ROCKLIN, Calif. - The men's basketball squad took on DII opponent, William Jessup University to begin play in the Bill Holtz Classic this evening. 

The Warriors jumped out to the early 4-0 lead before a three-pointer by Mack Tarver Jr. got Simpson on the board. 

Jessup had its way for much of the first half as they grabbed the commanding 44-24 lead with five minutes left in the half. 

But the Red Hawks chipped away as they went on a 12-2 run to pull within ten points as they headed into the half down, 46-36. 

A huge dunk by Jace Mills swung the momentum in favor of Simpson as Timothy Parker posted four straight points followed by back-to-back three-pointers by DaMari Tate and Derek Gorden to end the first half. 

Simpson continued its momentum in the second half as Parker converted on a tough jumper that drew a foul and allowed Parker to convert on a and one-shot to pull Simpson within single digits. 

The Red Hawks tied the game at 53 on a mid-range jumper by Mills to erase the once-20-point deficit. 

A layup by Kellen Torrey gave Simpson its first lead of the game with just under 12 minutes left in the second half. 

However, the Warriors grabbed the 75-66 lead with just under three minutes in regulation. 

Simpson came roaring back as they scored nine straight points to tie the game at 75. 

A huge three-pointer by Sam Shields sparked the late rally as Drey Ubas converted on both of his free throws followed by Mills posting four points to go along with the game-tying free throws. 

The Warriors struck first in overtime as they took the three-point lead on an and-one. 

But Parker answered back with a layup to pull Simpson back within one. 

The Warriors held the four-point lead with 21 seconds left. But Simpson pulled within three and got a huge rebound from Shields on a missed free throw to give Simpson one more shot. 

However, the Warriors prevailed as they held onto the 89-86 victory. 

Timothy Parker and Drey Ubas had a team-high 17 points each. 

Jace Mills had a big game in the paint as he posted a double-double of 14 points and a team-high 15 rebounds. 

Simpson looks to be back in action tomorrow as they take on Menlo College at 4:30 pm to wrap up the Bill Holtz Classic.