Freshman Josh Meyer poured in 22 points tonight in the NU loss
Simpson Hands Eagles Second Setback
SALEM, Ore. – Northwest University freshman, Josh Meyer poured in 22 points tonight, but the Eagles were defeated by Simpson University, 75-70 in the first game of the Corban Tournament in the C.E. Jeffers Events Center. This marks the second loss to Simpson as the Eagles dropped a close game to the Red Hawks in the Cal Maritime Tournament last Friday in Vallejo, Calif.
The Eagles and Red Hawks battled it out for the second straight week with Simpson gaining the upper hand and taking a 44-41 halftime lead. Meyer scored 12 of his game high 22 in the first half to help the Eagles stay close. NU held the lead for 19 of the 20 minutes of the period, but with 1:03 to go in the Half, SU’s Aaron Berry would tie the game at 41-41 with two free throws. After an Eagle turnover, Anthony Spencer would drain a 3-pointer with 6 seconds left on the clock to give the Red Hawks the lead at the half.
Simpson would increase their lead to seven, 54-47, at the 15:40 mark, but NU would come right back to tie the game at 54-54 after a Meyer lay-up and jumper by Nick Navarro, playing his first game this season after being injured. Two Navarro free throws would give NU a narrow, 60-58 lead at the 10:45 mark, but the Red Hawks would come right back to tie the game at 60-all. Su would hold onto the lead the remainder of the game, but with 3:23 remaining, Daniel Ghebremichael would pull NU to within one, 71-70, but it would the closest NU would be able to get as SU would score the final 4 points of the game.
In addition to Meyer’s 22 points on 5 for 7 shooting, Northwest U (4-4) got 10 points from another freshman, Tanner Davis. Daniel Ghebremichael scored 9 as the Eagles hot a respectable 48% for the game, 46% from the 3-point line. NU was missing the services of two of the team’s leading scorers, Jas Singh and Kaelan Hicks, both out with injuries.
Simpson (3-4) was led by Aron Rudd’s 16 points and 5 rebounds with teammate Brandon Moss scoring 15 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Jalen Dupree added 14 points for the Red Hawks who shot 49% for the game. SU also out rebounded Northwest U, 37-26.
Despite our loss, we showed improvement in the last two games cutting down on our turnovers,” said NU coach, Jeff Drinkwine. “We played hard with two more of our players out with injuries and who have been playing well for us. Once we get everyone back, I think we’ll be a pretty strong bunch to contend with. This team is very resilient.”
Next Up: NU takes on Portland Bible College tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Corban before heading back to Kirkland.