Storm fall to Dutch in A-R-C Tournament

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson College women's basketball team fell 96-89 in double overtime to Central in the American Rivers Conference Tournament First Round.

Sixth-seeded Central (15-11) rallied late in the fourth and erased an eight-point deficit in the first overtime period before controlling the final five minutes, outscoring third-seeded Simpson (15-11) 14-7 to secure the upset victory.

The Dutch now advance to the semifinal round, where they will face No. 2-seed Coe on Thursday at 7 p.m.

GAME SUMMARY

• Central doubled up the Storm 10-5 in the opening minutes but Simpson battled back with a 9-2 run to take a 14-12 lead.
• The Dutch led 22-19 after one period and 27-23 in the second before Simpson mounted a 13-2 run to go ahead 36-29. A pair of threes in the final minute of play pulled Central within one, 38-37, at the break.
• A tightly-contested third quarter saw both teams put up 15 points, with Simpson clinging to a 53-52 lead going into the fourth.
• Central briefly pulled ahead 58-57 in the fourth before Molly Lutmer sparked a 12-7 Simpson run, giving the Storm a 69-65 advantage with 1:05 left in regulation.
• Emily Naughton tied the game at 69-69 late but Elle Street scored a go-ahead basket with seven seconds left. However, Naughton came up clutch again for the Dutch, tying the game as the clock expired.
• Simpson began the first overtime period on an 8-0 run as Street and Haley Rasmussen drained back-to-back threes, followed by two free throws from Ella Anderson.
• Central clawed back again, with Samantha Scott knocking down a crucial three before the Dutch took an 82-81 lead with 28 seconds left. Street went to the line with three ticks left and managed to force a second overtime period with a make.
• After trading baskets to start second overtime, Cece Moore earned a 3-point play and Central went ahead 91-86 with 2:34 left. Molly Lutmer hit a massive triple that pulled Simpson within two seconds later, but the Storm came up empty on their next two possessions and were forced to start fouling. The Dutch sealed the win at the line, ending Simpson's postseason run.

TOP STORM

• Molly Lutmer: 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
• Elle Street: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists
• Ella Anderson: 14 points, 7 rebounds
• Doryn Paup: 11 points, 3 rebounds
• Haley Rasmussen: 10 points, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Morgan Pietig: 2 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds