Graceland Falls to MNU in Regular-season Finale, Prepares for Heart Tournament

OLATHE, Kan. – The No. 2-seeded Graceland University men's basketball team closed out the regular season with a 76-74 loss to MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) on Thursday evening at Bell Family Arena. The Yellowjackets finish the regular season at 22-6 overall and 18-6 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) play, while MNU improves to 17-11 overall and 16-8 in conference action.

Despite the loss, Graceland remains locked in as the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Heart tournament and will host Central Methodist University in the quarterfinal round.

Game recap

MNU built a 40-34 lead at halftime, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and interior scoring. The Pioneers held a 27-10 edge in second-chance points and outscored Graceland 46-41 in the paint.

Graceland responded in the second half, shooting 50.0% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc, but MNU held on in the closing seconds to secure the win.

The Yellowjackets shot 45.5% (25-of-55) from the floor, 32.0% (8-of-25) from 3-point range, and 76.2% (16-of-21) from the free-throw line. MNU finished 42.6% (26-of-61) from the field, including 31.6% (6-of-19) from deep and 64.3% (18-of-28) from the stripe.

Statistical leaders

• Micah Lamberth led Graceland with 21 points and 12 rebounds, recording a double-double while shooting 8-of-12 from the field.
• Carter Brown added 13 points, knocking down three 3-pointers.
• Darrius Davis and Maijhe Wiley each contributed 12 points, with Wiley also connecting on two 3-pointers.
• Cole Bowen distributed a team-high nine assists, while also grabbing 13 rebounds.
• MNU's Gerard Bosch led all scorers with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Shane Stevensen and Caden Kaberline each added 10 points for the Pioneers.

Looking ahead

Graceland will now shift its focus to the Heart tournament. As the No. 2 seed, the Yellowjackets will host Central Methodist University in the quarterfinal round on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Head coach Todd Lorenson spoke about the opportunity ahead:

"Tournament time is a special time of year for anyone who loves basketball. We are excited for the opportunity to host a game on our campus in front of our student body and community. We have been very consistent at home, so we hope that remains the same. We need two good days of preparation heading into this pivotal matchup."

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