BURNABY, B.C. – The Simon Fraser Red Leafs women's basketball team couldn't overturn an early deficit in a 59-55 loss at Saint Martin's Saturday in Lacey, Washington.
 
After senior guard/forward Jessica Wisotzki (Langley, B.C.) opened the Great Northwest Athletic Conference contest with a three-point basket, the host Saints (4-10, 2-5 GNAC) ended the period with a 15-1 run. They stretched their lead to 24-10 with just over three minutes to go in the second quarter.
 
However, the Red Leafs (10-10, 2-5 GNAC) followed with five consecutive stops on defence to close the gap to 25-21 at the break.
 
Offensively, junior guard Sophia Wisotzki (Langley, B.C.) commenced the run with a three-pointer before a jump shot from sophomore guard/forward Myrlaine Shelvey (Langley, B.C.) to get SFU within eight at 24-16.
 
After forcing an SMU missed jump shot, the Red Leafs converted on a second-chance opportunity as junior forward Gemma Cutler (North Vancouver, B.C.) grabbed an offensive rebound and then scored a layup. On the ensuing possession, Shelvey stole the ball and the forced turnover eventually led to a Jessica Wisotzki jumper and foul shot that made it a 24-21 game. A free throw by the Saints wrapped up out the scoring in the first half.
  

SFU closed to a couple of points on four different occasions in the third quarter but SMU prevented the visitors from tying the score or taking the lead.
 
To start the period, Jessica Wisotzki converted two foul shots to get SFU to within two points at 25-23, and again at 27-25. Senior guard Grace Killins (Coquitlam, B.C.) sank a pair of free throws to shrink the Saints' lead to 31-29. Then, Sophia Wisotzki made a three-pointer (34-32) late in the frame.
 
The Saints went back up by nine points in the fourth quarter. That was the difference – 53-44 – with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. SFU answered with five straight points. Junior guard Arman Dulai (Surrey, B.C.) scored a layup that preceded three consecutive Shelvey free throws.
 
Coming out of a timeout, Killins made a triple with 29 seconds left to cut the Saint Martin's lead to 55-52. The Saints, however, converted on their next foul shots to go up by seven.
 
Sophia Wisotzki hit a free throw with 10 seconds on the clock and then a jump shot at the end of the game but the Red Leafs ran out of time.
 
She and older sister Jessica each posted 15 points to lead SFU in scoring. Cutler recorded six points, two blocks and seven rebounds, which tied for the game high. Dulai and Shelvey also scored six points. Shelvey had a career-best four steals.
 
The Red Leafs will return home to host four consecutive games. SFU will play Montana St. Billings (Jan. 25) and Seattle Pacific (Jan. 27) next weekend before the Alaska schools pay a visit to the West Gym.

Tickets: 
Jan. 25: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/681854102977
Jan. 27: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/681863039707

For the latest information on SFU Athletics, visit athletics.sfu.ca. You can also find us on social media at @SFU_Athletics.

#RepTheLeaf