BILLINGS, MT – In the final game of the regular season, Simon Fraser had a difficult start against against Montana State University Billings. However, Simon Fraser fought hard in the second half taking the win on MSUB's home court by a final score of 72 – 66.
Simon Fraser opened the game with a successful three pointer by
Kendal Sands. MSUB responded quickly, putting up shots that put them ahead 14 – 11 by the end of the first quarter. Simon Fraser was quick to tie up the score in the second quarter though, determined to fight for the win. The teams were neck and neck throughout the quarter, until MSUB pushed ahead, ending the quarter 5 points ahead at 33 – 28.
With the Yellowjackets ahead in the third quarter, Simon Fraser had some ground to make up. Undaunted by the challenge, Simon Fraser put up three successful uninterrupted three pointers: one by
Jessica Wisotzki, and two by
Claudia Hart. Their accuracy at the net put them ahead 37 – 35. Nothing seemed to stop
Claudia Hart in the quarter, as she added an additional 3 layups to their tally as Hart's strong performance was a theme all game long for SFU offensively.
MSUB trailed Simon Fraser by a small margin throughout most of the final quarter. Simon Fraser was able to keep their leg up on MSUB though, eventually working to 7 points ahead. The final seconds of the game involved the opportunity for Simon Fraser to finish the game strong with free throws.
Ozioma Nwabuko hit nothing but net on her final 4 free throws, which ended the game positively for SFU for a final score of 72 – 66.
Claudia Hart was on fire for Simon Fraser with an outstanding 28 points, and she was also able to pickup 8 rebounds. Jessica Wisotski and Ozima Nwabuko also played excellent games, putting up 8 and 7 points respectively.
The win puts Simon Fraser at 13 – 7 in the GNAC. SFU will be the 4th seed in the GNAC championships, which will be held next weekend in Seattle from March 5th to 7th.
