Pioneers Fall at Graceland

The Basics
Score: MNU 66, Graceland 69
Record: MNU (7-10, 6-7), Graceland (14-3, 10-3)
Location: Morden Center - Lamoni, Iowa

LAMONI, Iowa - MNU fell to Graceland in a hard-fought 69-66 contest on Monday. The Pioneers built a six-point lead by halftime, but Graceland surged in the second half, outscoring MNU 43-34. The Yellowjackets capitalized on their dominance in the paint, scoring 42 points inside and grabbing a decisive rebounding edge of 40-35. Despite late-game buckets by Malachi Bryant and Gary Clay, Graceland held on with clutch free throws to seal the victory.

Turning Point
Graceland's 11-2 run midway through the second half turned a three-point deficit into a six-point lead, giving them momentum they carried to the final buzzer.

Inside the Box Score

• Graceland shot 53.1% in the second half, compared to MNU's 41.7%.
• The Yellowjackets dominated the paint with 42 points compared to MNU's 22.
• MNU converted 72.7% of their free throws but committed 12 turnovers.

Individual Leaders

• Gary Clay: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
• Joe Buchanan: 12 points, 10 rebounds
• Malachi Bryant: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists

Up Next
The next game is Wednesday at home vs. Central Methodist (10-7, 7-6) at 7:30.