The Basics
Score: MNU 85 - Graceland 91
Record: MNU (10-7, 5-7), GU (11-5, 6-4)
Location: Closson Center - Lamoni, Iowa
LAMONI, Iowa - MNU needed a miracle to force overtime at Graceland, but came up 6 points short in the extra period on Wednesday. The Pioneers built a 23-point lead in the first half thanks to 64% shooting compared to Graceland's 23%, but the Yellowjackets ended the half on a 6-0 run to get back within shouting distance. With under 10 minutes to play in the 2nd half, MNU still led by 13, but Graceland used a furious 20-4 run to take a 3-point lead at the 5 minute mark. With MNU's top 2 scorers -
Jonathan Green and
Dakota Quinn - fouled out, and the Pioneers trailing by 6 with Graceland at the line at 30 seconds left, the game appeared over. But Graceland missed both free throws and
Trey Brown made a pair to get within 4. After Graceland split 2 on their next possession to lead by 5,
Isaac McCullough was fouled on a 3-pointer with 8 seconds left. He made the first, missed the second, and intentionally missed the 3rd and the Pioneers got the rebound. With 2 seconds left and MNU trailing by 4, Kellen Turner was fouled while he buried a corner 3. He calmly nailed the free throw to send the game into overtime.
In the overtime period, Graceland got hot from beyond the arc to take control, and free throws down the stretch sealed it.
Turning Point
Graceland's 20-4 run in the second half turned the game around.
Individual Leaders
Kellen Turner recorded a career-high 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Isaac McCullough hit five 3s for 20 points and 2 steals off the bench.
Dakota Quinn had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks. And
Jonathan Green had 12 points.
Inside the Box Score
Graceland made 4 fewer field goals but 16 more free throws.
Up Next
The next game is Saturday at home vs. Culver-Stockton (9-10, 5-8) at 4:00.
