It took two periods of extra time and a game-winning three pointer, but the #14 Simpson College women’s basketball team upset #4 Wartburg on the road in Waverly Monday evening to claim the American Rivers Conference regular season title.
The Storm got off to a 21-4 run to begin the contest, but would surrender a 29-9 run immediately after putting the Knights up 33-30 at the halftime break. The game continued to be back and forth in the second half, ending with the Knights earning a 65-63 lead with just seconds remaining. Simpson’s Cameron Kincaid drove the basket at the buzzer, drawing a foul and making the pair of subsequent free throws to force extra time.
In the first overtime period, both teams had leads, but Wartburg would miss free throws down the stretch to keep it a tie contest, with the Storm missing a game-winning bucket forcing the second overtime period tied at 76. In the second OT, points were at a premium, and with the Storm down two points with less than 10 seconds remaining, freshman Regan Freland hit a game winning three to keep the Storm undefeated and award them the regular season title.
Simpson improves to 9-0 on the season and a perfect 8-0 through the American Rivers Conference. They will next compete in the ARC tournament beginning Tuesday against an opponent yet to be determined.