REDDING, Calif. - The men's basketball team played its final contest of the 2023 year against GSAC opponent William Jessup University Saturday night. 

The Red Hawks played well and hung with the 8-4 Warriors but ultimately fell 91-77. 

Simpson got on the board as Osumanu Nuhu converted both of his free throws from a shooting foul to open the game. 

The Warriors held complete control in the first half as they never surrendered the lead. 

Osumanu Nuhu had a solid first half with a team-high eight points to go along with three assists. 

Trey Conrad and Kyle Brennon followed close behind with seven points each.

Simpson would go into the half facing a twelve-point deficit, 37-49. 

The Red Hawks would draw first blood in the second half as Nuhu would pick up where he left off with a layup in the paint. 

Simpson would play a solid second half as scored 40 points while shooting 48.5% from the floor and 40% from beyond the arc as a team. 

Akin Branco would have a solid second half off the bench as he registered a team-high 13 points. 

Branco would end the game with a team-high 16 points. 

Nuhu would follow close behind with 12 points to go along with two rebounds and three assists. 

Kyle Brennon would have an immediate impact in his first game of the year as he made his Red Hawks debut while recording nine points and five assists. 

Simpson will hit the road on Tuesday to open the New Year against UC Merced to start conference play in 2024.