Late Luther run spoils Simpson's third-quarter rally

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson College women's basketball team erased a double-digit deficit and briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, but a late 10-0 run by Luther proved decisive in an 85-76 loss on Saturday in Indianola.

Simpson (10-9, 6-5 A-R-C) pulled even headed into the fourth after closing the third frame on a 12-0 run, with all 12 points coming in the final 3:49. The Storm moved in front 72-69 following a 3-pointer from Taylor Hansen and two free throws from Maddax DeVault, however Luther (11-9, 7-4 A-R-C) answered with 10 straight points to regain control and sealed the win at the free throw line.

Luther built its early advantage with an early 12-2 run and efficient perimeter shooting in the second, knocking down four of five 3-pointers to take a 46-33 lead into halftime. The Norse outrebounded the Storm 41-30, leading to 11 more shot opportunities and a 13-4 advantage in second chance points.

TOP STORM

• Maddax DeVault: 23 points, 5 assists
• Keira McCormick: 12 points, 7 blocks, 7 rebounds
• Taylor Hansen: 11 points, 2 steals
• Reagan Grimsley: 8 points, 2 rebounds

NOTES

• Keira McCormick notched seven total blocks, the most by a Storm player since Stacey Schutjer had seven against Wis.-River Falls on Nov. 19, 2010.

UP NEXT
Simpson hosts Neb. Wesleyan for another conference contest on Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m.