Second-half comeback not enough as Storm drop opener

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- The Simpson College men's basketball team battled back from a 13-point halftime deficit but couldn't get past the Fontbonne Griffins in a 68-61 loss to start the season.

Trailing 41-28, Simpson (0-1) opened up the second half with a 20-7 run to tie the game at 48-48 with 12:52 remaining on the clock. The spurt was fueled by five points from both Buck Eagleburger and Lincoln Swanson. A trio of layups from Deontei Johnson, Trent Williamson, and Chris Honz brought the game to 61-59 in favor of the Griffins (1-0), but the home team held the Storm to just one basket in the final five minutes for the win.

Andrew Curran tallied 12 points to lead the Storm, while Eagleburger knocked down three triples and a free throw to log his first points in Simpson uniform. Johnson posted 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks, all game-highs.

Up Next
Simpson takes on Westminster on Day Two of the SLIAC/A-R-C Classic on Saturday at 1 p.m.