Simpson Edges NU in Tourney Opener

11/11/2017 12:25:11 AM

VALLEJO, Calif. - Simpson University held on for a narrow 73-71 victory in the opening game of the Cal Maritime Tournament tonight in Vallejo. The Red Hawks came back from a 9 point deficit in the final 13 minutes for the win.
 
With NU up nine, 53-43, with 13:59 to go in the second half, Simpson would slowly get back in the game and Brandon Moss' jumper at the 10:28 mark would cut the Eagle lead to 57-54. Simpson would then tie the game at 57-57 with 9:39 to go in the game. Jericho Avery's jumper with 6:57 on the clock would give SU a 63-57 lead.
 
Trailing by three with 1:35 left, Alex Smith would hit a big 3-pointer to tie the game at 69-69, but a jumper by Aaron Berry and steal by Giordi Vsoske would lead to Vsoske making one of two free throws to put the Red Hawks up 72-69, with 17 seconds to go. Berry would force a NU turnover with 9 seconds to go, but NU would get the ball right back on a Red Hawk turnover and Daniel Ghebremichael would sink two free throws to make it a 72-71 game with 6 seconds left. Forced to foul, NU would send Thomas Scriven to the free throw line and he would make one of two as NU would fail to get a shot off to end the game.
 
Freshman Tanner Davis had a breakout game for Northwest U (4-2) with 18 points and 11 rebounds along with 5 assists. Another freshman, Jasdeep Singh score 17 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Eagles. Senior Justice Martion added 15 points for NU which shot a respectable 47% for the game while making 86% from the free throw line.
 
Simpson was led by Jalen Dupree's 15 points as the Red Hawks showed balanced scoring with five players in double figures. Brandon Moss added 14 points and Josh Brakkee scored 13 points. SU shot 47% for the game and 44% from the 3-point line.
 
"It was a real tough one tonight," said interim coach, Jeff Drinkwine. "We had some critical turnovers down the stretch which cost us, but the guys played hard and didn't quit. If we can continue with this type of effort each night, we will continue to improve and build on this loss. I like this team."
 
Next Up: The Eagles take on the host team, Cal Maritime tomorrow night at 7 p.m.