\Men’s Hoops Improves to 6-0 with Commanding Second Half Performance

LAMONI, IA – The Graceland University men's basketball team continued its undefeated start to the season with a decisive 87-69 victory over Missouri Valley College at the Morden Center. Powered by a dominant second-half surge, the Yellowjackets (6-0, 2-0) extended their win streak behind balanced scoring and stifling defense.

Despite trailing 34-33 at halftime, Graceland outscored Missouri Valley 54-35 in the second half, shooting an impressive 56.7% from the field during the final 20 minutes. Darrius Davis and Siddiq Canty led the way with key contributions on both ends of the court.

Graceland faced difficulty establishing offensive rhythm in the opening half, hitting just 41.4% of their field goals and 35.3% from beyond the arc. Missouri Valley (1-4, 0-2) capitalized on early turnovers and inconsistent shot selection to maintain a narrow lead for much of the half. Carter Brown's three timely three-pointers and Canty's dynamic play in transition kept the Yellowjackets within striking distance.

"We didn't match Missouri Valley's physicality and struggled to find our tempo offensively in the first half," Head Coach Todd Lorenson said. "In the second half, we did a much better job with both of those items."

The Yellowjackets found their stride immediately after halftime, opening the half with a 10-2 run that set the tone for the remainder of the game. Davis was instrumental, scoring 17 of his game-high 20 points in the second half while adding 12 rebounds for a double-double. His relentless effort in the paint gave Graceland a significant edge on the boards, where they finished with a 38-32 advantage.

"We're off to a great start this season, and I think it comes from how we approach every day," Davis said. "We have a very unselfish team, and we all play for each other, which is why we're having this early-season success."

Cole Bowen and Siddiq Canty contributed pivotal plays, combining for 24 points and controlling the tempo with crisp ball movement. Graceland's defense also tightened, holding Missouri Valley to just 40.9% shooting in the second half, while forcing nine turnovers that led to 15 points.

"We need to continue to work to get Carter [Brown] open looks," Lorenson added. "But he created multiple other shots due to the focus they had on him."

Brown finished with 12 points, hitting four three-pointers and stretching the defense to open driving lanes for his teammates.

Missouri Valley's offense, led by Jace Lance (15 points) and Dylan Driver (13 points), faltered under Graceland's defensive pressure. The Yellowjackets recorded 12 steals and limited Missouri Valley to only 20 points in the paint, while scoring 44 of their own in that area.

"Darrius [Davis]'s activity on both ends of the court has been vital to us," Lorenson said. "It's great when a player embraces what's being asked of them and then is rewarded for it."

Bench contributions also played a significant role, with Carson Busch adding nine points and three assists in 28 minutes of action. Graceland's reserves totaled 15 points, providing the depth and energy needed to sustain their second-half dominance.

Carter Brown emphasized the team's focus and collective goals following the victory.

"The goals that this team has for this season include winning basketball games," Brown said. "The idea or focus is never on going undefeated, but up to this point, we've done that six times. Our confidence and energy is extremely high right now, while at the same time knowing there's a lot of areas we need to continue to improve on. We have a great group of guys and a deep bench that continues to help us win basketball games. Regardless of what's to come, people are going to know about Graceland basketball."

Key Statistics

• Darrius Davis: 20 points, 12 rebounds, 8-of-12 shooting.
• Siddiq Canty: 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals.
• Carter Brown: 12 points, 4-of-8 from three-point range.
• Graceland shot 49.2% from the field and 75.9% from the free-throw line, while forcing 17 turnovers and committing only 11.

The Yellowjackets will aim to keep their perfect record intact when they travel to Canton, Missouri, to face Culver-Stockton College on Wednesday, November 20. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM inside Charles Fieldhouse.

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