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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Lorensen Notches 200th Win As Jackets Continue Their Winning Ways
Lorensen Notches 200th Win As Jackets Continue Their Winning Ways

Lorensen Notches 200th Win As Jackets Continue Their Winning Ways

LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland University men's basketball team closed out its five-game homestand with a 76-64 victory over Benedictine College (KS) in Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) play at Morden Center on Wednesday night. The win marks head coach Todd Lorensen's 200th career collegiate victory and his 39th at the helm of the Yellowjackets.

With the win, Graceland improves to 17-3 overall and 13-3 in Heart play, while Benedictine drops to 6-13 overall and 5-10 in the conference.

Graceland utilized a strong first-half shooting performance, connecting on 69.6% from the field, to build a 43-33 halftime lead. The Yellowjackets' defense remained stout throughout the contest, holding Benedictine to 39.0% shooting and limiting the Ravens to 30.0% from beyond the arc.

Maijhe Wiley led all scorers with 18 points, including three made three-pointers, while Cole Bowen contributed 17 points and nine rebounds. Carson Busch finished with 16 points, knocking down 9-of-10 free throws, and Micah Lamberth provided 11 points and six rebounds off the bench.

Benedictine was led by Brycen LaRue's 13 points, while Jack Vander Woude added 12 points, and Preston Reynolds finished with 11 points and three rebounds.

A key turning point in the first half occurred when Graceland responded to a 10-0 Benedictine run with an 18-5 scoring surge of its own, regaining control of the game. Defensively, Jy Smith and Maijhe Wiley applied relentless on-ball pressure, helping force 12 Benedictine turnovers, which Graceland converted into 17 points.

In the second half, the Yellowjackets' offensive balance continued, with four players finishing in double figures. Despite Benedictine making a late push, Graceland maintained control, securing the win behind 14 team assists on 24 made field goals and a 31-27 rebounding edge.

Following the game, head coach Todd Lorensen reflected on the team's performance and his career milestone:

"It was great to close out our five-game homestand with another win," Lorensen said. "Outside of a 10-0 Benedictine run in the first half, we really defended. Jy Smith and Maijhe Wiley set the tone with on-ball defense. Our offensive balance was great, with four guys in double figures. Fourteen assists on 24 made shots is a great sign for our offense."

On reaching 200 career wins, Lorensen credited the players and coaching staffs he has worked with:

"Reaching 200 wins is a direct reflection of the great players I've been fortunate to coach and the coaching staffs I've been a part of. I've been a part of some really special teams, and this group feels like they could be one of them. I'm excited to keep getting better each day with them."

Graceland Athletic Director Brady McKillip also spoke about Lorensen's impact on the program, emphasizing his leadership and commitment to excellence.

"Coach Lorensen has been a transformative leader for Graceland men's basketball," McKillip said. "His dedication to developing not just talented athletes but high-character individuals has elevated our program to new heights. Reaching 200 career wins is a testament to his hard work and the culture of success he's built here. We're proud of what he's accomplished, and we're excited for what's still ahead under his leadership."

Key Statistics

  • Field Goal Percentage: Graceland 52.2% (24-46), Benedictine 39.0% (23-59)
  • Three-Point Percentage: Graceland 33.3% (6-18), Benedictine 30.0% (6-20)
  • Free Throw Percentage: Graceland 71.0% (22-31), Benedictine 92.3% (12-13)
  • Rebounds: Graceland 31, Benedictine 27
  • Assists: Graceland 14, Benedictine 10
  • Turnovers: Both teams with 12
  • Points Off Turnovers: Graceland 17, Benedictine 9
  • Points in the Paint: Graceland 32, Benedictine 24
  • Second-Chance Points: Graceland 5, Benedictine 3
  • Bench Points: Graceland 17, Benedictine 18

Graceland will return to action on Saturday, February 1, against Central Methodist University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM in Fayette, Mo., at Puckett Fieldhouse.

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