Storm women hold off Buena Vista, run streak to 12

STORM LAKE - Stacey Schutjer scored 17 of her season-high 23 points in the second half and Simpson held off a late Buena Vista rally in a 78-77 win Monday night at Siebens Fieldhouse.

The Storm (13-3, 7-0 IIAC) ran their winning streak to 12 games, remaining unbeaten in Iowa Conference play.

Trailing by 13 in the second half, Buena Vista mounted a 31-19 run over the final 14 minutes. A 3-pointer by Jess Christensen tied the game at 75 before Schutjer canned a jumper with 33 seconds left. A free throw by Amy Hamilton extended the lead to three, helping the Storm hold on for the win.

Simpson entered the game with an average margin of victory of more than 20 points against conference opponents, but had its hands full with the Beavers (7-9, 3-4 IIAC).

"Buena Vista's style is hard for us to match up with," head coach Brian Niemuth said. "They shot well and have quick guards that can handle our press. Their style of play is very similar to ours, and this is a tough place to play."

Schutjer went 10-for-16 from the field and pulled down seven rebounds while Amy Hamilton scored 15 points, connecting on three 3-pointers.

"This was one of the best games Stacey's played," Niemuth said. "She kept her composure well and stepped up when we needed her. She and Amy played like the all-conference players they are tonight."

Tied 38-38 at halftime, Simpson mounted a 21-2 run early in the second half, opening a 13-point advantage.

But Buena Vista rode its hot-shooting from beyond the arc to crawl back into the game, as the Beavers made 10-of-31 treys on the night.

"It was good to see our girls keep their composure and execute in a tight game," Niemuth said. "I don't want to do this every night, but it is a lot different shooting when you are up by 30 than when you are up by one."

Christensen scored 18 points to lead Buena Vista.

Simpson continues its gauntlet of three games in six days Wednesday when it hosts Wartburg in a 6 p.m. tipoff from Cowles Fieldhouse. Live stats and live video will be available at http://livestats.prestosports.com/simpson/.