Simon Fraser University kept its unbeaten home record intact with a pair of Great Northwest conference wins over Alaska schools this weekend.
The Clan defeated winless Alaska Fairbanks 91-66 on Saturday following an earlier 77-69 upset victory over conference-leading Alaska Anchorage on Thursday night in Burnaby.
The win Thursday was a huge one for the Clan and the first conference loss this season for the visiting eighth-ranked Seawolves.
"It feels great because we know they're ranked eighth in the nation, and we've been struggling a bit lately," said SFU guard Marie-Line Petit in a school press release. "It's the biggest game we've played this year."
Kristina Collins led the Clan with 18 points, including five-of-seven from beyond the arc.
Erin Chambers added 15 points, while Chelsea Reist and Carla Wyman chipped in with 13 points apiece.
Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe posted yet another double-double, with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
SFU overcame a slow 13-3 start, scoring 16 of the next 21 points. The two teams then battled to the finish.
Midway through the second half, SFU took control following a 12-1 run, opening up an 11-point lead. The Clan led by as many as 13 points at one point in the match.
On Saturday, SFU improved its NCAA Division II record to 5-2 with the win over Fairbanks.
Raincock-Ekunwe finished the game with a season-high 27 points and 11 rebounds. Collins continued her hot shooting, draining five three-pointers.
"This win gives us a lot of confidence. Both games this weekend we shot the ball over 50 per cent on three-pointers, which is something we really needed to do. We also sunk a lot more free throws, which I definitely think is helping us," said SFU head coach Bruce Langford in the release.
Raincock-Ekunwe knocked down 11 of her 12 chances at the charity stripe. The Clan junior also leads the conference in offensive and defensive rebounding, averaging just over 14 boards per game - the only player in double figures.
The wins lifted the Clan into third place in the conference just one win behind both Seattle Pacific and Anchorage. SFU is on the road this weeekend.
