The Simpson College women are in control of the Iowa Conference basketball race. The Storm are 17-1 overall and at 9-0 in the league race have a three game lead in the loss column heading into Saturday’s game at home against the University of Dubuque. Despite a number-eight national ranking coach Brian Niemuth says there are areas that need improvement, such as their consistency within the game. He says they score in streaks and then stop playing hard.

Despite the record and lofty ranking Niemuth says there is no chance this team will become complacent. Hes says the group is focused after tasting some success last year that wetted their appetite.

Defense has been the key all season. Opponents are shooting just 32 percent from the field and only 29 percent from three point range.

Simpson is averaging better than 83-points per game and Niemuth says defense is a big part of that, as the turnovers and rebounds lead to more layups and easy baskets.