Storm rally attempt comes up short in final minutes

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Simpson College men's basketball team used a late second-half rally to close the gap, but ultimately fell short at Dubuque in American Rivers Conference play.

The Storm (12-10, 5-9 A-R-C) still occupies the last spot in the A-R-C Tournament, tied with Coe and a half game ahead of Luther, after both teams also lost in action today.

The game started out close, with both teams struggling to find consistent scoring. However, the Spartans (17-6,10-4 A-R-C) embarked on a 12-0 run to seize control of the game, led by Jaylin McCants. McCants proved to be a thorn in the side of the Storm once again, leading all scorers with 23 points. Easton Darling was in double figures in the first half for the Storm, but the offense could not keep with McCants and company.

Despite Dubuque having a comfortable lead most of the second half, the Storm put together a late rally. Simpson used a 9-2 run to cut the lead to 10 after a layup from Andrew Gibb. After a timeout, McCants converted an and-one, as Dubuque was able to hit free throws and come away with the victory.

Darling led the Storm with 18 points, while Andrew Curran added 14. Andrew Gibb was the other Storm player in double figures with 11 points, also leading the team with seven rebounds.
Free throws were a huge difference in the game, with the Spartans able to get to the line 26 times, while the Storm managed just eight attempts. While the Storm won the second half by a score of 34-31, the first half margin was just too much to overcome.

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The Storm will prepare for a trip to Nebraska Wesleyan, next Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m.