Seattle, WA – Simon Fraser is on to their fourth win in a row after playing Seattle Pacific University Saturday afternoon. Simon Fraser was able to fight their way to a win by outshooting Seattle Pacific in the final 3 minutes of the game, leading to a 75 – 68 victory.
Simon Fraser was off to a slow start as they struggled to keep up with Seattle Pacific's pace. The first quarter was unlucky for Simon Fraser as they missed several shots, and this allowed Seattle Pacific to take the lead by 9 points by the end of the quarter.
Their pace continued into the second quarter with 3 unfortunate turnovers. However, the team compensated for this with 4 three-pointers by Jessica Jones, Claudia Hart and Emma Kramer keeping them within 4 baskets of Seattle Pacific by halftime.
Simon Fraser pulled their socks up and entered the third quarter determined to match Seattle Pacific. Jessica Jones was able to score back-to-back three pointers, which demonstrated Simon Fraser's ability to take over the game. The quarter ended with Seattle Pacific one point ahead Simon Fraser at 57 – 56.
Seattle Pacific began the final quarter with a 5-point run in their attempt to respond to Simon Fraser. However SFU would pull themselves together, and out-shot Seattle Pacific with a 7-point run that included a three pointer by Jessica Jones, layup by Ozioma Nwabuko and 2 free throws by Georgia Swant. With Seattle Pacific in a panic, they began to foul Simon Fraser, giving the Clan the opportunity to finish the game 7 points ahead at 75 – 68.
The team took full advantage of their free throw opportunities with 94.1% accuracy. Jessica Jones had an outstanding 21 points throughout her 27 minutes on the court. Jones was also able to pick up 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 assists. Kendal Sands also played well, adding 11 points on the board and completing all 5 of her free throws.
Head Coach Bruce Langford commented on his team's performance: "We were very sluggish in the first half. Reacting a step behind everything. We tried a few different defenses and slowly found some momentum. The threes kept us close, with two of them from Emma Kramer. Then clutch threes late put us over the hump. Free throw shooting was crucial too."
Up next, Simon Fraser will play Central Washington on home court in Burnaby on January 13 at 7:00 PM.
