Men’s Basketball Conquered William Penn in Conference Opener

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Graceland University Men's Basketball team took the William Penn University Statemen in the conference opener. The Yellowjackets defeated the Statemen, 81-69. Graceland move to 4-1 and are 1-0 in the conference.

Graceland (4-1; 1-0) | William Penn (1-5; 0-2)
Half 1: Graceland 44 | William Penn 32
The Yellowjackets would take the first lead, starting from the deep by Carter Brown, Austin Braun (three-pointer), and Patrick Fisher (jumper) would follow with points. The Statements would pause the Yellowjackets run with a three-pointer (12-9). Amitai Afenjar would kickstart a run with a dunk, Brown would follow with a layup and a three-pointer. Graceland would increase their advantage to 11 points from Carson Busch's charity strip and an Akeen Woods layup (25-14). Graceland would hold their highest lead over William Penn of 18 points. Darrius Davis would close the first half with a layup, and Graceland would lead 44-32 heading into the half.

Half 2: Graceland 37 | William Penn 37
Patrick Fisher would open the second half with a jumper. The Statesmen would answer with back-to-back baskets. Graceland would follow with their own collection of five points; Austin Braun and Darrius Davis contributed. William Penn would work to close their deficit to 11 points (55-44). Midway through the half, Aleksa Markovic (four points) sank a layup to push a seven-point jump; Akeen Woods (three points). Graceland would hold onto their advantage and close the game with a Markovic free throw for an 81-69 victory.

By the numbers:
29-28 – The Yellowjackets sank one more field goal than the Statesmen
6-7 – Graceland three pointer compared to William Penn
23-11 – The Yellowjackets bench points and the Statemen bench point
32-33 – Graceland had 32 rebounds and Waldorf had 33

Graceland Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Darrius Davis – 18
Rebounding Leader: Austin Braun – 6
Assist Leader: Austin Braun – 7
Steal Leader: Carson Busch – 4

William Penn Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Mike Elliott – 18
Rebounding Leader: Ontario Chapman – 8
Assist Leader: Four Player – 2
Steal Leader: Three Players – 2

Up Next:
The Yellowjackets will be back on the court on Sunday, November 19 when they take on the Missouri Valley College Vikings. Tip-off is set for 4:00 pm.

-Yellowjackets-