By: Jamal Smith Sports Editor
The women’s basketball team edged out Simon Fraser University (SFU) 58-57 at home on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015.
Senior Emily Howey (C) led the Wolves in scoring with 14 points on 6-9 shooting from the floor. Junior Launia Davis (G) tallied 9 points while freshman’s Ali Nelke (G/F) and Natalie DeLonge (C) both added 8 points.
The first quarter went back and forth with five lead changes. The quarter would end with the score even at 20-20.
At the start of the second quarter, Howey scored three unanswered baskets, with all of her points coming in the paint. Western fed off of Howey’s energy and played smart basketball by taking high percentage shots. The Wolves held a 36-29 advantage going into half time.
In the first half, Western played arguably their best half of the season shooting .54 from the floor and going 2-4 from beyond the 3-point line. The Wolves also created 13 points off of turnovers and had 10 offensive rebounds.
Three minutes into the third quarter the Wolves got their largest lead of the game at 11 points. The Clan, however, would fight their way back into the game after Western went cold from the floor to take a 41-40 lead with three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Both teams struggled with shooting the ball in the final quarter and the score remained within a single basket for nearly the rest of the game.
With 1:41 remaining for the game, Wolves’ head coach Holli Howard-Carpenter subbed in sophomore Jasmine Miller (G/F). Miller scored the final four points to seal the much needed victory.
Western finished the game shooting .438 from the floor and .375 from beyond the arch. Western out-rebounded SFU 38-33 and tallied 7 steals.
