FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Husson University men's basketball team was defeated by Simpson College, 88-82, in the team's final game in the Trip Sports Cruzin' Classic.

FIRST GLANCE:

Husson senior guard Raheem Anderson tallied a game-high 34 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while shooting over 50% (14-26) from the field, in the loss to the Storm.

THE REST OF THE STORY:

The Eagles (7-2, 4-0 NAC) trailed the Storm (4-6, 1-2) for the entire first half and finished the half down 50-42. The deficit was a mere free throw at the 11:52 mark when Justin Thompson drained a 3-pointer to pull his squad within one, 28-27. Tyler Stumbo gave the Storm a 39-37 lead shortly after Thompson's three-pointer. Simpson's lead fluctuated between two points and eight points for the final 12:08 of the first half. Raheem Anderson was the driving force for the Eagles with 18 first half points. Mitch Worcester drained two three-pointers for six total first half points.

After most of the same from the first half, the Eagles put together a run starting with 4:37 left in the game. A 9-2 run pulled Husson to within two points, 82-80, with 1:36 remaining in the game. Unfortunately, two points was as close as HU would get. Simpson knocked down their free throws and held onto win by a score of 88-82.  

LEADERS – HUSSON:

• Corey Kaiser came off the bench to score seven points and haul in six rebounds.

• Freshman guard Cole Thomas had a successful return to Florida, netting six points and grabbing six boards.

• Senior guard Mitch Worcester tallied 16 points, shooting 4-5 from behind the three-point arch, while also dishing out four assists.

LEADERS – Simpson:

• Sam Amsbaugh helped out his team immensely, finishing with 30 points and seven rebounds.

• Conor Riordan added on 13 points, shooting 3-5 from the free throw line.

• Tyler Stumbo was 3-8 from the floor and 5-6 from the charity stripe with 11 points.

TEAM STATS:

Even though the Eagles ultimately lost, they held an advantage in forced turnovers (9-7), rebounds (39-37), assists (18-13), and bench points (20-18).

NEXT!

The Eagles will travel to Castine, Maine, to take on Maine Maritime Academy on January 6th, as they kick-off the new year. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.