The Simpson men’s basketball team took advantage of their four games of experience in a matchup against rival Central Wednesday evening, taking down the Dutch 80-61 in a game heard live on KNIAKRLS.com.

The Dutch went up 4-0 in the opening minutes of the game, but the rest of the contest was all Storm, going on a 7-0 run to take a lead they would not relinquish. The Storm held the Dutch scoreless for long stretches in the first half, with 13 players seeing the court and doubling up Central in their season debut 38-18 at the break. The dominance continued throughout the rest of the contest, growing the lead as high as 30 at some points, despite Central ultimately outscoring Simpson in the second half.

Assistant Head Coach Chris McMahon tells KNIA Sports he can see his team grow by leaps and bounds each time out.

“These guys are starting to figure out their roles on the court, and they are buying in to performing for the name on the front of the jersey rather than the back. We haven’t had any problems or ego or anything like that, but they are just finding out what it takes to be able to succeed at this level.”

Deontei Johnson and Collin Lister each had 13 points to lead the Storm, while Keaton Rodgers had a big day for the Dutch with 14 points. Simpson improves to 1-4 on the season and 1-2 in American Rivers Conference play, while the Dutch are 0-1. Simpson next plays Dubuque on the road, while Central will take on Coe on their home court.