Upset bid loses steam as Storm fall to Wartburg

WAVERLY, Iowa — Noreen Morrow posted a big double-double and the Simpson women's basketball team hung with the No. 12 team in the nation for 24 minutes before a second half run helped Wartburg to an 80-62 win Saturday at Levick Arena. 

Morrow finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds -- her second double-double in the last three games -- for the Storm (7-13, 4-7 Iowa Conference), who suffered their third straight loss. 

Simpson trailed 51-50 with 3:51 left in the third quarter before Adrienne Boettger made two free throws and Katie Sommer hit a 3, sparking an 18-4 Wartburg run. Morgan Neuendorf's layup made it 69-54 early in the fourth and Simpson couldn't mount a comeback.

Maddie Simmons had another big game with 14 points and Megan Lankford added 10 for Simpson.

With the loss, the Storm are tied with Dubuque for the sixth and final spot in the IIAC Tournament with five games remaining.

Neuendorf had 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Knights (18-2, 10-1), who improved to 11-1 at home. Kristie Sommer had 18 points and Katie Sommer finished with 13 and six assists.

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Simpson hosts Buena Vista on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Cowles Fieldhouse. The Beavers (10-9, 6-4) lost to Dubuque 73-63 on Saturday.