Hard work and smarts keep getting the Simon Fraser University women's basketball team to the next level.

The Clan have advanced to the Sweet 16 and the NCAA West Region title game, after clipping the Grand Canyon University Antelopes 76-59 on Monday in Bellingham.

Sparked by a rock-solid performance from Port Coquitlam's Kristina Collins, the Clan stepped lively from the opening tip-off and carried the play until halftime.

With a 42-26 lead at the half, SFU just needed to maintain its stifling defence and sharp shooting to pick up the win.

"I was excited about my shooting. I wasn't thinking about it but I felt good and the shots seemed to come naturally," said Collins.

She cashed in for a game-high 19 points and five assists, including hitting five of seven from the three-point line. She chipped in three rebounds and a pair of steals.

Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds.

The Clan established a new club record on Saturday when it collected its first NCAA national tournament playoff win, defeating No. 7-ranked Northwest Nazarene 68-57 to begin the NCAA West Regional.

The Clan play either No. 1ranked Western Washington or No. 6-seeded Cal State Monterey Bay on Tuesday.