Graceland Men’s Basketball Stays Unbeaten with Strong Second-Half Performance

OSKALOOSA, IA — The Graceland University Yellowjackets remained undefeated this season with a hard-fought 79-70 victory over William Penn University in Heart of America Athletic Conference play Saturday afternoon. Graceland improved to 10-0 overall and 6-0 in conference play, while William Penn fell to 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the Heart.

A balanced offensive attack and improved second-half defense secured the win for the Yellowjackets after a back-and-forth first half. Graceland capitalized on its depth and rebounding advantage to overcome early turnovers and inconsistent shooting.

Graceland started the game with a quick 4-0 lead, highlighted by Cole Bowen's aggressive play on both ends. However, William Penn responded with a strong shooting performance, hitting 63.6% from beyond the arc in the first half. Despite this, Graceland stayed competitive with a strong inside presence, scoring 20 points in the paint. Bowen's nine first-half rebounds anchored the Yellowjackets' defense, keeping the score close as they trailed 45-39 at halftime.

"After a great start, we had to regroup at halftime," said Head Coach Todd Lorenson. "Our defense was much better in the second half, which was the key to our victory."

Graceland turned up the defensive pressure after halftime, holding William Penn to just 25% shooting from the field and 10% from three-point range in the second half. The Yellowjackets also improved their offensive efficiency, shooting 42.9% in the second period and capitalizing on their free-throw opportunities to secure the win.

Bowen continued to shine, finishing with a game-high 23 points and 13 rebounds. He attacked the rim relentlessly, earning 19 free-throw attempts and converting 11 of them. "He [Bowen] was aggressive from the opening tip. His versatility on offense makes him a tough matchup most nights," Lorenson said. "In addition, his defensive rebounding was just as important."

Aaron James Jr. and Kevin Cook also stepped up, combining for 16 points off the bench. "It was great to see Aaron and Kevin build on their performances from Wednesday. We need both of them to keep producing for us, and we are confident they will," Lorenson added.

Key Performers

• Graceland Yellowjackets

  • Cole Bowen: 23 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists
  • Carson Busch: 11 points, 4 assists
  • Kevin Cook: 9 points, 4 rebounds
  • Aaron James Jr.: 9 points, 2 rebounds

• William Penn Statesmen

  • Isaac Hoberecht: 18 points, 4 rebounds
  • Jamir Reed: 11 points, 8 rebounds
  • Manny Hammonds: 14 points, 2 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Field Goals: Graceland 46.4%, William Penn 39.0%
• Three-Point Shooting: Graceland 27.8%, William Penn 38.1%
• Free Throws: Graceland 61.1%, William Penn 47.1%
• Rebounds: Graceland 46, William Penn 33
• Bench Points: Graceland 25, William Penn 23

The Yellowjackets' dominance on the boards proved pivotal, with 46 total rebounds, including seven on the offensive end. Graceland also outscored William Penn 42-24 in the paint and held the Statesmen scoreless on fast breaks.

The Yellowjackets will aim to keep their perfect record intact when they travel to Des Moines, Iowa, to face Grand View University on Wednesday, December 11. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

"It's a long season, and it's important to win in different ways," Lorenson said. "We are showing the ability to do that this season."

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