LA GRANDE, Ore. - Despite an excellent showing from the Simpson Red Hawks in the season opener, Eastern Oregon was able to pick up its second win of the season, 68-63.

Simpson's outstanding fourth quarter where the Red Hawks outscored the Mountaineers 21-12 wasn't enough the mount the comeback. SU was able to take down EOU for the first time in program history in the 2018-19 season and hung right with the CCC's preseason pick to win the conference championship for the entirety of the game. Eastern Oregon a season ago, finished the year 29-4, one of its only losses to SU and wound up finishing the season as 9th ranked team in the NAIA.

Simpson was led in scoring by senior forward, Precious Jackson, who finished with 13 points, six rebounds and four steals. Brianna Clark also finished in double figures with 11 points in her first opportunity in the red and black.

Freshman, Karina Archibald and junior, Natalie Campos, provided a nice spark off the bench for the Red Hawks each ending their stints with eight points. SU shot a prolific 47 percent from the floor, but just 4-9 of the free throw stripe. But the Red Hawks' defense continues to hold strong even with a new group this season holding EOU to 36 percent from the floor.

The glaring statistic in favor of Eastern Oregon is the 19 offensive rebounds and the overall rebounding totals that proves that the Mountaineers dominated the offensive glass. 

Simpson will use this impressive performance and look to build on it when they face Warner Pacific University for the Home Opener this Saturday at 7 PM inside the James M. Grant Center.