Simon Fraser Slips Past Warner Pacific

www.wpcknights.com

(Portland, Oregon) - Simon Fraser used an 8-0 run inside five minutes to play to defeat Warner Pacific 75-69 at C.C. Perry Gym tonight.

The late surge by the visiting Clan (1-0) broke a 63-63 tie and sent the Knights (3-2) to their first home loss of the season.

WPC held a small lead for much of the first half, with the largest advantage early on at 14-7. Simon Fraser fought back and took a 39-37 lead at the 1:20 mark on a Kristina Collins three pointer. A layup from Miranda Holenstein, two free throws from Layne Tucker, and a Lisa Terry jump shot allowed the Knights to hold a 43-39 lead at the break.

Looking to put some distance on the Clan, Warner Pacific built their largest lead of the game (56-48) with 13:56 to play in the second half on a Tucker steal and layup. SFU again responded however, and tied the game 56-56 at the 11:33 mark.

The size of the Simon Fraser front court players began to pay dividends down the stretch, as 6-2 post Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe blocked three shots that led directly to fast break buckets for the Clan. SFU forged a 10 point lead (75-65) with 1:56 to play, and scores from WP’s Holenstein and Kelsey Mattsen late in the game were too little, too late.

Mattsen finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds in her first game back from injury. Holenstein added 15 points and 7 assists, while Katie Smith contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds.

Raincock-Ekunwe filled the stat sheet with 24 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks to lead Simon Fraser.

News Release by Warner Pacific College