Offensive mistakes cost Simon Fraser University an important win in NCAA Great Northwest conference football last week.
The varsity Clan missed a chance to make ground on the conference leaders, falling 20-17 to co-leaders Western Oregon Wolves at Burnaby Mountain last Saturday.
SFU pivot Trey Wheeler, who is currently eighth in the nation in passing, completed 27 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns to Lemar Durant.
Durant hauled in six passes for 110 yards, while Bobby Popischil had 11 catches for 102 yards.
But a lack of finish and key mistakes late in the game cost the Burnaby school an all-important two points in the standings.
With the score tied 17-17 following a Western Oregon TD in the second half, SFU fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Wolves made the Clan pay with what proved to be the game-winning field goal.
SFU had a chance to draw even with six minutes left in the fourth quarter, but Western Oregon blocked the attempt and then ran out the clock.
"Our problem today was finishing. We drove the ball down the field and made mistakes," said SFU running back Bo Palmer, who managed just 65 yards on 18 carries.
The Clan defence fared much better, generating six turnovers in the game.
New Westminster's Casey Chin led the D with 12 tackles and one forced fumble.
"We try to hang our hat on taking the ball away and we did a good job of stopping their running and passing game," said Chin. "I think we proved that we're a defence to be reckoned with."
SFU led 10-7 at halftime.
This Saturday, SFU has a key conference matchup against Dixie State in St. George, Utah.
