Nampa, ID --- Simon Fraser suffered their second loss to Northwest Nazarene this season at a close 81 – 77 score. Simon Fraser was in the lead throughout the game, only to let off the gas a few minutes early giving Northwest Nazarene the opportunity to take the game.  

Saturday's game looked very different for Simon Fraser compared to their first against Northwest Nazarene. The early January game had Northwest Nazarene strides ahead within the first few minutes. On the contrary, Simon Fraser took Northwest Nazarene off guard on Saturday night's game taking the lead with NNU a few points behind. The score was tied 6 times throughout the first half. However, the first half was finished with Simon Fraser in the lead with successful dunk by Julian Roche and layup by Jasdeep Singh. The score leaned in Simon Fraser's favor by 8 points at 44 – 36.  

Simon Fraser's lead continued into the second half keeping Northwest Nazarene chasing their tail. Simon Fraser's free throws were on point, hitting at an 83.3% accuracy in the second half and 81.3% overall.  NNU's free throws fell well short of that, for a total of 55.2% accuracy.  

A win for Simon Fraser seemed in reach until NNU tied up the score at 71 – 71, followed shortly by a 3-pointer giving Northwest Nazarene their first lead in the final 3 minutes of the game. SFU's Michael Provenzano was able to tie up the score again at 77 – 77, however, NNU took the game with a quick jumper and two free throws bringing the score to 81 – 77 for Northwest Nazarene.  

Simon Fraser's Head Coach Steve Hanson mentioned post game that "NNU is playing well and is the hottest team in the GNAC. We did a great job taking them out of their offense and attacking their pressure. In the final minutes, we didn't execute and score to maintain our lead. NNU is very athletic and tough to keep off the glass. Proud of our effort, but we have to score down the stretch to win these tight games." 

Wilfried Balata played an excellent game with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Jasdeep Singh and Michael Provenzano put up 13 and 12 points respectively. Provenzano also grabbed 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Most notably, Julian Roche picked up 14 rebounds and 2 blocks throughout the game.  

Up Next, Simon Fraser will play the University of Alaska Anchorage on home court, February 6 at 7:00 PM.