Simpson's hot start not enough in loss to Nebraska Wesleyan

LINCOLN, Neb. - A late second half surge by Nebraska Wesleyan lifted the Prairie Wolves to a 68-57 win over Simpson on Wednesday night.

Simpson (5-8, 2-2 A-R-C) began the game on fire, opening a double-digit lead over Nebraska Wesleyan (10-4, 5-0 A-R-C). However, the Prairie Wolves found their footing on the defensive end and limited the Storm's chances of a comeback down the stretch to remain perfect in American Rivers action.

Levi Gurwell and Cam Henderson combined for 29 points to lead the scoring column for Simpson. Calix Cahill nearly went for another double-double, falling one rebound short at 11 points, and nine boards. As a team, Simpson finished 21-for-64 (32.8 percent) from the field, and 10-for-38 (26.3 percent) beyond the arc.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Simpson's offense started hot, outscoring the Prairie Wolves 18-to-7 in the opening minutes, highlighted by four 3-pointers.
• Nebraska Wesleyan slowly chipped away at the lead throughout the first half, eventually taking a slight lead with a minute left.
• A pair of free throws by Cam Henderson, and a last second basket by Calix Cahill knotted up the score at 33-33 heading into halftime.
• The Prairie Wolves began the second half on a 16-to-5 run to open up their first double-digit lead of the night.
• Simpson responded right back with a 14-to-5 run of their own, fueled by Levi Gurwell's nine points, all coming from beyond the arc.
• Despite the Storm cutting the lead down to just one possession, the Prairie Wolves locked down on defense in the final minutes, holding off Simpson for the win.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

• Calix Cahill - 11 points, 9 rebounds
• Levi Gurwell - 15 points, 5 3-pointers
• Cam Henderson - 14 points, 2 assists, 2 steals

UP NEXT

Simpson returns to Cowles Fieldhouse for a matchup against Coe on Saturday, Jan. 10 with tip-off scheduled for 4 p.m.