Simpson erases double-digit deficit in thrilling season opener win over Benedictine

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - Cam Henderson and Isaac Averill combined for 39 of Simpson's 75 points in a dramatic 17-point comeback win for the Storm in the season opener on Friday night.

Simpson (1-0) trailed by as many as 17 in the first half but an improved defensive effort in the second half, along with key 3-point shooting down the stretch proved to be the difference maker. Henderson paced all scorers with 21 points, while freshman Australian guard Averill added 18 in his collegiate debut in 24 minutes of action.

As a team, Simpson went 26-for-60 (43.3 percent) from the field, and 7-for-23 (30.4 percent) beyond the arc, with six of its seven made 3-pointers coming in the second half. Benedictine (0-1) struggled to solve the Storm's defense, being limited to just 22-for-60 (36.7 percent) from the field, while being outscored in the second half 43-to-25.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Storm began the game with a strong defensive approach, limiting Benedictine to only one made basket in the opening five minutes, jumping out to an early 10-6 lead.
• Benedictine responded with a 14-0 run that expanded to a commanding 25-4 run over seven minutes of action.
• Simpson regained its footing over the final minutes of the first half, outsourcing the Eagles 18-12 to cut the lead to 11 entering halftime.
• The Storm began to make the comeback push around the midway point of the second half behind improved 3-point shooting.
• Key 3-pointers from Bo Huston, Brogan Fuller, and Henderson cut the lead to just one possession with 9:30 left in the game.
• Both sides traded baskets back and forth until just three minutes left on the clock, a pair of Henderson free throws put Simpson back on top 64-63.
• The Eagles responded, taking back a 68-67 lead but the Storm defense clamped down, shutting out Benedictine down the stretch, and icing the game at the free throw line to claim the 75-68 win.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Cam Henderson - 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Isaac Averill - 18 points, 6 rebounds
Levi Gurwell - 10 points, 2 rebounds

UP NEXT

Simpson returns to action tomorrow against Illinois College at 3:00 p.m. in the championship game of the Bill Merris invitational.