Men’s Basketball Kicks Off Season with Strong Road Win Over Wartburg

Waverly, IA - Graceland University's men's basketball team opened the 2024-2025 season with a decisive 78-67 road win over Wartburg College, demonstrating resilience and adaptability, especially in the second half. In a tight first half, Graceland trailed by one, 36-35, with both teams exhibiting defensive intensity and frequent lead changes. However, the Yellowjackets' second-half adjustments, focused on catch-and-shoot opportunities, paid off as they outscored Wartburg 43-31, securing an 11-point victory.

Head Coach Todd Lorenson praised the matchup as an essential early test for his team's new lineup. "This was a great test for our new team on the road," Lorenson stated. "Wartburg was a tough, well-coached team that forced us to adjust on both ends of the court throughout the game."

Graceland's offense came alive in the second half, with guard Siddiq Canty and forward Cole Bowen leading the charge. Canty was outstanding, scoring 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including four three-pointers, while Bowen added another 19 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and 5-for-6 from the line. Bowen also contributed six rebounds, bringing a balanced inside-out presence that Wartburg struggled to contain.

The Yellowjackets excelled from beyond the arc, finishing the game shooting 47.8% from three-point range (11-for-23). Lorenson noted, "Our second-half shooting was key, but we also did a nice job of creating high-quality catch-and-shoot opportunities," highlighting the team's effective ball movement and shot selection.

Bench contributions played a pivotal role in the Yellowjackets' victory, with Graceland's reserves combining for 35 points. This depth, coupled with an effective perimeter game, proved instrumental in keeping Wartburg at bay, even as the home team attempted several comebacks. Graceland also capitalized on its trips to the line, shooting 73.3% from the free-throw stripe, which solidified its lead late in the game.

Key statistics underscored Graceland's offensive and defensive prowess. The Yellowjackets finished with a 45.9% field goal percentage, including a stellar 51.9% in the second half, while limiting Wartburg to 42.9% shooting overall. Defensively, Graceland converted turnovers into 22 points compared to Wartburg's six, demonstrating their opportunism and the effectiveness of their pressure defense.

Reflecting on the performance, Lorenson added, "This time of year, it's all about getting better, which we did today." Graceland's success on the road sets a positive tone for the season, with the team now looking forward to building on this momentum.

Graceland will host former HAAC rival Avila University in their home opener on Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Morden Center.

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