SFU Clan (8-10, 2-8 GNAC) vs Seattle Pacific University Falcons (11-6, 6-4 GNAC)
SFU WEST GYM - Looking to end their current five-game losing streak, a streak which included three loses by single digits, the SFU Clan would return home for their “WHITE OUT” game. Fans were encouraged to wear white, be ready for hundreds of t-shirt giveaways and lots of entertainment, also giving students the opportunity to enter the 19+ craft brewery section.
West Gym was filled to standing room only on the upper railings well before the tip-off as a number of youth programs, students, community groups, and fans had arrived early to ensure the best seating for what would be an action filled game. 975 people to be exact.
SFU would win the tip and score the first basket of the game, which kept the energy and buzz alive in the gym.The Clan would jump out to an early lead, forcing Seattle Pacific University into an early timeout. Enter, the SFU Dance Team who performed numerous routines throughout the game. The Falcons would eventually take the lead, by as many 9 points. Which brought an SFU timeout. This stoppage in play allowed SFU to introduce the new Men’s Football Head Coach who along with his players stormed the court and threw t-shirts to eager crowd and on their feet.
By the half, it was Seattle Pacific University who held the lead 30. Leading the Clan were #11 Kedar Salam with 10 points, and #22 JJ Pankratz of Abbotsford who added 6 points.
The halftime entertainment came in the form of youth basketball, which is always entertaining, featuring a number of jumpers, blocks, and dribble moves much to the pleasure of the crowd.
The second half was just like the first, just with more scoring. Other than the first minutes of the half, the point differential was never more than six points in this back-and-forth game. Fans had little to be disappointed with as t-shirt tosses happened every timeout, impromptu dance performances by mascot McFogg the Dog broke out, and of course SFU Super Fan Cedric wasn’t afraid to make his voice heard in support of the Clan. The Falcons would manage two huge dunks in the half, but it #11 Kedar Salam would draw all the attention as he would explode for 25 second half points, including nine of the last 14 on his way to a game high 34. #22 JJ Pankratz, a Yale Secondary alum, would fill that stat sheet his own way with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. In the end, the SFU Clan came out ahead 81-80 and end their losing streak.
This is an exciting time for the SFU Clan as, with this win,they have surpassed last years’ win total, and tied the win total from the last two years with nine games remaining in their GNAC regular season! You can catch the SFU Clan in action again this Saturday in West Gym as they tip-off against Saint Martin’s University at 7pm. Good luck to the SFU Clan in the rest of your season!
COMMUNITY
