GAME WINNER!

By Brandon Petersen

Lorenzo Marsh delivered the defining moment with nine seconds remaining, knocking down a go-ahead three-pointer to lift Westcliff to a 64-61 road victory over Simpson on Thursday night at the James M. Grant Center.

In a game that featured multiple momentum swings and a tense final stretch, the Warriors executed down the stretch to secure their first road win of the season, closing the game on a decisive late sequence after Simpson tied the score at 61-61 with 27 seconds remaining.

Following a Westcliff timeout with 18 seconds left, Marsh rose up from beyond the arc and connected on the game-winning triple, giving the Warriors a lead they would not relinquish.

Westcliff forced a turnover on Simpson's next possession, and a final missed three-point attempt in the closing seconds sealed the victory.

"We buckled down and fought until the end to get our first road victory," said head coach Jerred Cook. "The message has always been the same — we feel like we're the deeper team with more guys who can step up and contribute. Sometimes you, sometimes me, always us."

Westcliff (9-8, 4-3 Cal Pac) trailed 31-27 at halftime but responded with a strong second-half effort, outscoring Simpson 37-30 after the break.

DJ Henry led the Warriors with 18 points, providing steady offensive production while repeatedly getting to his preferred spots on the floor. Henry also delivered two critical free throws with 45 seconds remaining to give Westcliff a late lead.

"DJ was a steady force, getting to his spots all night," Cook said.

Marsh finished with 14 points and six rebounds, navigating heavy defensive attention throughout the contest before delivering the decisive shot.

"Zo managed the defense that was draped on him all game, contributed throughout, and ultimately took us home with the game-winning shot," Cook added.

Michael Noulowe added 10 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting performance, while Eric Clark provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, including two three-pointers. Westcliff finished with four players in double figures, highlighting the team's balanced attack.

The Warriors leaned on defensive pressure to control key moments, recording 11 steals and forcing 14 Simpson turnovers.

"We forced their top two guys into tough nights — 10-for-26 shooting combined with 11 turnovers," Cook said. "We finished with 11 steals and won the turnover battle."

Despite making just three three-pointers as a team, Westcliff found success through interior scoring and defensive execution.

"Winning a game while only making three three-pointers is encouraging — it shows we can win in multiple ways," Cook said.

The Warriors' defensive intensity and bench contributions played a major role in the outcome, with Christopher Sanders and Clark making key plays on both ends.

"Michael gave us great production inside, and Eric and Chris made plays off the bench on both ends of the floor," Cook said.

For Cook, the victory reflected a larger process coming together.

"I asked the guys to connect the dots — from film to practice, to scout, shootaround, workouts — make it make sense," he said. "There's a reason for everything."

Westcliff returns to action today in NorCal at 8 p.m. for a showdown with PUC.