Simon Fraser University's goal of a first-place finish in the Great Northwest conference women's basketball season took a step backward following a 70-60 upset loss to Seattle Pacific on Valentine's Day.
Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe scored 21 points and added a game-high 11 rebounds to lead the Clan. Three other players - Erin Chambers, Chelsea Reist and Kristina Collins - had double-digit numbers, all scoring 10 points apiece.
SFU shot just 17.4 per cent from beyond the arc, while Seattle Pac made good on more than 46 per cent of its three-point attempts.
The Clan made up some ground with a 61-55 win over fourth-place Montana State Billings on Saturday.
Raincock-Ekunwe registered her 55th career double-double, potting 21 points and as many boards to pace the Clan. Chambers also netted 21 points for SFU. SFU outscored Billings 19-9 off turnovers.
SFU used a 17-5 run early in the second half to build an insurmountable lead.
With the win, SFU improved its conference record to 11-3.
The Clan still has a mathematical chance at catching first-place Western Washington, but would need a miracle finish in its remaining three games and a complete collapse by the Bellingham school to have a shot at first place.
Western Washington's only conference loss this season has been to SFU.
The Clan is home to Central Washington on Thursday night before hosting Northwest Nazarene on Sunday. Both games are 7 p.m. starts.
Saturday is Senior's Night at SFU as Raincock-Ekunwe, Carla Wyman and Collins play their final home game this season.
The important conference matchup is also the Clan's annual Pink Zone game in support of the B.C. Cancer Foundation's research on breast cancer.
Everyone attending the game is encouraged to wear pink and for every person to pass through the doors, a donor will contribute one dollar to the cause. In addition, a portion of the ticket price will also be donated to the foundation.
