Yellowjackets Hold Strong Late to Outpace Avila in Hard-Fought Victory

Lamoni, Iowa - The GU men's basketball team won again Monday night to remain unblemished on the young season in a showdown against Avila University, clinching an 85-74 win in the Morden Center. The Yellowjackets were balanced and unselfish on offense, improving their season record to 2-0. This early season performance hints at promising potential for Head Coach Todd Lorenson's squad.

Graceland's offensive cohesion was a highlight, with the team recording 19 assists on 27 field goals—a testament to the Yellowjackets' commitment to facilitating scoring opportunities across the lineup. Sophomore forward Cole Bowen, who led the team in rebounds with 13 and scored 16 points, was essential in both offensive and defensive transitions. "Nineteen assists on 27 made field goals is a great sign for our willingness to make the right basketball play," Coach Lorenson noted. "We had some significant moments in the first half but got away from what led to our success. Although it would have been nice to have a larger winning margin, it was good to execute down the stretch on both ends."

The Yellowjackets got off to a fast start in the first half, outscoring Avila 41-32. Graceland's effective three-point shooting proved pivotal, as the Jackets shot 45.8% from beyond the arc. Freshman Maijhe Wiley was particularly impactful from distance, making three of his four attempts, contributing 11 points off the bench, and strengthening Graceland's 46 bench points, which effectively matched Avila's entire scoring output.

Graceland's defensive presence, while productive, left room for refinement. The Yellowjackets recorded 11 turnovers, which kept Avila within striking range through much of the contest. While Bowen, along with guards JY Smith and Carter Brown, applied strong on-ball pressure, Coach Lorenson acknowledged the need for improvement in this area. "We have some things to clean up with on-ball defense," Lorenson said, "but also a lot of positives to build off."

As the game progressed, Avila's persistence led to a second-half scoring surge. Forward Xavier Kahube carried the Eagles offensively, posting a game-high 25 points, including 11 of 13 from the free-throw line. Graceland countered with patience, effective ball movement, and shot selection, increasing its field goal percentage to 51.9% and maintaining control most of the second half. Siddiq Canty and Bowen made crucial plays, with Canty scoring 15 points, including six critical free throws, to hold off Avila's comeback efforts.

Throughout the game, Graceland's depth was valuable, as bench players stepped up under pressure all night. Carson Busch's well-timed three-pointer and solid ball-handling helped sustain the Yellowjackets' momentum in the second half. Graceland's ability to rely on multiple scorers, including Brown's 12 points and Canty's 15 points, underscored the team's consistent and steady play throughout.

Next up, Graceland University will face William Woods University on Tuesday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m., again at the Morden Center. Fans are encouraged to come support the Yellowjackets in their second home game of the season.

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