Box Score Bellingham, WA – Facing their cross-border rivals, the Simon Fraser University men’s basketball team fell to the Western Washington Vikings 82-69.
“The team played really well in the first half defensively, as well as sharing the ball offensively,” said Head Coach James Blake. “Second half was a different story as we struggled against their press and took quick shots.”
Senior Taylor Dunn (Vancouver, WA) led the Clan’s scoring efforts, earning 18 points on the night. Justin Cole (Los Angeles, CA) and Sango Niang (Paris, France) also earned double-digits in scoring, chipping in 14 and 11 a piece.
Ibrahim Appiah (Montreal, QC) earned a double-double, adding 17 points and 13 rebounds in the game.
The Vikings’ Austin Bragg led all players in the battle, earning 30 points and was followed by Anye Turner who scored 22.
Just 36 seconds into the game, SFU saw their first lead thanks to a layup from David Gebru (Seattle, WA).
The visitors went on to edge out the home team for the next eight minutes as the Vikings could not break the Clan’s hold.
However, WWU answered with an 8-0 run to tie up the score at 15-15 with 11:38 left until halftime
The remainder of the half proved to be a back and forth battle as the team’s continued to trade baskets and the lead.
With 26 seconds sitting on the clock, an offensive rebound from Matt Staudacher (Kirkland, WA) led to a converted three-pointer by Cole. The basket gave SFU a two point edge at the half, 36-34.
SFU continued to hold down WWU early in the second half, kicking off play with a 9-4 run.
But with just over 15 minutes to go, the Vikings capitalized on a Clan turnover and earned a two-point bucket to gain a 47-46 lead.
By the 10 minute mark, WWU expanded their lead to eight, bringing the score to 60-52.
The Clan continued to contend, but could not overcome the Vikings late surge.
With the loss, SFU’s record drops to 0-5 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and 7-6 overall.
The Clan return to the West Gym on Thursday, January 16 to host the Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets at 7:00 p.m.
SOURCE: SFU ATHLETICS
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