(Peru, Neb.) – The Graceland University men's basketball team jumped out to an early 5-0 lead on Thursday night over Peru State and never trailed in the game. The Yellowjackets went on to win 81-71 over the visiting Bobcats in Lamoni, Iowa.
With the win, Graceland moves ahead of Peru State in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) standings with a 5-8 conference mark. Overall, the Yellowjackets are 13-11.
Peru State's loss drops the 'Cats to 9-14 overall and 4-9 in the HAAC. The Bobcats are alone in eighth in the HAAC standings. Eight teams will participate in post-season play beginning the first week of March.
Game Action
After Graceland jumped to the 5-0 advantage,
Taylor Christensen (Phoenix) hit a two-pointer on an assist from
Jesse Jones (Edmond, Okla.), making it 5-2 Yellowjackets with 17:31 left in the first 20 minutes.
A 7-2 Yellowjacket run made it 12-4 Graceland in just over two minutes of time. Later, Christensen pulled Peru State back within one at 14-13 as he converted on two free throw attempts. With 12:00 minutes left in the first half, which would be as close as Peru State would be the remainder of the game.
Graceland would go on a 22 to 10 run, taking their lead to 13, at 36-23 with 3:54 left in the half. A field goal by
Kody Kirkpatrick (Loami, Ill.) off an assist from
Nate Bohy (Mesa, Ariz.) got the 'Cats back within single digits before the half ended at 41-33.
The Yellowjackets started the second half on a 13 to 6 run, giving Graceland its largest lead of the game at 16, leading 54-38 with 15:29 left in the contest.
Peru State would cut into that lead and with 13:46 remaining, a field goal by
Justin Jones (Edmond, Okla.), on an assist from James Pierce
(Omaha), made it a seven-point contest with Graceland still leading 54-47.
Graceland would go back to lead by ten again at 59-49, before the 'Cats would close it to a three-point contest as Kirkpatrick nailed a trey on an assist from Pierce, making it 61-58. The Yellowjackets countered with a bucket to go back up by five before Christensen once again put the 'Cats back within three by hitting a two-pointer on an assist from
Jesse Jones.
That would be as close as the Bobcats would be the rest of the contest as Graceland led the rest of the way and finally won 81-71.
Team Statistics
Both teams shot the ball well from the floor as Peru State made 30 of 56 field goals for 53.6%. From long range, the 'Cats hit 3 of 11 for 27.3%. At the free throw line, Peru State was 8 of 13 for 61.5%.
Graceland canned 27 of 57 field goals for 47.4%, which included making 8 of 22 three-point tries for 36.4%. From the charity stripe, the Yellowjackets converted on 19 of 25 tries for 76%.
The Bobcats did out-rebound the 'Jackets 35 to 28. However, the 'Cats did commit more turnovers, 15 compared to Graceland's eight. Peru State blocked six shots while the Yellowjackets swatted two Bobcat attempts.
Individual Statistics
Three Bobcats finished in double figures with Bohy having a team-high 21 points. Christensen added 17 points on 7 of 10 shooting while
Jesse Jones added 11 points.
Christensen had a game-high 14 rebounds to finish the game with a double-double.
Justin Jones added six boards.
James Pierce led the team with four assists while
Brett Pierce (St. Joseph, Mo.) and Kirkpatrick each dished out three assists.
Justin Jones was credited with two steals and Christensen blocked a game-high four shots. The Jones twins each had one blocked shot.
GRACELAND BOX SCORE
Upcoming Games
Missouri Valley College will be Peru State's foe on Saturday in the confines of the Al Wheeler Activity Center (AWAC). The Vikings are two games ahead of the Bobcats in the HAAC standings with a 6-7 conference mark. Overall, Mo Valley is 13-11 on the year. Game time will be approximately 4:15 in the AWAC.
Saturday's contest will feature a lot of activities as the Foundation's National Alumni Association is hosting its annual chili feed. During halftime of both the women's and men's games, the Fantastic Flyers of Gary's Tumbling in Glenwood, Iowa, will perform. Following the conclusion of the women's game, student-athletes from the fall sports will be recognized for their athletic and academic honors. The chili feed will begin at the conclusion of the women's game.
Next Thursday, Peru State will host MidAmerica Nazarene University at approximately 7:30 p.m. The Pioneers are presently 16-9 overall and 8-5 in the HAAC.
