DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College men's basketball team defeated the Simpson College Storm, 77-71, in an American Rivers Conference matchup on Saturday inside the Lillis Athletic and Wellness Center.
The Duhawks started the game hot with an and-one from freshman Daymen Jackson, who made his first career start for the Purple and Gold. Both teams continued to trade baskets throughout the first half, with the Duhawks maintaining a lead.
Momentum began to shift toward the Duhawks after an and-one converted by Johnny Semany extended the Purple and Gold lead to nine (20-11). The tide continued to turn in the Duhawks' favor thanks to the pressure they applied defensively throughout the first half, running a full-court press and making offense difficult for the Storm. As a result, the Duhawks went into half with an 11-point lead (38-27) behind 13 first half points from Jack Haynes.
Nolan Berendes got the second-half scoring started for Loras (14-4 overall, 8-1 A-R-C) with a corner three on a Semany assist. The Duhawks were able to maintain their double-digit lead for most of the second half, but some strong scoring from Simpson's (8-10, 5-4) Spencer Holley kept the Storm in the game. A coast-to-coast bucket from Simpson's Cam Henderson cut the Duhawk lead to five before another Storm bucket cut the lead to just three (43-40). Baskets from Brock Massey and Nolan Berendes prevented the Storm from tying the game and extended the lead to seven (47-40).
The Storm were able to keep the lead within single digits for some time before two free throws from Massey extended the lead back to double digits. The Storm began running a full-court trap late in the second half, which led to foul trouble for Simpson. This late defensive pressure was not enough however, and the Duhawks secured the win at home.
The Duhawks were led by Haynes who contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds to earn his seventh double-double of the season. Dylan Kurt and Nolan Berendes finished with 11 points apiece, while Gavin Sarvis pitched in 10 points. As a team, Loras shot 38.1 percent (24-of-63) from the floor and 80 percent (24-of-30) from the foul line.
Up Next: The Duhawks will face the University of Dubuque Spartans on Wednesday, Jan 28th at Lillis Court. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
