BURNABY, B.C.- Junior Jasmin Edwards broke the CWU all-time assist record as the Central Washington University women's basketball team snapped a two-game losing streak and claimed its fourth Great Northwest Athletic Conference victory, defeating No. 24 Simon Fraser 73-66 in overtime Saturday evening at the West Gym.
 
Junior Jasmin Edwards etched her name into the CWU record book, after dishing out nine assists against the Clan. Edwards' assist total currently stands at 381, passing former CWU great Kristen Willis (378).  Edwards also led CWU on the boards with seven rebounds while also scoring seven points.
 
Junior forward Taylor Baird led all Wildcats with 15 points, while sophomore guard Sadie Mensing poured in 12. Baird also tallied six rebounds, one assist and a steal in Saturday's contest.
 
"Sadie was attacking the basket with a purpose and her three pointer to tie it was without hesitation," CWU head coach Jeff Harada said. "It looked good when it left her hands and we talked about not wasting that big moment in overtime." 

Junior guard Beverly Verduin shot 80-percent from the field, including two baskets from beyond the arch, to total 10 points. 

"Bev really gave us a boost off the bench and made big shots to keep us in the game," Harada said.
 
CWU (9-13, 4-10 GNAC) held Simon Fraser (20-4, 11-3 GNAC), a team that averages 75.8 points per game, to just 66 points on 38.6-percent shooting from the floor.
 
"Our defense was excellent and I thought Jasmin was tremendous in limiting (Ellen) Kett," Harada said. "Our posts were also much better this time around, especially on the glass. Kortney made great decisions getting four assists and knocking down shots in rhythm, while Kaelie gave us tremendous energy off the bench for her best game of her young career. Everyone contributed in some way so that's what made it fun."
 
CWU claimed its first victory against a ranked opponent in 34 attempts, dating back to the 2007 season.
 
"What a gritty team win tonight," Harada said. "We weren't perfect, but we made plays on both ends when we needed them. We battled on every possession and I thought we deserved to win this game."
 
"We got critical stops, rebounded, shared the ball for the best shot and made free throws," Harada continued. "All the ingredients needed to win on the road against a good team. Couldn't be prouder of our effort."
 
Central Washington will return home next Thursday (Feb. 9) to play Alaska Fairbanks at 7 p.m. in Nicholson Pavilion.
 
-CWU-