Bowen Powers Graceland to Quarter-Final Win Over Central Methodist
LAMONI, Iowa – The No. 2-seeded Graceland University Yellowjackets advanced to the semifinals of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament with a hard-fought 78-75 victory over No. 7 seed Central Methodist on Tuesday night inside the Morden Center. The Yellowjackets (22-6, 18-6 Heart) overcame a four-point halftime deficit with strong second-half execution, closing out the Eagles (15-14, 12-12 Heart) in a possession-by-possession battle.
Back-and-Forth Second Half
Graceland trailed 43-39 at the break but opened the second half with a 3-pointer from Carter Brown to quickly pull within one. The teams exchanged blows throughout the final 20 minutes, featuring six ties and five lead changes before the Yellowjackets found separation in the final minute. Cole Bowen's free throws with 27 seconds left extended Graceland's lead to two, and after a Central Methodist miss on the ensuing possession, Maijhe Wiley sealed the win at the free-throw line with a clutch make in the closing seconds.
"Tournament basketball is never easy. Each possession is contested on both ends," said head coach Todd Lorensen. "They (CMU) definitely delivered some blows throughout the game, but thankfully we were able to get the last one. There are always things we want to improve, but this time of year, it's all about surviving and getting ready for the next game. Peru will be ready, and so will we."
Balanced Scoring Leads the Way
Senior Carter Brown (Ogallala, NE) played a crucial role in Graceland's offensive attack, finishing with 18 points and scorching the net on 6-9 shooting from beyond the arc. However, it was Cole Bowen (Colorado Springs, CO) who led all scorers, pacing the Yellowjackets with 22 points while also contributing in key moments down the stretch. Brown's sharpshooting provided a steady perimeter presence, while Bowen's scoring versatility helped Graceland stay in control late.
"It was a great team win," said Bowen. "We kept fighting and sticking to what we do, and we got the job done. We trust each other on the offensive and defensive end, and that makes the energy high for us as a team. In the postseason, we know each game is win or go home, so we stay locked in."
However, it was Cole Bowen who led all scorers, pacing the Yellowjackets with 22 points while also contributing in key moments down the stretch. Brown's sharpshooting provided a steady perimeter presence, while Bowen's scoring versatility helped Graceland stay in control late.
"It was a great team win," said Bowen. "We kept fighting and sticking to what we do, and we got the job done. We trust each other on the offensive and defensive end, and that makes the energy high for us as a team. In the postseason, we know each game is win or go home, so we stay locked in."
Graceland's depth proved to be a key factor, as Carson Busch (Lincoln, NE) added 12 points off the bench, hitting three 3-pointers. Senior JY Smith (Pontiac, Mich.) chipped in six points and provided valuable defensive minutes down the stretch.
"We have a whole new season," Smith said postgame. "Each day, we must take advantage and stay locked in. Going into March, it's all about staying consistent, enjoying the moment, and everything else will fall into place. We worked hard to get to this position."
Stat Breakdown
Graceland finished the night shooting 54.2% from the field (26-for-48) and 50% from 3-point range (11-for-22). Central Methodist shot 46.6% overall (27-for-58) and also connected on 50% from deep (9-for-18). The two teams were dead even on the glass, finishing with 28 rebounds apiece.
The difference came at the free-throw line, where Graceland outscored the Eagles 15-12 despite shooting just 53.6% (15-for-28). The Yellowjackets also dished out 16 assists on 26 made field goals, emphasizing their ball movement and spacing against the Eagles' defense.
Up Next
With the win, No. 2 seed Graceland advances to the Heart Conference Tournament Semifinals and will host No. 3 seed Peru State College on Saturday, March 1, inside the Morden Center in Lamoni. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
For more information on Graceland men's basketball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.