Men’s Basketball Fell to MidAmerica

Olathe, Kan. - The Graceland University Men's Basketball team took on the MidAmerica Nazarene University Pioneers. The Yellowjackets were defeated by the Pioneers, 70-57. Graceland move to 18-8 and are 15-7 in the conference.

Graceland (18-8, 15-7) | MidAmerica (22-4, 20-2)
Half 1: Graceland 30 | MidAmerica 28
Akeen Woods would start the Yellowjackets, followed by Patrick Fisher from the deep (5-2). The Pioneers would answer with a seven-point run (9-5); Auston Braun would break the run from the line. Aleksa Markovic would follow from the field to take the one-point lead (10-9). Fisher would sink a basket from beyond the arches, followed by Darrius Davis from the field to add to the Yellowjacket advantage (19-13). MidAmerica would even the score from a six-point jump (19-19). Woods would sink back-to-back baskets from the field (25-21). Graceland would lead heading into the second half with a halftime score of 30-28.

Half 2: Graceland 27 | MidAmerica 42
Both teams would come out competitively and trade baskets. The Pioneers would take the first run and add five points to take the lead (41-38). Carson Busch would break the run from the field and close the gap to one point (41-40). MidAmerica retaliated for six points (47-40). Austin Braun halted their run from the field. Patrick Fisher would push for a four-point run, and Darrius Davis would follow with a layup (49-46). MidAmerica would hold their lead over Graceland and take the victory.

By the numbers:
23-29– The Yellowjackets had 23 field goals and the Pioneers sank 29 field goals
2-3 – Graceland had two threes and MidAmerica hit three three pointers
9-0 – The Yellowjackets nine bench points and the Pioneers had zero
27-43 – Graceland rebounds compared MidAmerica
9-9 – The Yellowjacket and Pioneers had nine made charity stripes

Graceland Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Akeen Woods – 19
Rebounding Leader: Akeen Woods – 6
Assist Leader: Austin Braun / Patrick Fisher – 3
Steal Leader: Austin Braun / Patrick Fisher – 3

MidAmerica Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Ed Wright – 27
Rebounding Leader: Caleb Jones-McCrary – 14
Assist Leader: Anthony Brown – 5
Steal Leader: Brantyn Van Dyk / Anthony Brown – 2

Up Next:
The Yellowjackets will be back on Wednesday, February 21 when they take on Culver-Stockton College Wildcats. Tip-off is set for 7:30 pm.

-Yellowjackets-