Kristina Collins helped fire Simon Fraser University into its first-ever West region women's basketball final following a 76-59 win over Grand Canyon University on Monday.
Collins shot lights out, nailing five-of-seven from beyond the arc and four-of-four foul shots to lead all scorers with 19 points.
Clan senior Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, who moved into third place in all-time double-doubles in NCAA Division II following SFU's 68-57 win over conference rival Northwest Nazarene in the opening round of the national tournament on March 16, registered her 63rd career double with 15 points and 11 rebounds in the win over Grand Canyon.
"I liked our mental and physical preparation," said Collins in an SFU press release. "We took care of our bodies on our day off and were ready to come out and play hard. I was excited about my shooting. I wasn't thinking about it but I felt good and the shots seemed to come naturally."
Erin Chambers also had a perfect day from the floor, shooting four-for-four from the floor, including a pair of treys and one free throw. Clan teammate Katie Loewen also scored 11 points for SFU.
SFU shot 57 per cent from the floor and 53 per cent from beyond the arc. Grand Canyon managed just 36 per cent shooting in the contest.
The Clan was leading 23-20 midway through the first half when Raincock-Ekunwe hit a short jumper that sparked a 10-0 run. SFU outscored Grand Canyon 42-26 in the opening half.
SFU led by as much as 24 points in the second-round matchup.
SFU will play No. 1 seeded Western Washington University in the regional final on Tuesday (after NOW deadlines).
Western Washington created the all-Great Northwest conference matchup following a 71-63 victory over California State University Monterey Bay late Monday.
The West region final game will be the fourth meeting this season between the two conference rivals.
Both teams won on their home courts during the regular season. Western Washington also defeated SFU in a neutral-site contest between the two in the Great Northwest conference championship game.
