Storm comeback bid falls in overtime

INDIANOLA, Iowa - The Simpson men's basketball team overcame a 15-point second half deficit to force overtime, but Buena Vista scraped by to claim the win.

Andrew Gibb (28 points) and Jack Hutchinson (21 points) set new career-highs for the Storm (7-9, 1-6 A-R-C), but Jack Neubaum poured in a game-high 31 points for the Beavers (9-6, 2-4 A-R-C). Simpson had the lead late twice, but Buena Vista answered back each time at the free throw line.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Each team started out hot, making multiple triples, with Buena Vista taking a 20-15 lead midway through the half.
• Like Luther, the Storm suffered a large scoreless stretch, but quickly rallied down 8 with 3-pointers from Andrew Curran and Caden Rehmeier.
• However, the Beavers closed on a 13-3 run to take a 40-28 lead into halftime.
• Buena Vista got the lead up to 15 at 51-36, but the Storm offense continued to be sparked by Gibb and Hutchinson, as Simpson gradually narrowed the deficit.
• The Storm finally got it within one possession after another triple by Hutchinson and took its first lead at 74-72 with 1:55 to go after a floater in the lane by Easton Darling.
• Buena Vista went back ahead 76-74, but Darling calmly knocked in two free throws with 14 seconds remaining. The Storm defense did not allow Buena Vista to get a shot off, forcing overtime.
• The Beavers immediately took control of overtime, draining two 3-pointers on their first two possessions.
• Simpson answered with an and-one by Curran and layup by Darling, but Buena Vista's Jackson Jones hit two enormous 3-pointers that ended up giving the Beavers the win.

TOP STORM

• Andrew Gibb - 28 points, 4 assists
• Jack Hutchinson - 21 points, 3 rebounds
• Easton Darling - 16 points, 4 assists
• Andrew Curran - 14 points, 5 rebounds

NOTABLE

• Simpson still leads the all-time series, 85-81, but Buena Vista won for the first time since the 2021-22 season.
• Gibb and Hutchinson each set new career-highs in points.
• The Storm attempted 31 3-pointers, a new season-high.
• Despite being outrebounded 42-29, Buena Vista only had a 2-point advantage in the paint (36-34).

UP NEXT
The Storm travel to Loras on Saturday for a 4 p.m. tip.