Two victories propel Grace men’s basketball team to the round of 16

Grace basketball player Ian Scott attempts a layup during the game against Washington Adventist University on Mar. 15. Grace won this game and the next to advance to the round of 16.
(Photo Courtesy of Grace College).

By Lukas Nier

Over the weekend, Grace College hosted the first two rounds of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Championship tournament for men’s basketball. In the first round, the Lancers faced off against Washington Adventist University. During the first half, Washington Adventist had an unexpected shooting performance and led the Lancers by halftime.

The second half was a much different story, as the Lancers went on multiple big scoring runs. Washington Adventist did not give up in the second half of the game. They put in a run of their own to take the lead with less than 15 minutes remaining in the game. The Lancers responded by putting up 20 uncontested points on their opponents. They held the lead and won the game by 20 points. The final score was 65 Washington, 85 Grace.

Elijah Malone led the scoring for the Lancers with 25 points, going 11 for 18. Jakob Gibbs and Ian Scott scored 16 and 15, respectively, with Cade Gibbs following with 10. Bryson Graber had seven assists and two steals. The Lancer’s only three-pointer came late in the second half from Cade Gibbs.

The next day, the Lancers beat Union College 106 to 61. They will travel to Kansas City, Missouri, to play in the round of 16.