ROCKLIN, Calif. -- Simpson University men's basketball team trimmed an 18-point deficit in the second half down to two with one minute remaining, but William Jessup pulled away in closing seconds with a win 79-77 on Monday night.

The Red Hawks got a strong offensive effort out of grad transfer Adam Gotelli, who notched 16 points and shot 40% from the three point arc. Similar to the previous matchup, the game came down to free throws and key turnovers in the last few seconds. The Warriors would turn the ball over with six seconds left to give the Red Hawks a chance to tie or win it in the final possession. Coach Todd Franklin called a timeout and drew a perfectly executed play, but the shot would fall short at the buzzer.

Mason Johnson would finish with 14 points and 7 rebounds and Christian Alvis-Labadie finished with 13 points, shooting 50% from the 3pt. line. Dylan Banks chipped in 10 points and 5 assists.

For the game Simpson shot 41% from the three point line and forced 16 turnovers. The Red Hawks battled to the final buzzer against a tough William Jessup squad that is 3-2 on the season not including five exhibition games.

Up Next:

The Red Hawks travel to Caldwell, ID to face College of Idaho on Jan. 22 and 23. Tip off on Jan. 22 is set for 7:30 pm.