REDDING, Calif. - The Simpson University Red Hawks concluded their two-game home stand tonight as they fell to UC Santa Cruz 78-59. 

The Banana Slugs jumped out to a quick 11-0 lead before a jump shot by Preston Kilbert got Simpson on the board. 

Simpson chipped away as Jack Jillson converted a tough layup and the and-one free throw, followed by a layup by Kellen Torrey to cut the Banana Slugs' lead to six, 17-11, midway through the first half. 

However, the Banana Slugs had answers as they grew their largest lead of the game to 14 points before a dunk by Saben Attebery closed out the first half. 

The Red Hawks came out of the half outscoring UC Santa Cruz 9-2 to pull within five points. The trio of Timothy Parker, Dylan Harms, and Kilbert registered three points each. 

But the Banana Slugs never looked back as they countered each Red Hawks basket as they grew its lead to hang onto the 78-64 victory. 

UC Sanata Cruz rode their strong play in the paint as they outscored Simpson 34-30 in the paint and 9-4 in second chance points. 

Aidan Rolf led the Red Hawks with 12 points and seven rebounds while connecting from 71% from the floor. 

Parker followed close behind with 10 points to go along with four rebounds. 

Attebery, Torrey, and Jillson provided a spark off the Simpson bench as they combined for 25 points. 

Simpson resumes conference play next week, on Wednesday, as they host Cal Maritime at 7 pm. 
 

Be sure to stay up to date and follow us at @simpsonredhawks on Instagram, Facebook, and X.