Men's Basketball Triumphs Over Culver-Stockton with Second-Half Surge

LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland University men's basketball team secured an 82-71 victory over Culver-Stockton College on Wednesday evening at the Morden Center, improving their overall record to 16-3 and 12-3 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) play. Culver-Stockton fell to 3-15 overall and 3-11 in conference action.

The Yellowjackets overcame a three-point halftime deficit with a decisive second-half performance, outscoring the Wildcats 44-30. Graceland shot 53.8% from the field in the second half and converted 87.5% from the free-throw line, capitalizing on key opportunities down the stretch.

Senior forward Cole Bowen led Graceland with a game-high 21 points, shooting 9-of-13 from the floor while adding eight assists, five rebounds, and two blocks. Micah Lamberth turned in an impressive double-double performance with 19 points and a team-high nine rebounds, going 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Carter Brown contributed 15 points, including three three-pointers.

Head coach Todd Lorenson emphasized the team's resilience and execution in the second half. "As we anticipated, this was a very physical game on both ends. I was disappointed that we allowed 15 offensive rebounds, but only committing seven turnovers helped narrow the possession gap," Lorenson said. "We had a big run midway through the second half that was the main difference in the win. Across the league, the games were tight, which I expect to remain that way the rest of the season.

"Cole and Micah both had exceptional games with near triple-doubles," Lorenson continued. "Micah just keeps getting better each game. If teams put too much attention towards Cole, he's a great passer, which led to his eight assists."

Culver-Stockton was led by Martez Rhodes, who tallied 18 points off the bench on 8-of-12 shooting. Tai Walters-Whitaker added 17 points, while Ryan Stevenson chipped in 12 points despite a 5-of-15 shooting effort. The Wildcats held a 41-26 rebounding advantage, including a 15-4 edge in offensive rebounds.

The game saw seven ties and 13 lead changes, with Graceland taking control with a 14-2 run midway through the second half. The Yellowjackets' defense tightened in the closing minutes, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting the Wildcats to 37.1% shooting in the final period.

Graceland finished the night shooting 48.3% from the field, including 33.3% from beyond the arc, and an efficient 81.8% from the free-throw line. The Yellowjackets committed just seven turnovers while forcing 11, converting those into 10 points.

Up next, Graceland will have a quick turnaround as they prepare to host William Penn University this Saturday, January 25, at 2p.m. in the Morden Center.

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