Simpson College opened the second half on a 16-6 run then held on for a 70-59 victory over Nebraska Wesleyan in the final game of the NWU Tip-Off Classic on Saturday (Nov. 22) at Snyder Arena in Lincoln.

The Prairie Wolves held close to the 16th-ranked Storm early and only trailed 34-28 at halftime, but managed only ten points in the first 11 minutes of the second half as Simpson opened up as much as a 22-point lead.

NWU managed to get the game back within single digits but it was too late as the Storm opened the year 2-0.

Three players reached double figures for the Prairie Wolves with two of them being freshman coming off the bench. Shea Rasmussen connected on five 3-pointers and finished the game with 20 points. Maggie Packard was 6-8 from the floor and added 12 points in 16 minutes. Sadie Struebing was the other player in double figures with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Carrie Larson led Simpson with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Maria Oliver added 12 points and eight rebounds. Whitney Franker had eight points, four rebounds, three steals, three assists and two blocks and was named the Classic MVP.

Carthage College defeated Luther College, 59-43, in the first game of the classic.

NWU will now open up Great Plains Athletic Conference play on Tuesday (Nov. 25) when they travel to Crete, Neb., to play in-state rival Doane College.

NWU Women's Basketball Tip-Off Classic All-Tournament Team
Whitney Franker, Simpson (MVP)
Carrie Larson, Simpson
Katie Jarger, Carthage
Carlie Janowiak, Carthage
Shea Rasmussen, NWU
Camille Stenhaug, Luther