Balance Carries No. 10 Lancers To Win
WINONA LAKE – Four Lancers scored in double figures in Grace’s 75-65 men’s basketball victory over Trinity Christian on Saturday in the Habitat for Humanity Classic.
The NAIA’s 10th-ranked Lancers (7-2) made 46 percent of their field goals while holding Trinity Christian to 34 percent shooting in a strong showing.
Grace jumped ahead 8-2 out of the gate. They allowed Trinity Christian to score 11 of the next 13 points, however, as the Trolls (3-9) took a 13-10 lead.
Greg Miller converted an and-1 opportunity on Grace’s next possession to tie the game, and Trinity Christian never tasted the lead again.
The Lancers held the Trolls scoreless for a 5-minute period midway into the first half, stretching their lead to double figures.
Grace entered halftime ahead 42-30 thanks in large part to committing just two first-half turnovers.
The lead for Grace gradually worked its way up to 19 points with five minutes remaining before the Lancers coasted for the final few minutes of regulation.
Bruce Grimm Jr. highlighted Grace’s offense with 22 points and eight assists, including a perfect 8-of-8 from the free throw line.
Miller earned his fourth double-double of the season with 16 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals.
Elliot Smith, who eclipsed 1,000 career points on Friday night, sank all three of his 3-point attempts for 14 points, and Tannan Peters posted season-bests of 14 points and eight boards.
Overall, Grace outrebounded Trinity Christian by seven.
The Lancers will travel to Detroit, Mich., next weekend to play a pair of games. Grace will take on the host Madonna on Friday at 7:30 p.m. before facing Rochester on Saturday at 1 p.m.