Storm fall to Dutch on late basket

PELLA, Iowa -- The Simpson men's basketball team dropped an 87-84 decision in the final seconds at Central on Wednesday in the teams' 201st all-time meeting, which dates back to the 1906-07 season.

The Storm (9-6, 3-4 American Rivers) were led by Kyle Wagner's double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds, which was his first of the season. Adam Reiter notched 19 points and eight boards, while teammate Conor Riordan chipped in 14 points.

The Dutch (7-9, 4-3 A-R-C) made things interesting in the final minutes of the contest. After a basket by Riordan tied things up at 83-83, he drained a free throw after getting fouled on his previous basket to give Simpson a one-point lead. Central's Jamel McKnight drove to the basket in the team's next possession and put the Dutch up by one with 20 seconds remaining and held on for the win. Riordan had a nice look at a last second three-pointer, but it circled out of the rim.

During the first 20 minutes of play, Simpson had a 12-point advantage at the 12-minute mark, before taking a one-point lead into intermission. Wagner tallied 19 of his 25 points in the first half, due to shooting 3 of 5 from behind the arc and 6 of 8 from the floor.

Wagner has now scored 20-or-more points in three-straight contests for Simpson.

Central had three players score over 20 points during the showdown. Adam Flinn scored 23, with 16 coming in the second half. Jaden Moody (21) and McKnight (20) helped push the Dutch to their third-consecutive win.

GAME NOTES

The Storm continued their hot stretch as of late at the charity stripe and are currently shooting just under 85 percent (77-for-91) over their last five games. Simpson held a slim 38-34 rebounding advantage.

UP NEXT

Simpson welcomes Coe to the Cowles Fieldhouse on Saturday, Jan. 19 for a 7 p.m. contest following the women's basketball game.