REDDING, Calif. – The Northwest Christian University men's basketball team took all the momentum from a strong showing against the University of Oregon on Sunday and funneled it into a dominating 85-54 win over Simpson University on Tuesday night.

The Beacons showcased their defense, which allowed just 22 points in the first half and forced the Hawks into 30 turnovers and 34% shooting on the evening. A tight NCU offense accented the win, shooting 58.5% in the contest while committing just 12 turnovers.

The depth that NCU has was on display as well as the Beacon reserves outscored their Simpson counterparts, 45-15. The top-two scores for Northwest Christian both came off the bench, led by Dylan Perry who shot 6-of-9 from the field and 6-of-8 at the charity stripe for 18 points. Brent McKee had back-up post duties as well and scored 13 points off a perfect 5-for-5 shooting night that included a pair of three-pointers. Jordan Whittenburg led the starters with 12 points while Andrew Williams and Erik Quick-Warner each chipped in eight. David Vermilyea came off the bench to lead NCU in rebounding with six.

Simpson (0-1) was led in their season opener by Dwight Bond who scored 17 points off 5-for-8 shooting with three buckets from beyond the newly-extended three-point arc. Andrew Schrittner added seven points and six boards.

The Beacons (1-0) will remain in California as they are set to take on Golden State Baptist College on Friday and Cal State Maritime on Saturday.