Kitzman, clutch free throws lift Storm to overtime win

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Katie Kitzman scored 15 of her career-high 23 points in the second half and overtime and Simpson connected on crucial free throws down the stretch in a 78-67 win against Loras Saturday afternoon at Cowles Fieldhouse.

Kitzman's deep three with 2:54 remaining in overtime gave the Storm (10-3, 3-1 IIAC) a 68-67 lead. Despite shooting only 56.1 percent on the day and 38.9 percent in the first half, Simpson connected on 6-of-8 free throws in the final three minutes in securing the win.

Stacey Schutjer turned in a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds and Amy Hamilton chipped in with 11 points, rounding out Simpson's double-digit efforts.

Sarah Pillon led four Duhawks in double-figures with 17 points, followed by Lindsay Bava (15), Alex Hudson (11) and Mellissa Herrmann (10). Bava also grabbed 10 rebounds for the double-double.

A back-and-forth affair for most of the second half, Hamilton broke a 58-58 tie when she drained a three-pointer with 1:44 remaining in regulation. After a pair of Herrmann free throws cut Simpson's lead to one, Schutjer drew a foul with 22 seconds remaining. The sophomore calmly knocked down both attempts, prompting a timeout by Loras.

The stoppage proved beneficial for the Duhawks, as Bava came off a screen to hit the game-tying three with 10 seconds remaining. A last-second drive to the hoop by Darrina Bledsoe came up empty, forcing overtime.

In the overtime period, an Alex Hudson layup with 3:07 to go gave Loras its first lead since the 11:10 mark of the second half.

Kitzman's three ensured the lead was short-lived as Simpson held on down the stretch.

The Storm returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 13 when it travels to Storm Lake to take on Buena Vista (9-4, 3-1 IIAC) in a battle between two of the conference's top teams. The women's game kicks off the doubleheader, with tipoff set for 6 p.m. You can hear the action by listening to 105.3 KEDB or logging on to www.kedb.fm.