STUMBLE OUT OF THE GATES
BELMONT, Calif. --- California Baptist University opened its 2011 season at the Notre Dame de Namur Tournament Friday, falling to Simon Fraser 68-59.
"They are a big, long team and that was tough for us to deal with tonight," said Head Coach John Marcum, who opens his second season at the helm for the Lancers. "They had one of the best post players we've seen in a while. It also didn't help that we were playing with a small lineup for much of the game."
The Lancers had three starters foul out of the contest, including starting center Alexis Johnson and 5-11 forward Nicole Anderson. Nayo Raincock-Ekunye, a 6-2 forward for the Clan, led all players in the game with 25 points, shooting 7-for-13 from the floor and 11-for-14 from the foul line.
The Lancers had four players in double figures, with Johnson and Anderson leading the way with 14 and 13 points respectively. Simone Holmes also had 14 points for CBU, shooting 6-for-12 in 36 minutes.
The Lancers trailed by 13 at the half as SFU used six threes in the opening period to put together the double-digit lead.
CBU outscored the Clan in the second half, 34-30, but could not mount a comeback. The Lancers did most of their damage from the free throw line in the second, hitting 13-of-14 foul shots.
"It was a very competitive game against a good team, we just couldn't come away with the win," said Marcum. "We just need to move on and hopefully bounce back strong tomorrow."
The Lancers fall to 0-1 on the young season, while SFU opens its season 1-0.
CBU faces Holy Names tomorrow night at 5 p.m.
