Storm rebound to earn first win of the season

FULTON, Mo. - Playing on less than 24 hours rest, the Simpson College men's basketball team rebounded to take down host Westminster in another high-scoring affair, 98-88.

The Storm (1-1) led for all but 19 seconds in the game, putting up 57 points in the first half to lead by 18 going into the break. Andrew Gibb scored 20 of his game and career-high 26 points in the first half, while Easton Darling, Caden Rehmeier, and Andrew Curran each had at least 15 points. The Storm greatly improved on its free-throw shooting compared to yesterday, making 22 of its 26 attempts.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Gibb scored the first 12 points for the Storm, as they raced out to a quick 17-5 overall lead.
• Simpson led by as many as 23 points in the first half and opened up a 26-point advantage early in the second period.
• However, the Blue Jays (0-2) attempted a late rally, trimming the deficit to eight points with five minutes left, before Jack Hutchinson nailed a massive three-pointer to put the Storm back up 11.
• Westminster attempted one last rally, going on a 10-4 run to cut the lead to five with less than 90 seconds left.
• A clutch basket from Curran followed by free throws ended up sealing the game for the Storm.
• Gibb, last season's NCAA Statistical Champion in free throw percentage, is now 14-14 to start the 2023-24 campaign.

TOP STORM PERFORMERS

• Andrew Gibb - 26 points, 72.7 FG%, 100.0 FT%
• Easton Darling - 16 points, 3 assists
• Caden Rehmeier - 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
• Andrew Curran - 15 points, 4 assists
• Lincoln Swanson, 3 points, 10 rebounds

UP NEXT
The Storm take on Bethany Lutheran on Wednesday evening in its home opener.