REDDING, Calif. – The Northwest Christian University men’s basketball team shot 60% from the floor, including 56% from three-point range, to improve their record to 2-2 on the season after a 71-67 victory Wednesday night at Simpson University.
Jumping out to a 9-2 lead to start the game, the Beacons took the lively Redhawk faithful out of the game early after six quick points from senior Ben Voogd. Simpson made a late first half push and went into halftime down by just two points, 37-35, despite 15 points from Voogd in the first half.
Michael Van Loon and Cameron Marshall got NCU going early in the second half on back-to-back buckets, eventually stretching the lead to put the Beacons up by ten. But the Redhawks battled back and seemed to penetrate the key at will, creating easy kick out passes for open threes and short jump shots. Simpson took advantage of these opportunities, shooting 53% as a team, including a gaudy 70% clip from three (7-10).
Erik Quick-Warner continued his consistent shooting for the Beacons, knocking down 4-of-4 shots from behind the arc, three coming in crucial moments down the stretch in the second half. “I’m shooting more relaxed right now and letting shots come to me,” Quick-Warner said. “Ben draws a lot of attention from the defense and that opens me up. Having the green light from the coaching staff has also helped my confidence.”
After shooting just under 30% from three a year ago, Quick-Warner has improved his three-point percentage in the young season to a video game-like 68.8% through the first four games. His outside threat stretched the Redhawk defense and created better opportunities for posts Andrew Miller and Brent McKee (pictured), who were mismatches all night for the smaller Simpson defenders. The Beacons out-rebounded the Redhawks 27-16 for the game.
Northwest Christian was led by Quick-Warner and Voogd, who each finished with 16 points. The duo shot a combined 67% from the floor but was plagued by a combined ten turnovers. Voogd led the team with eight rebounds, and Quick-Warner added three steals. Miller finished with 13 points and seven rebounds to go with three steals, while Marshall and Van Loon each contributed nine points for the Beacons.
Simpson (0-5) was led in defeat by Justin Sparks, who scored a game-high 21 points with four rebounds. Andrew Schritter had eleven points, while Pat Magno and Jason Stubbs each added ten. The Redhawk defense forced NCU into 19 turnovers.
The Beacons continue their California tour this Friday night as they travel to take on tournament host William Jessup University in Rocklin. Last season, the Beacons knocked off WJU in the first round, 75-73, and went on to win the tournament for the first time ever. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 7:30 pm.