Men’s Hoops Stumbles in Conference Play at Mo Valley

MARSHALL, Mo. — The Graceland University Yellowjackets men's basketball team dropped a Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup to Missouri Valley College, 81-68, Saturday evening at the Burns Athletic Complex. Graceland fell to 13-4 on the season and 9-4 in conference play, while Missouri Valley improved to 7-10 overall and 6-7 in league action.

The Yellowjackets were unable to overcome a slow start, shooting 39.3% in the first half compared to Missouri Valley's 47.2%. The Vikings capitalized on 20 Graceland turnovers, scoring 26 points off giveaways. Despite a better showing in the second half, Graceland could not close the gap as Missouri Valley maintained control behind efficient free-throw shooting at 82.4%.

Carter Brown led Graceland with 21 points, hitting seven of ten attempts from beyond the arc. Cole Bowen added a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Micah Lamberth chipped in five points off the bench. The Vikings were paced by Cawhan Smith, who filled the stat sheet with 12 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double.

Missouri Valley built its largest lead of 20 points in the second half, using a balanced offensive attack and dominating the glass with 42 total rebounds, including 15 on the offensive end. Graceland's struggles were underscored by a 52.9% free-throw percentage and only 22 points in the paint compared to Missouri Valley's 32.

Graceland head coach Todd Lorenson acknowledged the team's challenges and credited the opponent. "Missouri Valley played with more urgency and focus than we did in the first half. We had a much better second half, but our league is too good to play half a game. Credit to them. The positive is we can control this moving forward, and I'm confident our players will respond this week," Lorenson said.

The Yellowjackets will aim to bounce back in their next contest, hosting MidAmerica Nazarene University on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Lamoni, Iowa, at the Morden Center.

For more information on Graceland men's basketball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.