Simpson can't hold on against Washington (Mo.)

LINCOLN, Neb. – Austin Hennings led four players in double figures but the Simpson men's basketball team couldn't hold on to an eight-point, second-half lead in a 71-66 loss to No. 21 Washington (Mo.) at Nebraska Wesleyan's Snyder Classic on Saturday.

Hennings scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Storm (1-4), who led by eight with 15 minutes left in the game.

Matt Palucki registered a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Bears (5-0). Chris Klimek added 14 points and Alan Aboona had nine points and 10 assists.

A 3-pointer by Charles Swain gave Simpson a six point lead halfway through the second half before a layup by Aboona sparked an 11-0 Washington run. A three-point play by Robert Burnett capped the spurt, which resulted in a 57-52 Bears lead.

Simpson pulled within three points with 25 seconds left after Elijah Knox hit a 3. But the Bears hit 5 of 6 free throws down the stretch to seal with win.

Knox scored 15 points, Olu Rotibi added 12 and six rebounds and Swain finished with 10 points as the Storm dropped their fourth straight.

The Storm open the home schedule Sunday, Dec. 2 when they host AIB. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.