CHICO, Calif. - The men's basketball team continued play over the Thanksgiving break as they traveled down to Chico to take on DII opponent Chico State last Wednesday at Acker Gym for an exhibition match. 

The Wildcats and Red Hawks clashed in their annual mid-week game.

When the dust settled, Simpson had earned a hard-fought 76-60 victory over the Wildcats. Marking the first time the Red Hawks have finished on top in the modern era and in recent memory. 

The Red Hawks dominated the game with hot shooting as they went into the first half with a 41-32 lead with an 18-12 advantage in points in the paint. 

Simpson had the upper hand in the first half as they shot 55.5% from the floor and 6-12 from beyond the arc. 

The Wildcats harnessed some momentum coming out of the half as they pulled within four, 43-39. 

But the Red Hawks responded and grew their lead to as much as 19 points in the second half to cruise to the 76-60 exhibition victory. 

Nian Allen had a big game as he posted a team-high 29 points. He shot 11-14 from the floor and a perfect 5-5 from beyond the arc. 

Dylan Harms and Timothy Parker combined for 32 points and 13 rebounds as Parker had a team-best nine boards. 

Simpson resumes play this week, Thursday, as they take on Cal Maritime in a nonconference game at 7 pm at the James M. Grant Center. 
 

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