DES MOINES, Iowa – Too big. Too fast. Too strong.

That was the theme Friday night for the Simpson men’s basketball team as they dropped their season opening exhibition against Division I opponent, Drake, 97-52.

The Storm played at a breakneck pace on the night, hoisting up 65 shots and outshooting the Bulldogs in the process, but Drake’s efficiency outshined Simpson’s fast play.

Simpson shot just 19-65 on the night (29%) and 8-35 from three (23%), while Drake shot at blistering a blistering rate, going 37-53 (70%) from the field and 6-12 from three point land.

Drake outrebounded the Storm 49-26 as the Bulldogs trotted out a roster that features three players that stand between 6’10 and 7’0. Simpson did however hold a 9-7 advantage on the offensive glass.

Senior Dillion Gretzky led the Storm in scoring with 14 points on an efficient 6 of 10 shooting night, including 2 of 4 from three point range. Brook Thompson pitched in six points while Austin Turner and Darrin Futch had five points apiece.

Drake sophomore Reed Timmer, a Missouri Valley Conference all-newcomer team selection last season, led all scorers with 19 points on 6-7 shooting. Casey Schlatter poured in 13 points of his own.

The Storm return to action Monday at home to open up regular season play versus Graceland. Tip is set for 7:05 p.m.