Redding, Calif. – Simpson begins their 2020 conference schedule with an impressive win over Cal Maritime. Going into Saturday's conference opener CSUM had the best non-conference record of any Cal Pac team, and the Keelahulers received votes in an NAIA National Coaches Poll earlier this season.
Six Red Hawks scored double figures on the way to the 84-74 victory, including all five starters. The only player not to record double digit scoring was Sophomore Guard
Zach Burns who came off the bench to hit a huge three to extend SU's lead to double digits with under three minutes to go in the second half.
Freshman
Nathan Presnell continued his strong play and recorded a monster double-double in the win with 20 points and 15 rebounds. The big man also showed his ability to stretch the floor shooting an efficient 3 of 4 from behind the arc. The Freshman went head to head with CSUM's Zavier Lucero all night who was a unanimous first team all Cal Pac selection for CSUM last year. Presnell stepped up to the tall task on the defensive end and made contributions on both sides of the floor, helping his team secure their first conference win.
Christian Alvis got the start for the Red Hawks and led the team in minutes played. The Junior transfer in his first year with SU helped to control the offense alongside his starting back court partner
Dylan Banks. Alvis recorded 14 points and 4 assists while Banks added 11 points, five assists, and three rebounds of his own.
Despite being hugged by a Keelhauler defender everywhere he went on the court,
Blake Trent managed to record 12 points on five of six shooting from the field.
Kon Anguik rounded out the Simpson lineup to start the game and he added 11 points, five rebounds, and two blocks.
Brycen Wight was the first player off the Simpson bench Saturday night and contributed 13 points of his own, shooting 2-3 from deep.
The Red Hawks have won eight of their last nine games and look to keep their winning ways alive as they take their 1-0 conference record to Arizona later this week. SU will take on Benedictine University on Thursday and face off against Embry-Riddle on Saturday.
