Furious comeback falls short versus Simpson

VALLEJO, Calif. – Half of Simpson's 26 baskets were hit from three in Thursday's Cal Pac Conference contest inside PEAC Main Gym, which led to a 12-point halftime lead.

Fueled by consecutive dunks from Everett Perrot, which fired up Keelhauler fans in attendance, combined with a three from Lunden Taylor midway through the second half, Cal Maritime methodically chipped away at its deficit and turned the evening into a one-possession game with 57 seconds remaining, following a three from  Miles Pennington.

After trading baskets throughout the ensuing possession, a Simpson free throw made with seven seconds left to play turned the Red Hawks' lead into the game's final score as the Keelhaulers started their weekend with a 69-65 loss.

Cal Maritime will now face a quick opportunity to bounce back since its next game is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at UC Merced. Men's basketball will enter that series finale with a 6-11 overall and 6-5 Cal Pac record.

Simpson improved to 8-10 and 5-6 with this result. 

Pennington led all players with 23 points on an efficient 10-for-15 shooting performance overall. He also finished with seven rebounds and six assists, both team highs.

Taylor and Perrot added another 13 and 11 points, respectively, for a CSUM squad that will play five straight games on its home floor once it returns from Merced.