Storm play 'lights out' in win over AIB

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Kate Nielsen turned in another big performance and the Simpson defense created 29 turnovers in an 82-54 women's basketball win over AIB in the home opener on Tuesday night.

Nielsen scored 19 of her game-high 23 in the first half as the Storm (3-0) won their 14th regular season home game in a row. She brought down six rebounds and went 9-for-10 from the field with a pair of 3-pointers. She is now 18-for-19 in her last two games combined and is shooting a sizzling 74 percent on the year.

Freshman Maddie Muhlenbruck led the defensive charge with four steals as the Storm scored 34 points off turnovers on the night. AIB didn't score a fast-break point.

McKinsey Nessa scored 13 points and Hannah Redenius blocked three shots to lead the Eagles (1-4), who have lost three in a row.

Simpson put the game away early on when Nielsen sparked a 14-0 run midway through the first half. Chelsie Rohrs hit back-to-back 3-pointers during the spurt as Simpson opened up a 20-7 advantage. The Storm led by as much as 32 in the half.

The only thing that slowed the Simpson offense was Cowles Fieldhouse. With 11 minutes left in the second half, the lights went out above the competition court. After pausing for several minutes, the game resumed with only ambient light from the North end of the facility. The lights returned at the 6-minute mark.

Nicole Crisp scored 12 points and Rohrs added 10 for the Storm. Kelsie Reeves and Whitney Van Wyk had five assists apiece.

Simpson travels to the Buena Vista Classic this weekend in Storm Lake. Simpson begins the tournament against Gustavus Adolphus on Friday, Nov. 23 at 5:30 p.m.