INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Gustavus men’s basketball team was unable to slow down Simpson’s late second half surge Saturday, dropping a 90-78 decision to fall to 0-2 overall. The Gusties came within six points of the lead midway through the second half, but the Storm were able increase their lead to double digits and held on to a comfortable advantage the rest of the way.
Peter Kruize (Sr., St. Peter, Minn.) led all scorers with a career-high 27 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting from the floor. He also made 7-of-9 free throws and hauled in 11 rebounds for the second double-double of his career. Riley Sharbono (So., Marshall, Minn.) was also productive on offense, scoring 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field. The Marshall product made 4-of-7 three-pointers in a game-high 35 minutes played.
Gustavus started the game on the right foot, making its first two shots from the floor and another two from the charity stripe for a 7-4 lead, but the home team answered with an 11-2 run to take a 15-9 lead. The Gusties rattled off eight straight points to take a 17-15 lead, but once again the Storm answered and claimed a three-point advantage at 20-17. The Black and Gold captured a 21-20 advantage at the 8:44 mark of the first period, but that would be its last of the game as the Storm went into the locker room with a 46-38 lead at halftime.
The Gusties cut their deficit to four points twice within the first three minutes of the second half before Simpson went on a 16-6 run over the next five minutes for a 68-54 advantage with 12:26 remaining in the game. Gustavus responded with eight unanswered points to come with six at the 10-minute mark, but the Storm were able to regain a double digit lead and held on for the win.
Gustavus shot 45.9 percent from the field, while Simpson shot 53.4 percent. The Gusties outrebounded the Storm 36-32, but committed more turnovers, 8-7.
The Gusties host their home and Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener Wednesday against Concordia. Tipoff is slated for 7:45 p.m. at Gus Young Court.