GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence men's basketball program fell to Simpson University 89-80 Saturday afternoon.  

The Argos (0-4) scored the first points of the game behind a pair of free throws from junior Marcus Lawson, but free throws on the other end from the Red Hawks (2-1) tied it at two.

UP quickly got out to a 7-2 lead behind a three-pointer from junior Ryan Chavez and a dunk from Lawson, but the Red Hawks slowly cut into the lead forcing a tie at 13.

Both teams would trade baskets with ties at 19 and 25 until Simpson ended the half on a 14-6 run as UP went into the break trailing 39-31.

The Red Hawks quickly extended the lead to 13 to begin the second half but the Argos slowly chipped away with threes from Chavez and junior Preston Condie to cut the advantage to six.

The Argos continued their momentum with a 14-6 run over the next four minutes behind layups from sophomore Anthony Hobbs and junior Jermaine Rogers II to make it 61-60.

Simpson answered with seven straight, and despite a late layup from senior Jakub Lloyd, the Argos fell to the Red Hawks 89-80.

The Argos will be back in action Saturday, Nov. 8 when they head to Mesa, Ariz. Tip-off versus Benedictine University Mesa is scheduled for 5:30 pm (MST).