KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - In the opener of the Oregon Tech Classic Friday afternoon, the Simpson Red Hawks fell to Southern Oregon University, 77-67.

SU jumped out to a hot start in the first quarter extending its lead to seven before SOU cut it back to three at the end of the first. Both teams were ice cold in the second quarter combining for just 17 points, but Simpson had a four point advantage heading into the half.

Southern Oregon regrouped in the locker room and came out firing in the second half scoring 26 points in the 3rd quarter and 24 points in the 4th. The Red Hawks could not shake their shooting woes in the second half only connecting on eight field goals in 32 attempts.

It was a free throw heavy game with 28 fouls called on Simpson and 32 called on the Raiders resulting in a combined 72 free throws 

Freshman, Brianna Clark led the Red Hawks in scoring with 16 points on 5-10 from the field. Precious Jackson and Whitney Armstrong each finished with 10 points a piece. Jackson also grabbed eight rebounds and Armstrong dished out five assists. Ten Red Hawks got in the scoring column which resulted in 18 bench points.

Simpson will go to battle again in day two of the Oregon Tech Classic this time against OIT on Saturday at 5:30 PM in Klamath Falls, Ore.