PORTLAND, Ore. – The Simpson University men's basketball team came up just one point short on Friday night, falling 76–75 to Warner Pacific in a game that went down to the final shot.

The first points of the night came from senior guard Nian Allen, who opened the scoring with a strong finish at the rim. Aidan Rolfs added early baskets inside, while Dylan Harms knocked down a three-pointer to keep the Red Hawks close during the opening stretch.

Simpson continued attacking the paint throughout the first half as Preston Kilbert generated steady offense. Despite a late push, Simpson entered the break trailing 39–31.

The Red Hawks came out firing in the second half, as Allen converted a three-point play and Parker added a mid-range jumper to trim the deficit. 

With under six minutes to go, Harms drilled a clutch three to make it a one-possession game. Allen later tied it at 72–72 at the free-throw line, and Parker gave Simpson a 75–74 lead after sinking two huge free throws with 22 seconds left.

Warner Pacific responded with the game-winning layup in the final seconds. 

Allen led Simpson with 24 points, while Parker, Rolfs, and Harms combined for 32 points and 20 rebounds on the night.

Day 2:

The men returned to action the following night as they suffered another one-point loss on Saturday night, falling 77–76 to Lewis & Clark in a tight battle that also came down to the final seconds.

The first points of the night came from freshman guard Jack Jillson, who opened the game with a layup and followed it with a three to give Simpson its early spark.

The Red Hawks traded baskets throughout the opening frame as Nian Allen attacked the paint with seven points in the first half. 

Despite the steady scoring, Simpson entered halftime trailing 39–32.

Simpson came out of the locker room with renewed energy, and Jillson started the second half just like he started the game, knocking down a three to cut into the deficit.

Allen continued to power his way to the rim, finishing through traffic and keeping Simpson within reach. A few possessions later, Allen tipped in his own miss to tie the game at 49–49.

The Red Hawks kept rolling as Harms and Jillson drilled back-to-back threes to help Simpson take a 55–52 lead.

Simpson gained a seven-point advantage midway through the half before Lewis & Clark responded with baskets to climb back.

With under a minute left, the River Otters pushed ahead 77–74, but the Red Hawks answered back with a huge defensive play from Allen as he forced a turnover, which led to a fastbreak dunk, making it a one-point game.

After forcing a stop, Simpson had two looks in the final seconds, but neither fell as the Red Hawks came up just short.

Allen led the Red Hawks once again with a dominant performance at the rim, picking up 18 points and 14 rebounds. Parker also added 20 points, and Jillson added 17. 

Simpson looks to hit the road back to Oregon once again on Wednesday to take on Oregon Tech at 7:30 pm at Danny Miles Court.
 

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