Red Hawks Hold on for Win at Home

Smith hits game-winner with 15 second left

- (12/9/2004)

After holding a 45-25 halftime lead, the men's basketball team held on for a narrow 72-71 victory against the visiting Ambassadors of Multnomah Bible College.

Multnomah jumped to a quick 18-5 lead, but the Red Hawks stormed back with a 40-4 run in which they hit nine 3-pointers.

Simpson was slowed in the second half and eventually gave up the lead with 43 seconds remaining.  Down 71-69 with the ball, Brandan Smith (Jr., Industrial) drove down the right side of the key and dropped in a floater to put the Red Hawks up with just 15 seconds remaining.

The defense nearly forced several turnovers before Multnomah had a chance to win it as time expired.  The shot bounce off the back iron, and Simpson pulled out the win in its final home game of the semester.

Markise Morrison (Fr., Vallejo) led the Red Hawks with 19 points, while Ben Saunders (Jr., Alta) racked up 18 on 4-of-5 shooting from 3-point territory.

Mel Sattler (Jr., Sacramento), in his first game since returning frrom a knee injury, put in 12 points and ripped down 15 rebounds.

Simpson is in action as they begin California Pacific Conference play next Friday at William Jessup University.