The Simpson College men’s and women’s basketball teams hosted the University of Dubuque in Cowles Fieldhouse for their senior nights on Saturday, Feb. 14.
In the men’s game, the Storm defeated Dubuque 79-66 in a comeback win. Dubuque had a double-digit lead in the first half, but the Storm was able to cut it down to five points before halftime.
Then, senior Bo Huston and sophomore Calix Cahill combined for 30 of the 43 points in the second half. Cahill had a memorable night with a career high of 22 points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes of play.
Junior Nathaniel Winter claimed there was a change for the Storm at halftime.
“The message at halftime was pretty simple. We knew if we made them take tough shots we would be able to make a run and pull away in the second half,” Winter said.
Huston ended the night with 21 points, three rebounds and three assists.
“It was one of those moments where you just get hot at the right time and try to take full advantage of it and help the team as much as possible even if you’re tired,” Huston said.
With it being senior night, the game felt even more special. The Storm’s men’s basketball team is in a battle to make the conference tournament, so every game counts.
“It felt great, knowing that it was a big night and a must win game since we are in a battle to make the conference tournament,” Huston said.
The women’s basketball team was able to celebrate their senior night with a win of 72-65.
Senior Maddax DeVault scored 24 points with seven steals, and knocked down six free throws at the end of the fourth quarter to seal the game.
This game was tight the whole way, with Dubuque going into halftime with a three-point lead. However, the Storm came out in the third quarter and scored eight points to regain the lead.
In the fourth quarter, the Storm had control of the game, and Dubuque tried everything to get back into it. Simpson held strong and knocked down seven of their eight free throw attempts to call the game.
Senior night ended in success for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as they each took down Dubuque. Both teams will take on Wartburg in their home finales on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
