24. Simon Fraser had a chance to finish the half with a lead, but missed three attempts to put points on the board before the final first half buzzer.  

Western Oregon entered the third quarter with an impressive offense performance, scoring within in the first 15 seconds. The Wolves pressed hard against the Simon Fraser Clan keeping them from any successful shots for nearly three minutes. Junior player Ozioma Nwabuko was eventually able to respond though, scoring a layup in the paint followed by a fast break layup. The Clan was unable to hold the momentum for long though, ending the quarter trailing by eight at 37 – 45.  

Simon Fraser did not let an eight-point setback dictate the result of the game or their confidence, and began the fourth quarter with a three pointer and a layup. With Western Oregon still ahead, Simon Fraser shot with accuracy at every attempt scoring three three-pointers in a row by Jessica Jones and Georgia Swant. With a minute left in the game, the Wolves began to foul the Clan. Taking full advantage of the free throw line opportunities, Simon Fraser came out on top at a well deserved 61 – 57-point win.  

Head coach Bruce Langford noted the strong 4th quarter as the turning point in the game. 

"We hit shots in the 4th quarter.  Made six threes. Defensively we caused so many turnovers.  We exectuted really well down the stretch.  Claudia Hart had a huge three and great offensive board in the late stages in the game".  

Game leaders included Jessica Jones and Claudia Hart scoring 22 and 12 points respectively. Georgia Swant and Ozioma Nwabuko also had standout performances, each putting 11 points on the board. 

Up Next, Simon Fraser will play Seattle Pacific University on home court, January 9 at 7:00pm at West Gym