Simmons wins Aces exhibition debut

The Marty Simmons era got off to a good start on Saturday night with an exhibition win over Oakland City. The Aces broke open a close game in the second half, en route to an 82-43 victory over the Mighty Oaks. UE led 39-25 at intermission, but outscored Oakland City 43-18 after the break. The Aces shot an outstanding 59 percent from the field, including a 65 percent shooting performance in the second half. UEs lone senior Victor Gomez led everybody with a game-high 14 points and ten rebounds. Pieter van Tongeren finished with 12 points. Co-captains Jason Holsinger and Shy Ely scored 11 points each. Eric Sanders scored a team-high 12 points for Oakland City. The Aces tip-off the regular season next Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM against Samford at Roberts Stadium. Oakland City travels to another Missouri Valley Conference team, Indiana State, for an exhibition game on Thursday night. ----- The UE women started the Roberts Stadium double header with an 86-47 victory over the Oakland City Lady Oaks. The Aces led 46-29 at the half and outscored the Oaks 40-18 in the second half. Senior Courtney Felke scored a game-high 20 points. Fellow senior guard Rebekah Parker finished with 14 points. Ashley Austin added 12 and Shannon Novosel had a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds. Samantha Stahl was the only Lady Oak in double figures with 12 points. The Aces begin the regular season next Friday night at Roberts Stadium. UE welcomes Marshall to town for the Womens National Invitational Tournament. Tip off is set for 6 PM.